Statistics will drive Algeria’s future

In an exclusive interview with Arabstoday, Algeria's Statistics Minister spoke about his ambition to build a “Statistical City” to function as the country’s unified data hub, enabling those looking for information to locate figures quickly and credibly. “Having several sources of statistical information undermines that information’s trustworthiness,” Messaitfa said. “This means the information is bound to be unreliable when it comes from various sources.” The Statistic Minister highlighted the need to “unite visions and initiatives,” advocating what he called a “Statistical City.” Messaitfa added that completing this national system of economic and social statistical centre is one of his department’s priorities in modernising Algerian infrastructure. Modernisation, the Minister claimed, would be achieved through “unifying digital data across the country.” This would “improve the quality of information as well as the speed at which it would flow,” he added. Messaitfa told Arabstoday about his bold vision,"forecasting and anticipating the future in order to create the present." This is a programme Messaitfa has pushed since his first briefing in September 2012. “This campaign will be based on the use of state-of-the-art forecasting technology, statistics and social studies mechanisms to propose useful policies for Algeria, in the short and long term," he said. "Realising this theory on the ground is essential to sustainable growth in Algeria’s economy, the local development of social policies as well as nationwide programmes in areas such as health and education,” Messaitfa claimed. State-of-the-art technology could also open up Algeria to alternative sources of income to the petroleum industry, the Minister said, suggesting “sustainable resources, including renewable and alternative sources of fuel.” "Development and sustainable growth requires sustainable mechanisms for creating wealth,” he added. "Fossil fuels and mineral wealth remain an important and essential economic resource for our state budget,” Messaitfa said. "The fact that natural resources will one day dry out means they do not lay a stable foundation for reliable, sustainable wealth."