Experts from Somalia and South Sudan gathered in Addis Ababa for a training on sampling design for their national Labour Force and Migration Surveys (LF&MS). The workshop aimed to strengthen the technical capacity of both countries’ National Statistical Offices (NSOs) by enhancing their understanding of sampling methodologies, mapping, and household listing techniques, which are essential to ensure representative and reliable labour-market data.

The training is part of a broader ILO initiative to improve labour and migration statistics in the East and Horn of Africa, where accurate data collection remains challenging due to high levels of informality, displacement, and cross-border mobility. Reliable labour-force data are crucial to support evidence-based policymaking, monitor employment trends, and inform migration governance in countries still rebuilding institutional capacity after years of conflict and instability.

For South Sudan, this marks preparation for its first-ever Labour Force and Migration Survey, a milestone in strengthening national statistical systems and deepening understanding of labour-market dynamics. Similar efforts in Somalia will contribute to more comprehensive labour-market information and better-targeted employment and migration policies.