Improving Labour Statistics for Informed Decision Making in Djibouti

Enhanced the capacity of key actors on labour statistics in Djibouti. The Djiboutian National Institute of Statistics and Demographic Studies (INSTAD) in partnership with the ILO BRMM programme organized a training from r 17 to 21 November 2024. The training brought together key stakeholders, including INSTAD officials, representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), and social partners. This diverse group of participants worked collaboratively to improve their understanding of international statistical standards and develop practical skills for conducting the upcoming Djibouti’s 2025 Labour Force Survey. The survey will provide reliable indicators to support the establishment of a robust Labour Market Information System (LMIS).

The training was designed to advance the country’s capacity in producing and utilizing labour statistics, with a particular focus on international labour migration. The training addressed the critical need for reliable labour market data to support effective policymaking in Djibouti, a country experiencing rapid changes in the world of work and grappling with migration-related challenges. The training equipped stakeholders with the tools and knowledge needed to conduct the upcoming labour force survey planned in January 2025.

The sessions provided participants with a deep understanding of the 19th, 20th, and 21st International Conferences on Labour Statistics (ICLS) resolutions, covering employment, labour underutilization, labour relations, informal economy statistics, and labour migration statistics. Facilitators highlighted how these standards ensure the production of timely and accurate data, particularly international labour migration statistics. Through hands-on exercises, participants developed the survey questionnaire aligned to the latest ICLS standards and sampling plan for Djibouti’s 2025 labour force survey.

One of the workshop’s highlights was the practical training on the operationalization of measurement tools to adapt survey questionnaires to Djibouti’s context. Participants explored techniques for identifying employment status, measuring labour underutilization, and capturing data on migrant workers. These exercises aimed to ensure that the survey provides a comprehensive and reliable dataset for monitoring labour market trends and informing policy decisions. INSTAD's sampling unit received hands-on training in sampling techniques for its five-year survey program. The training covered sample design that allows for disaggregation by migration status, and established automated processes for data processing, imputation, indicator derivation, and tabulation. To reinforce these skills, particularly in automated data processing for efficient dissemination, follow-up online training sessions will be conducted.

The workshop also addressed challenges in implementing labour market surveys, including limited resources, data gaps, and the need for capacity building. INSTAD and ILO experts worked closely with participants to refine Djibouti’s roadmap to undertake the 2025 labour force survey in Djibouti, ensuring that it incorporates key indicators for labour migration and aligns with international best practices.

In addition to technical training, discussions on the importance of aligning Djibouti’s labour migration strategy with national development goals and international commitments were facilitated. Participants emphasized the need for collaboration between government agencies, employers, and other stakeholders to address labour market challenges and enhance the protection of migrant workers.

By the end of the workshop, participants had developed a detailed sampling plan and gained a deeper understanding of international labour statistics. They also identified key next steps for implementing the labour force survey and establishing the LMIS. The training concluded with INSTAD committing to conduct the labour force survey in January 2025 and disseminate data in April 2025.