In the context of digitalizing public administrations in Morocco, the High Commission for Planning (HCP) is set to launch the digitalization of the census. The general population and housing census takes place in Morocco every ten years and the current cycle that will occur in 2024 marks the first occasion where the entire process will be digitized from the beginning to the end.
The census operation begins with cartography, a crucial step before actual enumeration. Indeed, cartography commenced in 2023 and is expected to conclude by the end of this year, paving the way for the subsequent phase:
district determination (regions and zones defined for each enumerator) in 2024. The mapping application, a 100% Moroccan creation by IT services professionals, has both a server and a mobile version. The server version is installed on servers, while the mobile counterpart is deployed on tablets carried by mapping personnel during the census fieldwork. Unlike previous censuses on paper, this time, agents will use tablets for mapping, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. The HCP’s IT services department has prioritized the security of information systems, adhering to national and international standards from the server to the tablet. In addition, the cartography application will have a web version aiming to aid the administration.
The maps used in the process are 100% Moroccan products, facilitating real-time tablet geolocation for the determination of statistical zones and mapping. Importantly, with digitization, data is now sent automatically to central servers, eliminating the need for local tablet backups. This centralized approach enhances data security, with encrypted transmissions adhering to established security standards. Unlike previous practices where cartography and census operations occurred two years before the census, digitization has shortened this timeframe to just one year or even a year and a half. Now, let’s shift our focus to the census application itself.
The census application is also a 100% Moroccan product developed by IT services at HCP in collaboration with statistical services. Currently, in the finalization stage, this application showcases Moroccan expertise and the strength of the country’s administration. Even the training for census agents, traditionally conducted in person, will be digitalized, and moved online, adopting a distance learning e-learning platform.
This digitization of the general population and housing census aligns with Morocco’s broader initiative to modernize public administrations, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to technological advancement.
By showcasing the successful integration of digital practices in census operations, Morocco sets a noteworthy example for other African nations. The adoption of such technological advancements not only enhances efficiency within the country but also contributes to the broader narrative of Africa’s technological evolution.
By UM6P
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