The Government of Liberia, in partnership with the World Bank, embarked on a critical mission in April 2025: the launch of the 2025 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES). This nationwide survey, spanning all 15 counties of Liberia, represents a significant stride towards evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development. The HIES aims to collect comprehensive data on a range of socio-economic indicators, including household income and expenditure, food security, health, education, and employment. This information will provide invaluable insights into the living conditions of Liberians, empowering policymakers, development partners, civil society organizations, and researchers to make informed decisions and design effective interventions. The HIES embodies the government’s commitment to understanding the realities of Liberian households and using that knowledge to drive positive change.
The 2025 HIES is more than just a data collection exercise; it’s a reflection of Liberia’s dedication to improving the lives of its citizens. By capturing a detailed picture of how Liberians live, work, and navigate their daily challenges, the survey provides a crucial foundation for targeted policies aimed at reducing poverty, addressing inequality, and fostering inclusive economic growth. The data collected will serve as a vital baseline for measuring progress, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and gaining a deeper understanding of poverty, employment, and overall well-being across the country. This information will be instrumental in guiding the implementation of the government’s Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD), ensuring that its initiatives align with the needs and realities of the Liberian people.
The World Bank’s support for the HIES, through the Harmonizing and Improving Statistics in West Africa (HISWA) project, highlights the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening statistical capacity and promoting data comparability. HISWA reinforces the shared commitment among West African nations to improve data systems and enhance the monitoring and evaluation of national development strategies. This collaborative effort not only strengthens individual countries’ statistical capabilities but also fosters a regional approach to data collection and analysis, enabling cross-country comparisons and facilitating the sharing of best practices.
The 2025 HIES represents a substantial advancement in data collection methodology. Unlike previous paper-based surveys, this iteration utilizes Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), employing tablets for real-time data recording, validation, and transmission. This digital approach enhances data accuracy, reduces errors, and streamlines the data collection process. Trained field teams are deployed to randomly selected households across the country, conducting face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires. This meticulous approach ensures the accuracy and representativeness of the data collected, providing a reliable basis for policy formulation.
The HIES builds upon the foundation laid by Liberia’s first-ever Household Income and Expenditure Survey conducted in 2016. This landmark survey marked a significant step forward in strengthening evidence-based policymaking in the country. The 2025 HIES represents a continuation of this commitment, demonstrating Liberia’s dedication to using data to drive development and improve the lives of its citizens. By undertaking this comprehensive survey, Liberia reinforces its position as a leader in data-driven development in the region.
The success of the 2025 HIES hinges on the participation of Liberian households. LISGIS has emphasized the importance of collaboration and assured respondents that all information collected will be treated with strict confidentiality, used solely for statistical purposes. By participating in the survey, Liberians contribute directly to the creation of a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the country’s socio-economic landscape. This collective effort will ultimately lead to more effective policies and programs that address the real needs of the people and contribute to a more prosperous and equitable future for Liberia. The HIES isn’t just a survey; it’s a partnership between the government and its citizens, working together to build a better future.
