South Africa is recognised as playing a leading role in Africa in the Development of statistical data and has for a number of years chaired the African Symposium on Statistical Development, ASSD, since its inception in 2006 till today. The Statistical Commission for Africa, together with the Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century, also known as Paris 21, is a unique initiative that aims to promote the better use and production of statistics throughout the developing world. Since its establishment in 1999, Paris 21 has successfully developed a worldwide network of statisticians, policy makers, analysts and development practitioners committed to evidence-based decision-making.