Statistics is rapidly evolving through methodological innovations, digital technologies, and improved approaches to data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Across Africa, these developments are transforming official statistics, research, and evidence-generation systems. Young statisticians are central to this transformation, yet their potential to influence institutional practices and public policies remains insufficiently harnessed. Investing in their technical competencies, leadership, and participation in decision-making is essential to building resilient and innovative statistical systems. Since 2022, the Young African Statisticians Association (YASA) has strengthened young statisticians’ capacities through training, mentoring, networking, and knowledge exchange. Its members, working across national statistical offices, academia, research institutions, development organizations, and the private sector, represent diverse fields, including statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, demography, and data science. Capacity Development and Digital Innovation YASA promotes continuous learning and inclusive access to statistical knowledge through its language portfolios. Examples include demographic methods training organized by its Arabic Portfolio in 2023 and French Portfolio trainings on CSPro in 2024 and KoboToolbox in 2025. Participants apply these skills in their institutions and share knowledge with colleagues, multiplying the impact of capacity-building initiatives. These experiences demonstrate that young statisticians are not merely future leaders but active contributors to innovation and evidence-informed decision-making. Partnerships, Mentoring, and Policy Influence YASA collaborates with national and international organizations to expand opportunities for professional development and engagement. Its Memorandum of Understanding with the International Statisticians and Epidemiologists Partnership (ISEP), coordinated by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), facilitates knowledge exchange between young professionals and experienced experts in statistics, epidemiology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, and public health. Collaborations with the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) and the ISI Academy further connect young African statisticians to international capacity-building initiatives and discussions on statistical development. At the national level, YASA has collaborated with Burundi’s Association des Professionnels de la Statistique du Burundi (APROSTAB) since July 2026. Through this partnership, its French Portfolio and Burundian chapter provide a platform for young statisticians to contribute ideas and advocate for innovation within national statistical systems, including through links to the National Committee for Statistical Information. Conclusion Moving from training to influence requires institutional mechanisms that enable young statisticians to participate meaningfully in decision-making. By combining technical capacity development, mentoring, strategic partnerships, and policy engagement, YASA illustrates how youth-led professional networks can help transform statistical skills into institutional impact. Embedding young statisticians in governance structures is therefore a strategic investment in more inclusive, innovative, and evidence-driven statistical systems across Africa and beyond.
