The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is Tanzania’s official government agency responsible for producing and disseminating statistical data to support national development, policy-making, and public awareness. Established under the Statistics Act No. 9 of 2015, the NBS operates as an autonomous public office under the Ministry of Finance and Planning, with its headquarters located in Dodoma.

Core Functions
The NBS plays a central role in Tanzania’s National Statistical System (NSS) and is mandated to:



Conduct national censuses, including the Population and Housing Census, and other key surveys.


Collect, compile, analyze, and disseminate official statistics on economic, social, demographic, and environmental indicators.


Coordinate statistical activities across government institutions to ensure consistency and avoid duplication.


Establish and enforce statistical standards and methodologies.


Maintain a comprehensive inventory of available official statistics.


Serve as the national contact point for international organizations seeking Tanzanian data.


Organizational Structure
The NBS is led by the Statistician General, currently Dr. Amina S. Msengwa, and is supported by a governing board. Its structure includes several directorates:



Directorate of Population Census and Social Statistics


Directorate of Economic Statistics


Directorate of Statistical Operations


Directorate of Finance, Administration & Marketing


Additionally, the NBS maintains regional statistical offices to support data collection and dissemination efforts across the country.

Key Activities and Publications
The NBS produces a wide range of statistical products, including:



Tanzania in Figures


Statistical Abstracts


Labour Force Surveys


Household Budget Surveys


National Accounts Reports


Trade and Transport Statistics


Tourism Statistics


Poverty Indicators


The bureau also leads major national surveys, such as the Population and Housing Census (most recently conducted in 2022) and the upcoming Census of Industrial Production 2023.

Legal and Strategic Framework
The NBS operates under the Statistics Act No. 9 of 2015, which outlines its functions, governance, and coordination role within the NSS. It also adheres to the NBS Strategic Plan 2021/22 – 2025/26, focusing on enhancing data quality, accessibility, and stakeholder engagement.

Contact Information
Head Office:National Bureau of Statistics64 Lusinde Road, TambukareliP.O. Box 2683, Dodoma, Tanzania
Phone: +255 26 2963822Email: sg@nbs.go.tzWebsite: www.nbs.go.tz