0.1.1 The responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating statistics is clearly specified.

The CBS is a bureau of the National Planning Commission (NPC) operating within the legal framework of Namibia’s Statistics Act no 66 of 1976 as amended by the Statistics Amendment Act no. 25 of 1986. Under the provisions of this Act (section 3) the Minister (now: the Director General of the National Planning Commission) defines statistical policy through the permanent secretary, and the Chief of the Central Statistical Services (currently: the Government Statistician) programs the operations of the Bureau within the framework of that policy. The Act also provides that the Minister may establish a Statistics Council to advise on the collection of statistics, including the taking of a population census and the elimination of duplication in collection of statistics by government institutions. The Statistics Act authorizes the collection of data relating to economic, financial, demographic and social matters and taking of a census of population of the Republic. The Government Statistician is responsible for the collection, tabulation, and analysis of these statistics and may if he deems it necessary, expedient or in the interest of the public publish the data collected or abstracts thereof (section 7 (2)). The CBS’s responsibility for national accounts is implicitly covered within its broader statutory mandate to collect, produce, and disseminate Namibia’s official statistics. In some instances, however conflicting situations have arisen as regards to responsibilities and coordination issues. The amendment of the Statistics Act is being prepared, which is expected to provide for the autonomy of the Government Statistician on statistical matters. There is some duplication by the BON in the collection of data on quarterly economic indicators relevant to the compilation of quarterly GDP but arrangements are in place to ensure exchange of data and consistency of method and results.

0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among data producing agencies are adequate.

Even though smooth data sharing and cooperation with the producers of source data for national accounts are maintained through telephone, personal and E-mail contacts and occasional meetings, no formal coordination mechanism with the data producers exists. Interagency contacts among staff of the CBS, BON and the MOF have been marked by infrequent meetings mainly in the context of the General Data Dissemination System (GDDS). The CBS’s shift to the compilation of the quarterly national accounts (QNA) may require the development of new or revised reporting formats and/or other effective data sharing mechanisms. Thus the current and planned programs on national accounts suggest that a more effective data sharing mechanism among data producers is needed.

0.1.3 Respondents’ data are to be kept confidential and used for statistical purpose only.

All persons employed in the execution of any duty under the Statistics Act (or any regulation there under) are obligated to preserve and aid in preserving secrecy in respect of all matters or particulars and information that may come to his/her knowledge in exercising his/her functions (Article 8). Breaches of secrecy, and the use of insider information for personal gain are offences punishable by the payment of a fine, imprisonment or both.

The introduction of any new survey or the extension of the existing survey are subject to the authorization of the Minister. Questionnaires for the CBS’s censuses and surveys clearly inform respondents that individual responses are confidential under the Statistics Act and are used for statistical purposes only. However, CBS finds it difficult to meet this commitment because data processing for some statistical inquiries is carried out at the NPC Secretariat.

The Statistics Act is clear on what is to be published and prohibits the dissemination of individual information. However, no formal aggregation rules exist to prevent indirect disclosure of individual data if there is only one enterprise in one industry or economic sector. While it may be possible to identify the operations of at least two large companies in the national accounts statistics, the CBS staff indicated that annual reports of these companies are published prior to the release of the national accounts.

Safeguards against unauthorized access to confidential databases and hard copy files exist. Collected data are kept in appropriate offices that are locked when not occupied. Only authorized staff are allowed access to the source data. Computer systems are similarly protected and the building where CBS is located is protected by security guards. All confidential forms are in safe custody with limited access and are shredded on-site before disposal. However, these safeguards cannot be assured in the case of data processing carried out by the NPC Secretariat.

0.1.4 Statistical reporting is ensured through legal mandate and/or measures to encourage response.

The Statistics Act (1976) gives the CBS the power to obtain particulars in respect of any statistical collection carried out in accordance with the Act. The CBS also has access to public or other records if approval of the Minister has been obtained. Statistical reporting is ensured through legal mandate, and refusal or neglect to provide information or making untrue statements are offences subject to the payment of a fine and/or imprisonment. The Chief of Central Statistics Services and his assigned officers and employees have the right to enter land or premises to inspect therein for the purpose of making statistical inquiries.

Enterprises that have any difficulty in completing the forms are requested to write to the CBS and information on contact persons for telephone queries are provided on the statistical questionnaires.

Current procedures for pursuing nonresponses include written reminders following the expiration of the deadline, telephone calls, and on-site visits by the CBS staff; proactive methods to educate respondents on the importance of providing timely information are not used for some surveys. Presently, hard copy questionnaires are sent to respondents; they are allowed the option of submitting their response in electronic format.

0.2.1 Staff, financial, and computing resource are commensurate with statistical programs.

The National Accounts Statistics Sub-division (NASS) of the Economic Statistics Division of the CBS has a staffing of six, comprising a sub-division head, four statisticians, and one assistant. The present number of staff employed in the NASS is inadequate if the development and maintenance work on the QNA is to be undertaken. Moreover the staff needs to be trained in the concepts, methodology, and practices to expand their knowledge that is currently largely based on on-the-job training. Only the Sub-division head has participated in the IMF Institute’s course in National Accounts Statistics. The retention of a core of skilled national accounts staff remains a challenge due to staff departures. The Subdivision needs to be provided with two more statisticians to undertake comprehensive work on the QNA related to the envisaged future subscription to the SDDS.

Hardware and computing resources are commensurate with current institutional functions but they need to be upgraded for speed and efficiency. A program for staff training in computer skills exists. The NASS staff are trained on the software System of National Accounts on a Personal Computer (SNAPC), which helps them in compiling Namibia’s national accounts on a systematic basis. A document (National Accounts Manual; Volume III) provides documentation of the comprehensive computerized system used in the compilation of Namibian’s national accounts on a personal computer. SNAPC is designed within the spreadsheet program Microsoft Excel, which facilitates linking workbooks to each other, with one worksheet dependent on data from other worksheets. CBS plans to obtain technical assistance from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) for the work on the QNA to support the staff’s initiatives.

0.2.2 Measures to ensure efficient use of resources are implemented.

The CBS undertakes an annual review of its resources in the context of budgetary planning for the following year, and in accordance with the national statistical priorities identified by the Government. Moreover, forward-looking planning on developmental projects is undertaken in this context. The CBS’s line managers are responsible for implementing measures to ensure efficient use of resources.

There is a bottom-to-top system of weekly staff reporting to management on work programs. However, there are no periodic reviews of work processes, or internal processes to measure resources used to compile statistical series. The CBS has begun to communicate with respondents by E-mail to improve efficiency but CBS has no available website.

0.3.1 Processes are in place to focus on quality.

The Annual Report of the NPC as well as Namibia’s Draft Statistical Policy Paper and the Statistical Development Plan provide a mission statement and the objectives of the official statistical system that reflect a commitment to quality; in practice, specific processes and/or work programs to support these objective need to be worked out and effected.

0.3.2 Processes are in place to monitor the quality of the collection, processing, and dissemination of statistics.

The CBS’s first Statistical Development Plan covering the period 1993/94–1997/98 and the phased program of surveys on households, labor force, agriculture, and manufacturing grew out of the 1993 User/Producer Workshop on Official Statistics, which provided users with the opportunity to suggest how the government of Namibia could rearrange its statistical system with a view to improving its efficiency, quality, and sustainability. All the surveys scheduled in the first plan have been implemented within the planned period. In 1997, another user/producer workshop was held, which generated several recommendations on institutional and legal framework as well as on future statistical activities and the use of technology for data collection, storage, processing and dissemination. Taking into consideration the outcome of the Workshop and the guidelines of the official bodies and regional and international organizations, the authorities have prepared a second five year Statistical Development Plan, and a Draft Statistical Policy Paper providing guidelines for the revision of the Statistics Act.

0.3.3 Processes are in place to deal with quality considerations, including trade-offs within quality, and to guide planning for existing and emerging needs.

Communications between the CBS and its main (government) users have taken place on quality issues, as demonstrated in the latter’s involvement in the preparation of metadata for the GDDS and assessment of the output of the provisional QNA series. However, current work programs do not include built-in mechanisms for quality improvements. The CBS is interested in introducing such mechanisms on national accounts in the context of GDDS and SDDS.

1.1.1 Statistics are compiled on an impartial basis

The Statistics Act (1976) defines the role of the Minister (now Director General of the NPC) in terms of statistical policy formulation, but allows the independence of the Government Statistician in programming the data collection and compilation operations within the framework of that policy. However, the Act is generally vague in determining the professional independence of the CBS. Under the current Act, the Government Statistician is subject to the directions of the Minister, therefore all the statistical publications are subject to the clearance by the overseeing Minister (Director General). Professionalism is promoted by participation in regional and international conferences, and seminars. The Draft Statistical Policy Paper, which is currently under the consideration of the NPC, provides for the professional independence of the CBS as regards the collection, compilation and dissemination of statistical information.

1.1.2 Choices of sources and statistical techniques are informed solely by statistical considerations.

The choices of sources and statistical techniques are informed by statistical considerations. However, neither the CBS nor any other government agency is free to collect mandatory statistics unless regulations have been made by the Minister and notified in the Gazette. Moreover, no minister may authorize a new survey or extension of an existing survey for the collection of statistics without prior consultation with the Minister (Director General of the NPC).

1.1.3 The appropriate statistical entity is entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics.

The CBS is entitled to comment on the misinterpretation or misuse of national accounts statistics, but so far such a situation has not arisen

1.2.1 The terms and conditions under which statistics are collected, processed, and disseminated are available to the public.

The Statistics Act (1976) and accompanying amendments and Statistics Regulations define the terms and conditions under which the CBS produces and disseminates official statistics. The Statistics Act is a published document. It is planned to disseminate the Statistics Act on the CBS’s website that is being developed. The Annual Report of the NPC provides information about the CBS (data providing agency) and its mission and objectives. The CBS’s statistical publications specify the names of the CBS officials with telephone numbers to be contacted for any suggestions and/or explanations.

1.2.2 Internal governmental access to statistics prior to their release is publicly identified.

The NPC, the BON, and the Cabinet of Ministers have access to the preliminary and annual GDP estimates under embargo, pending their public release by the Director General of the NPC on the occasion of the National Budget presentation to the Parliament in March. Similarly, revised GDP estimates that are published in the annual publication in August each year are provided to the NPC, BON, and the Cabinet prior to their release. The provision of these estimates to government units is not publicized. Consistency checks of the provisional estimates by the NPC and the BON, as well as the provision of updated information during the interim period, may result in the revision of estimates, but the CBS remains in control of the professional and statistical process at all times.

1.2.3 Products of statistical agencies/units are clearly identified as such.

The names of the CBS as well as the NPC are on the front cover of statistical publications. Moreover, all the statistical publications carry a preface by the NPC’s Director General rather than by the Government Statistician. The statistical publications identify two contact persons, their units and phone numbers for all technical queries. National accounts tables reproduced in the BON’s publications identify the CBS as the source.

1.2.4 Advance notice is given of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques.

The CBS holds a briefing session or a workshop of the main users consisting of the BON, MOF, NPC, other key ministries, and the representatives of major business, research and consultancy, and media firms, at which advance notice of planned major changes in national accounts is given. Moreover, users are briefed at the time the major changes are made, e.g., the change of the base year of the GDP at constant prices and the introduction of the first set of provisional quarterly GDP estimates.

1.3.1 Guidelines for staff behavior are in place and are well known to staff.

Ethical rules for the CBS staff are the same as those for other Namibian civil servants, as laid down in the General Order covering the conditions of public service and the directives. All the CBS staff are briefed on the contents and available access to these documents on their induction in the civil service. Moreover, they are briefed on the secrecy (section 8) and the offences by officers and employees (section 12) that could be grounds for conviction or fine under the Statistics Act (1976). The Act spells out the limitations on the disclosure of information and the misuse of information for personal gain.

In the course of their career, the CBS staff are briefed periodically on the ethical standards during the training courses and workshop on data collection and dissemination, and temporary employees are instructed on these standards during their induction and training. Although the CBS management has not yet endeavored to put down these standards in writing to the staff, it is vigilant in following the guidelines it had established and expressed their willingness to specify these on the proposed CBS’s website.

2.1.1 The overall structure in terms of concepts and definitions follows internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices.

The CBS’s November 2000 publication National Accounts 1993–1999 introduced the time series of main aggregates both at current and constant prices with a base year changed from 1990 to 1995. The concepts, definitions, and classifications were modified to comply as closely as possible with the 1993 SNA. Data from the external sector, i.e. balance of payments, and the general government sector have been fully incorporated within a consistent and harmonized framework.

2.2.1 The scope is broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices.

Consistent with the recommendations of the Inter-Secretariat Working Group on National Accounts (ISWGNA) on the tables and accounts viewed as a minimum requirement for the implementation of the 1993 SNA, the CBS complies on a regular basis:

• annual value added and GDP at current and constant prices by activity

• annual expenditures of GDP at current and constant prices

• annual value added components at current prices by activity

• sequence of accounts for the total economy until net Lending (+)/net Borrowing (−) with an annual frequency

• annual external transactions (until net Lending)

However, the requirements of the recommended scope of SNA tables and accounts established by the ISWGNA are not met. The CBS has initiated the compilation and publication of quarterly GDP estimates by economic activity in constant prices with effect from November 2001. The quarterly data start from the first quarter of 1993.

The annul national accounts cover the full economic territory of the Republic of Namibia, and the delimitations of the constitutional units of the economy is in accordance with the 1993 SNA, e.g. territorial enclaves, such as embassies as well as the Namibian workers who work part of the year abroad are within the scope of the national accounts estimates. In principle, the production boundary is in accordance with the 1993 SNA, e.g. own account production of all goods for own consumption, output of good for own-account fixed capital formation, mineral exploration are included in the scope of output measurement. Currently Namibia does not have any significant production of entertainment, literacy or artistic originals and computer software.

The asset boundary is largely in accordance with the 1993 SNA. Agricultural work-in-progress is not yet included. Crops are recorded at the time of harvest in the annual and provisional quarterly national accounts. Even though mineral exploration is included in the asset boundary, other intangible assets are not identified.

2.3.1 Classification/sectorization system used are broadly consistent with international standards, guidelines, or good practices.

Institutional units, transactions, and other flows broadly follow the 1993 SNA. Industrial activities are classified according to the ISIC with a further disaggregation of some of them by ISIC – divisions or ISIC – groups. The commodities are classified by the Central Product Classification (CPC), the Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP), and the government expenditure by the Classification of the Functions of Government (COFOG). The Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) and the end use Broad Economic Categories (BEC) are used to aggregate foreign trade statistics from the detailed Harmonized System (HS) classifications.

2.4.1 Market prices are used to value flows and stocks.

Valuation rules are in line with the 1993 SNA. Export and imports of goods are valued on an f.o.b. basis. Market output is recorded at basic prices, as are agricultural goods and capital formation produced for own final use. Intermediate and final consumption are valued at purchasers prices. In the absence of basic prices from the NAMDEB (the major producer of diamonds), the CBS uses the unit value of exports as the proxy for measuring the market value of diamond output; the use of this proxy rests on the assumption that declared export prices reflect true market valuation.

2.4.2 Recording is done on an accrual basis.

In principle, all transactions are recorded on an accrual basis. However, the basic data for general government expenditure are on a cash basis, and no adjustments are made in the national accounts.

Grossing/netting procedures are broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices.

Transactions between establishments within the same enterprise are recorded on a gross basis.

3.1.1 Source data are collected from comprehensive data collection programs that take into account county-specific conditions.

In compiling the national accounts, the CBS draws on its (i) internal data collection system (prices, merchandise trade, and industrial statistics); (ii) a survey/census based system for insurance, mining, communal agriculture enterprises, and households; and (iii) administrative sources (including the BON for balance of payments, money and banking, wholesale and retail trade statistics; the MOF for government finance statistics; the Ministry of Water and Rural Development (MAWRD) for agricultural and livestock data; the Ministry of Fishing and Marine Resources (MFMR) for fishery statistics; and the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) for mining statistics). The data collection system is comprehensive, except for the coverage of small-scale activities in the service sector, the informal sector, and unregistered construction companies.

The CBS has a fragmented and outdated Enterprise and Establishment Register. It needs to be systematized, consolidated, and updated to eliminate dormant/dead enterprises and register new enterprises. The data collection programs for important market activities, e.g. Census of Manufacturing (last conducted in 1995) or the Census of Business Establishments are dependent on the quality of the business register.

The sample designs for the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES), the Annual Agricultural Survey for communal agriculture, and the Labor Force Survey are based on the Master Sample Frame (MSF) based on the Population Census data and the geographical areas. The MSF facilitates at first stage a selection of a sample of Primary Sampling Units (PSU’s) and in the second stage households or agricultural holdings concerned. The MSF will be updated in the light of the Population Census data for 2001.

There is no regular survey of large enterprises by CBS as a source of data for the quarterly and annual GDP or for a quarterly or monthly index of manufacturing or industrial production. There are only annul surveys of insurance and mining enterprises by the CBS in the context of GDP compilation. The BON surveys cover large wholesale and retail enterprises on a quarterly basis and these data are used by the CBS for the compilation of the QNA.

An annual agricultural survey covering traditional farmers operating on communal land is undertaken by the CBS in cooperation with the MAWRD.

The survey program for household operations covers a decennial population census (last conducted in 2001), and periodic HIES. The last HIES conducted in 1993/94 provided a benchmark estimate on the final consumption by households for 1994. Government finance statistics sourced from the MOF are comprehensive in coverage (central and local governments), but are deficient in a number of areas including classification, consistency, and basis of recording (see data quality assessment of government finance statistics), thereby impacting on the soundness of national accounts.

For external transactions, the CBS’s foreign trade statistics database and the BOP compiled by the BON are used. The CBS’s Price and Trade Statistics unit processes external trade data from the Common Customs Area (CCA) forms for trade within the South African Customs Unions (SACU) and the bills of entry for all other (non-SACU) trade transactions. ASYCUDA/EUROTRACE software is used to generate statistical outputs.

The price statistics program includes the compilation of a monthly interim consumer price index which will be replaced by a national CPI. Agricultural producer prices are obtained by the CBS from the Agronomic Board, prices for fish from the MFMR, and the mining and manufacturing unit value prices are derived from the export or import statistics. The national accounts system also relies on the South African price statistics, particularly producer prices, for deflation purposes. Namibia does not compile any producer price or trade indices.

Source data on the informal sector are deficient in a number of areas including coverage, particularly for small handicraft, construction, and service businesses. The results of the recent labor force surveys and the Population Census 2001 could provide a basis for adjusting the value added for certain activities to account for the contribution of the informal sector.

In the compilation of quarterly GDP by activity at constant prices; the estimates for agriculture, fishing, mining, meat processing, fish processing, manufacture of beverages, copper, and electricity are based on quarterly quantitative production indicators. Construction is estimated on the basis of building plans approval and completion and credit provided for construction purposes. Wholesale and retail trade is based on a quarterly survey conducted by the BON, while most other service industries are based on trend extrapolation or related indicators. For the producers of government services, the quarterly wages and salaries of government employees deflated by the average ICPI are used as an extrapolator.

No ad hoc surveys are conducted when needed to fill gaps.

3.1.2 Source data reasonably approximate the definitions, scope, classifications, valuation, and time of recording required.

The source data usually approximate the definitions, scope, valuation and classifications required in the national accounts, but some sources are subject to problems concerning the basis for timing of recording. The cash accounting basis of data on central and general government operations are not in accordance with the accrual accounting requirements of the national accounts. Moreover, the accounting period of Namibia in government accounts is the April/March fiscal year. Therefore, annual fiscal data have to be prorated to compile calendar year data. Availability of quarterly government finance data could save recourse to this estimation and assist compilation of QNA. The compilers are aware of differences in concepts and definitions used in source data from those required by national accounts. During the course of five-yearly major revisions of data, changes in methodologies are introduced.

3.1.3 Source data are timely.

Monthly consumer price index data are available in a timely manner. The CBS’s survey-based source data are characterized by frequent delays due to low response rates, poor quality of reporting or data processing difficulties. There is a backlog of unprocessed foreign trade data; as of December 2001, the latest available quarterly data are for the first quarter of 2001. While the CBS aims for a three-month lag, this has rarely been attained in practice, and a minimum timeliness of eight months has been common. Most of the delay arises due to the time being taken by the Customs to review inconsistent data reported on the manifests. Audited accounts of central government and local governments are available respectively with ten months and two year lag. Other source data are usually available on a timely basis after a considerable follow up by the CBS staff for the compilation of annual preliminary and revised estimates.

3.2.1 Data compilation employs sound statistical techniques.

3.2.2 Other statistical procedures employ sound statistical techniques.

The main lack in coverage of the annual national accounts concerns the informal activities for which no data adjustments are made. As regards the illegal transactions, adjustment is made for the smuggling of Namibian diamonds to Angola.

3.3.1 Source data-including censuses, sample surveys, and administrative records-are routinely assessed, e.g., for coverage, sample error, and non-sampling error; the results of the assessments are monitored and made available to guide planning.

Random post-enumeration checks are usually made while conducting censuses or surveys; a large part of those takes place in the field by the survey supervisors. Sampling and non-sampling errors are reviewed for feedback into future surveys.

The erratic and sharp movement of variables over time, and high value transactions, are confirmed with respondents.

Where the source data, particularly from other statistical systems, are not consistent with national accounts requirements concerning definitions, classification, and valuation, necessary adjustments are made if possible. As the annual national accounts compilation is on a calendar year basis, the accounts of the government as well as of some parastatal organizations that are on a fiscal year (April to March) basis are prorated for national accounts compilation.

3.4.1 Main intermediate data are validated against other information where applicable.

Intermediate data on the production of major sectors, e.g. fishing, mining, and meat products are assessed against related indicators such as volume and unit values from foreign trade statistics and prices in the Republic of South Africa.

3.4.2 Statistical discrepancies in intermediate data are assessed and investigated

Ad hoc assessment of potential discrepancies of major intermediate data are done, but checks occur only after discrepancies are identified.

3.4.3 Statistical discrepancies and other potential indicators of problems in statistical outputs are investigated.

The statistical discrepancy in the GDP compilation is shown explicitly. It is relatively small and thought to be due to inadequate coverage of changes in inventories. Net errors and omissions are shown in BOP and the discrepancy with the government finance statistics is identified. Supply and use tables are not compiled, but the commodity flow technique is extensively utilized for estimating value added for all activities and expenditure components.

3.5.1 Studies and analyses of revisions are carried out routinely and used to inform statistical processes.

The magnitude of revisions is observed. Some studies and analyses of revisions are conducted and explained in the National Accounts 1993-2000 publication.

4.1.1 The relevance and practical utility of existing statistics in meeting users’ needs are monitored.

In early 2001, an advisory body (the Statistics Committee) was set up, representing the major users and data producers in the government, BON, private sector, and the academic and research community. The members of the Committee are appointed by the NPC and one of the NPC members is the Chairman, with the Government Statistician as the Secretary. It has met four or five times since its inception and has focused on statistical policy, the revision of the Statistics Act, and the statistical Development Plan. Moreover, the CBS has held User/Producer Workshops in 1993 and 1997 which have provided valuable suggestions on institutional and legal framework and statistical programs and priorities.

The CBS is sensitive to the statistical needs of the government. The private sector users’ feedback is promoted during the briefing sessions on the release of statistics and encouraged through notification in the CBS’s statistical publications. The statistical needs of regional and international organizations are also monitored.

4.2.1 Timeliness follows dissemination standards.

There are annual GDP estimates at current and constant prices both by economic activity and expenditures. The preliminary annual estimates are published three months after the close of the calendar year at the time of national budget presentation while the revised estimates are released about 6 months after the end of the year, in line with the timeliness recommendations of GDDS. In November 2001, the CBS released for the first time provisional quarterly GDP estimates by activity in constant prices for the period from the first quarter of 1993 to the second quarter of 2001, i.e. 8 months after the end of the quarter. The CBS plans to compile a full set of QNA and eventually meet the SDDS requirement on timeliness, i.e. within 3 months after the end of the reference quarter.

4.2.2 Periodicity follows dissemination standards.

The core GDP aggregates both by activity and expenditure and in current and constant prices are available on an annual basis, which meets the periodicity guidelines for GDDS. The CBS also compiles quarterly GDP by activity at constant prices.

4.3.1 Statistics are consistent within the dataset.

Beginning with the publication of the Republic of Namibia’s National Accounts 1993-1999, the CBS indicates in the introduction and methodological notes that the annual estimates by activity and by expenditure are derived independently. However, except for government and external transactions, all other transactions on the expenditure side are derived from the activity side calculations through the commodity flow approach. The statistical discrepancy between GDP by expenditure and GDP by activity shown on the expenditure side, varying from about zero to four percent of a GDP, is due to the imperfections and gaps in the data sources. The CBS considers the production approach as the more reliable method. The comparison of the implicit GDP deflator with the ICPI, and ratios, percentage distribution and growth rates are investigated to confirm internal consistency.

4.3.2 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable over period of time.

Consistent annual GDP time series compiled according to the 1993 SNA are available without break for a period of eight years (1993-2000) in current and constant prices both by activity and expenditure. The CBS adjusted series back to 1993 to account for the change in the base year in constant prices, availability of revised sources, and changes in the methods, classification and definitions. Available annual GDP data for 1980 to 1992 with 1990 base year for constant prices are not comparable with the rebased/revised series beginning 1993. Any unusual changes in economic trends are explained in the analytical text and included in the annual publication for the benefit of the users.

4.3.3 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable with those obtained through other data sources and/or statistical frameworks.

Data from the balance of payments are fully incorporated within a harmonized and conceptual framework of national accounts. The net lending/borrowing of the nation shown in the national accounts is the same as the surplus/deficit of the balance of payments shown as net lending/borrowing in the external sector (transactions) account. Net borrowing of the General Government in national accounts is approximately the same as the budget deficit although there are some differences due to recording practices. This discrepancy is noted and explained in the annual national accounts publication.

4.4.1 Revisions follow a regular, well-established and transparent schedule.

The CBS’s National Accounts, 1993-2000 publication spells out the revision policy by specifying three kinds of revisions of annual estimates and the schedule of revisions.

• a) Major revisions of time series backwards at regular intervals, i.e. every five years in connection with a change of base year.

• b) Revision of the two latest years once or twice a year.

• c) Occasional revisions of estimates of certain variables for more than last two years, but this kind of revision is usually avoided.

Accordingly, the preliminary annual estimates that are released in March, i.e. three months after the end of the latest reference year, are revised in July (six months after the end of the reference year), and are finalized in March (15 months after the end of the reference year).

4.4.2 Preliminary data are clearly identified.

Preliminary estimates are clearly identified by CBS in the title of the national accounts publication released in March and in the methodological notes. Measurement and analysis of the differences between preliminary and revised data are conducted and explained in the annual national accounts publication.

4.4.3 Studies and analyses of revisions are made public.

The studies and analysis of the revisions of national accounts are made public in the annual National Accounts: publication of the CBS.

5.1.1 Statistics are presented in a way that facilitates proper interpretation and meaningful comparisons (layout and clarity of text, tables, and charts).

National accounts estimates are disseminated at a detailed level together with tables on general government and the external sector. Annual time series including notes on methodology and commentary are provided in the publication. The layout and clarity of text, tables, and charts are commendable.

5.1.2 Dissemination media and formats are adequate.

Annual national accounts data can be obtained through internet from the BON’s website www.bon.com.na. The CBS plans to put these data on its proposed website when it is developed and launched. The CBS has released for the first time quarterly GDP estimates in the publication entitled Provisional Quarterly GDP Estimates, 1^st quarter 1993–2^nd quarter, 2001. The estimates are by activity in constant prices.

5.1.3 Statistics are released on a pre-announced schedule.

There is no pre-announced schedule on the release dates for the CBS’s various statistics, including national accounts statistics. However, the preliminary annual national accounts are first reflected in the budget speech of the Minister of Finance to the Parliament and simultaneously released by the CBS in March every year. The release of the revised estimates six months after the end of the reference year is announced in the revision policy stated in the National Accounts, 1993-2000 publication. In view of the high turnover of staff and delayed responses to data requests, the CBS finds it risky and inopportune to build unrealizable expectations among users though a pre-announced schedule on the release of statistics.

5.1.4 Statistics are made available to all users at the same time.

The preliminary as well as the revised annual national accounts estimates are provided prior to their release to the Cabinet of Ministers through the Permanent Secretary of the NPC. The preliminary annual GDP estimates are provided to the MOF in advance for inclusion in the budget speech. They are released later on the budget day, in the National Accounts publication, with a preface signed by the Director General of the NPC and with the names of CBS and NPC on the front cover. The major users and the media are briefed through a workshop on the occasions of release of the preliminary and revised estimates.

5.1.5 Nonpublished (but nonconfidential) subaggregates are made available upon request.

Non-published but non-confidential detailed data are made available to the BON and government users upon request without any fee. The availability non-published national accounts statistics is not publicized at all.

5.2.1 Documentation on concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical techniques is available, and differences from internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices are annotated.

Methodological notes provided in Volume II of Namibia’s National Accounts Manual are not regularly updated. Some information on changes in methodology is available in a summary form in the CBS’s annual National Accounts publication.

5.2.2 Levels of detail are adapted to the needs of the intended audience.

The methodological notes in the annual National Accounts publication are geared to the needs of general users. The Sources and Methods (Volume II) of Namibia’s National Accounts Manual is produced to inform compilers, analysts, and other users of statistics in Namibia and abroad.

5.3.1 Contact person for each subject field is publicized.

Names of two contact persons for queries on national accounts are published in the national accounts hard copy publication.

5.3.2 Catalogues of publications, documents, and other services, including information on any charges, are widely available.

A list of CBS’s statistical publications used to be published together with the price of the publications in the CBS’s Annual Abstract but the 1999 Statistical Abstract: shows that the list has been discontinued. The CBS plans to publicize such a list of statistical publications and the procedures for obtaining them on its website when it is established.

Table 1.1

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for National Account Statistics

(Compiling agency: Central Bureau of Statistics)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO – Practice Largely Observed; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria

Table 1.1

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for National Account Statistics

(Compiling agency: Central Bureau of Statistics)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO – Practice Largely Observed; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria

Element	NA	Assessment				Comments on Assessment	Plans for Improvements and Target Dates
		O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment				X		The Statistics Act does not safeguard adequately confidentiality and provide clarity on statistical responsibilities. Formalized arrangements for data sharing among producing agencies and proactive methods for encouraging responses are not in place. Staff resources are inadequate for the development and maintenance work on QNA and for training on national accounts. Assessments of the efficiency of the compilation procedures and use of staff resources are not established.	New Statistics Act is being drafted to address these issues.
0.2 Resources			X			Staff resources are inadequate for the development and maintenance work on QNA and for training on national accounts. Assessments of the efficiency of the compilation procedures and use of staff resources are not established.
0.3 Quality awareness			X			There are no specific processes and work programs to support commitment to quality.
1. Integrity
1.1 Professionalism			X			The Statistics Act does not provide for professional independence of Government Statistician and his staff.	New Statistics Act is expected to provide for professional independence.
1.2 Transparency				X		The limited information on the production of statistics that is provided to the public originates from the NPC rather than CBS. Advance internal governmental access to national accounts data is not publicized.	New Statistics Act is expected to make the operation of the CBS transparent.
1.3 Ethical standards			X			The CBS has not yet formalized its own ethical standards.	The CBS plans to formalize these standards.
2. Methodological soundness
2.1 Concepts and definitions		X
2.2 Scope		X					The CBS is planning to produce comprehensive QNA.
2.3 Classification/sectorization		X
2.4 Basis for recording			X			Government expenditure recorded on a cash basis. Some output data are valued or deflated with export unit values or the Republic of South Africa’s producer prices as proxies for domestic prices.
3. Accuracy and Reliability
3.1 Source data				X		Source data are constrained by the unavailability of a business register and the narrow range of periodic surveys. Accounting period of government and some parastatal organizations differ from that of national accounts. Source data are normally not timely.	The CBS plans to broaden the database used to calculate the value added for all the economic activities and develop surveys where estimates are weaker.
3.2 Statistical techniques			X			The reliance on outdated fixed ratios is excessive. Statistical techniques are not utilized to adjust estimates for informal activities.	In the medium-term, CBS plans to improve the estimation procedures once basic data covering the informal sector and households are available.
3.3 Assessment and validations of source data			X			Sharp movements in the source variables are scrutinized but no systematic procedures are in place. Sometimes checks occur only after inconsistency is identified.
3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs			X			Statistical discrepancies among data sets and inconsistencies in the movements of outputs are investigated and rectified where possible.
3.5 Revision studies		X
4. Serviceability
4.1 Relevance		X
4.2 Timeliness and periodicity		X					The CBS plans to reduce the dissemination lag of the QNA to 3 months.
4.3 Consistency			X			The small discrepancy between GDP by activity and expenditures is due to the use of mostly similar data sources.
4.4 Revision policy and practice		X
5. Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility			X			Expected release months are not strictly adhered except for preliminary national accounts estimates. No formal pre-announced publication schedule. Current dissemination practice of the CBS does not facilitate wider and rapid usage.	The CBS plans to make data accessible through the website being developed.
5.2 Metadata accessibility			X			Updated documents on sources and methods of national accounts are not available on a comprehensive basis in the form of a hard copy or an electronic format.	Same as 5.1
5.3 Assistance to users			X			No catalogue of statistical publications is available.	Beginning with 2002, a catalogue will be published.

View Table

Table 1.1

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for National Account Statistics

(Compiling agency: Central Bureau of Statistics)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO – Practice Largely Observed; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria

Element	NA	Assessment				Comments on Assessment	Plans for Improvements and Target Dates
		O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment				X		The Statistics Act does not safeguard adequately confidentiality and provide clarity on statistical responsibilities. Formalized arrangements for data sharing among producing agencies and proactive methods for encouraging responses are not in place. Staff resources are inadequate for the development and maintenance work on QNA and for training on national accounts. Assessments of the efficiency of the compilation procedures and use of staff resources are not established.	New Statistics Act is being drafted to address these issues.
0.2 Resources			X			Staff resources are inadequate for the development and maintenance work on QNA and for training on national accounts. Assessments of the efficiency of the compilation procedures and use of staff resources are not established.
0.3 Quality awareness			X			There are no specific processes and work programs to support commitment to quality.
1. Integrity
1.1 Professionalism			X			The Statistics Act does not provide for professional independence of Government Statistician and his staff.	New Statistics Act is expected to provide for professional independence.
1.2 Transparency				X		The limited information on the production of statistics that is provided to the public originates from the NPC rather than CBS. Advance internal governmental access to national accounts data is not publicized.	New Statistics Act is expected to make the operation of the CBS transparent.
1.3 Ethical standards			X			The CBS has not yet formalized its own ethical standards.	The CBS plans to formalize these standards.
2. Methodological soundness
2.1 Concepts and definitions		X
2.2 Scope		X					The CBS is planning to produce comprehensive QNA.
2.3 Classification/sectorization		X
2.4 Basis for recording			X			Government expenditure recorded on a cash basis. Some output data are valued or deflated with export unit values or the Republic of South Africa’s producer prices as proxies for domestic prices.
3. Accuracy and Reliability
3.1 Source data				X		Source data are constrained by the unavailability of a business register and the narrow range of periodic surveys. Accounting period of government and some parastatal organizations differ from that of national accounts. Source data are normally not timely.	The CBS plans to broaden the database used to calculate the value added for all the economic activities and develop surveys where estimates are weaker.
3.2 Statistical techniques			X			The reliance on outdated fixed ratios is excessive. Statistical techniques are not utilized to adjust estimates for informal activities.	In the medium-term, CBS plans to improve the estimation procedures once basic data covering the informal sector and households are available.
3.3 Assessment and validations of source data			X			Sharp movements in the source variables are scrutinized but no systematic procedures are in place. Sometimes checks occur only after inconsistency is identified.
3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs			X			Statistical discrepancies among data sets and inconsistencies in the movements of outputs are investigated and rectified where possible.
3.5 Revision studies		X
4. Serviceability
4.1 Relevance		X
4.2 Timeliness and periodicity		X					The CBS plans to reduce the dissemination lag of the QNA to 3 months.
4.3 Consistency			X			The small discrepancy between GDP by activity and expenditures is due to the use of mostly similar data sources.
4.4 Revision policy and practice		X
5. Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility			X			Expected release months are not strictly adhered except for preliminary national accounts estimates. No formal pre-announced publication schedule. Current dissemination practice of the CBS does not facilitate wider and rapid usage.	The CBS plans to make data accessible through the website being developed.
5.2 Metadata accessibility			X			Updated documents on sources and methods of national accounts are not available on a comprehensive basis in the form of a hard copy or an electronic format.	Same as 5.1
5.3 Assistance to users			X			No catalogue of statistical publications is available.	Beginning with 2002, a catalogue will be published.

0.1.1 The responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating statistics is clearly specified.

The Statistics Act of 1976² (Act) states that the Central Statistical Services (now Central Bureau of Statistics -- CBS) is authorized to collect statistics relating to economic, financial, demographic, and social matters determined by the Minister (Director General of the National Planning Commission) by notice in the Gazette (Articles 3, 6, and 7). Although the Act or any other legal documents do not specifically assign the responsibility to an agency for producing a consumer price index (CPI), it is implicitly understood that the CBS is responsible for its compilation. In practice as well the CBS is the only agency compiling consumer price statistics. At present, the CBS compiles an Interim Consumer Price Index (ICPI), representing the capital city only. It is also developing a Namibia Consumer Price Index (NCPI), representing all households in the country. The CBS has no clear mandate to disseminate CPI data. It is expected that the new Statistics Act, currently being drafted, will give the CBS broader control over official statistics. This would remove any possible uncertainty over its responsibility for the consumer price index.

0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among data producing agencies are adequate.

All of the data collection and processing required for the compilation of the CPI is undertaken by the CBS.

0.1.3 Respondents’ data are to be kept confidential and used for statistical purposes only.

Article 8 of the Act deals with confidentiality of information. Except for purposes of performance of duties under this Act or with the prior written consent of concerned parties, each person is obliged to preserve and aid preserving secrecy in respect of all matters or information.

The Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) and price collection surveys are undertaken by face-to-face interviews. The interviewers are required to inform respondents of their rights and obligations in regard to the provision of information. They are also informed that the data will only be used for statistical purposes. The confidentiality rule is also clearly displayed on the survey forms completed by respondents to the HIES.

Disclosure penalties of a maximum of 1000 Rand and/or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months are specified in the Act (Article 12). Collected data are kept in appropriate offices, which are locked when not occupied. Only authorized staff are allowed access to the source data. Computer systems are similarly protected and the CBS building is protected by security guards. All confidential forms are shredded on-site before disposal. However, data processing for some statistical inquiries is carried out by the NPC Secretariat, in which case confidentiality cannot be assured.

0.1.4 Statistical reporting is ensured through legal mandate and/or measures to encourage response.

The data collection is covered by mandatory reporting provisions of the Act. The maximum penalties for non-compliance specified in the Act are 1000 Rand and/or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months (Article 13). The CBS is not aware of any conflicts, or potential conflicts, between the requirements of the Statistics Act and any other law or provision.

All data are collected by interviewers who provide all necessary assistance to respondents. Efforts are made to establish close cooperation with respondents through public relations.

0.2.1 Staff, financial, and computing resources are commensurate with statistical programs.

The staffing for the current ICPI program is adequate. There are three statisticians and five assistants exclusively working on consumer prices in the Unit on Price and Trade Statistics of the CBS. However, these resources are insufficient to undertake development work. In particular, price collectors for the NCPI program are on a temporary basis. Senior management is aware of the need to maintain a core contingent of experienced staff. Nevertheless, staff retention is a serious problem because of the insufficient career prospects. The price statisticians are knowledgeable, but would require training in price statistics methodologies. The ICPI system was designed with the assistance through the United Nations Volunteer (UNV) program. The preliminary design for the NCPI was also developed through the UNV program. However, further technical assistance will be needed to introduce improved methodology in developing the NCPI.

The computer hardware installations are less efficient than needed to support modern software and data processing for compiling consumer price statistics.

The financial resources for running the ICPI program are adequate. Additional financial resources will be needed to implement improvement in data collection and supervision system on a sustainable basis.

0.2.2 Measures to ensure efficient use of resources are implemented.

A bottom-up approach starting with individual statistical activities is followed to prepare budgetary needs. The CBS also coordinates statistical activities carried out by other agencies. This helps to ensure efficient use of resources by avoiding duplication and by integrating data collections. Efficiency is also enhanced by achieving consistency of concepts and methodologies used in conducting related surveys (such as the HIES and consumer price index). However, internal processes for periodic reviews of price collection procedures are not in place.

0.3.1 Processes are in place to focus on quality.

The Annual Progress Report of the NPC provides a mission statement, objectives, activities, and programs of the CBS. Quality monitoring is not explicitly done, but can be observed implicitly in the CBS’s work processes. A draft of Statistics Policy for Namibia is now being prepared, which together with the new statistical legislation is expected to improve the environment for focusing on quality.

0.3.2 Processes are in place to monitor the quality of the collection, processing, and dissemination of statistics.

Price statisticians supervise the price collection surveys. Computer checks and visual inspections are applied at different stages of the processing of the price index. Occasional meeting of users and producers of data are used to discuss priorities and quality issues. For example, the 1997 meeting discussed coverage and methodology for the NCPI. Also, the results of the ICPI are reviewed at several management levels in the CBS before publication.

Periodic user surveys or other systematic means of obtaining feedback from users do not exist in respect of consumer price statistics.

0.3.3 Processes are in place to deal with quality considerations, including trade-offs within quality, and to guide planning for existing and emerging needs.

Staff are aware of tradeoffs among dimensions of quality. A Statistical Committee was created in 2001, which focuses on statistical policies and work priorities. For example, it has prepared, in 2001, a second five year plan for development of statistics in Namibia, which will form the basis for government’s statistical activities during 2001/2-2006/7.

1.1.1 Statistics are compiled on an impartial basis.

The Statistics Act defines the role of the Minister (currently the Director General of the NPC) in terms of statistical policy formulation and allows the independence of the Government Statistician in data collection and compilation operations within the framework of that policy. However, the Act is generally vague in determining the professional independence of the CBS. Currently, the Government Statistician reports to the Permanent Secretary of the NPC Secretariat. Furthermore, all statistical publications must be cleared by the NPC Secretariat. In the past, however, the CBS has not experienced outside interference in the compilation of the consumer price index. It is expected that the new Statistics Act will make the CBS professionally independent. Staff are free to produce methodological papers and to attend conferences etc. However, opportunities are limited due to resource constraints.

1.1.2 Choices of sources and statistical techniques are informed solely by statistical considerations.

Choices of source data and statistical techniques for compiling the consumer price index are based solely on statistical considerations.

1.1.3 The appropriate statistical entity is entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics.

The CBS reviews and comments on misinterpretation or misuse of the ICPI. The monthly release for ICPI provides brief comments on the results of the index.

1.2.1 The terms and conditions under which statistics are collected, processed, and disseminated are available to the public.

The Statistics Act is a published document. The CBS plans to post it on the NPC’s Internet website when it will be ready. The Annual Progress Report of the NPC provides some information about the CBS and its products, but the public does not have information on the operations of the data producing agency directly from the CBS. The CBS’s Statistics Abstract (an annual publication) used to carry a list of its statistical publications with their respective prices, but it has been discontinued. However, beginning from 2002, all CBS publications will include such a list.

1.2.2 Internal governmental access to statistics prior to their release is publicly identified.

The ICPI has to be approved by the NPC Secretariat for publication. As the ICPI Monthly Releases are signed by the Permanent Secretary of the NPC Secretariat, the public would know that the NPC has access to ICPI prior to their release. However, information on the approval process, including the roles and responsibilities of the CBS and the NPC, is not clear and not made available to the public.

1.2.3 Products of statistical agencies/units are clearly identified as such.

Products of the CBS are identified as such by showing its name together with its parent institution, the NPC. However, all statistical publications carry a preface by the Director General of the NPC or Permanent Secretary of the NPC Secretariat rather than by the Government Statistician.

1.2.4 Advance notice is given of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques.

The development of the new NCPI has been discussed in several workshops. The Annual Progress Reports of the NPC also present a brief outline of the new initiative. As well, the Monthly Releases of the ICPI mentions the development of the new NCPI.

1.3.1 Guidelines for staff behavior are in place and are well-known to the staff.

Ethical rules for CBS staff are the same as those for Namibian civil servants, which are laid down in the General Order covering the conditions of public service. All new CBS staff are briefed on the content and access to these documents. The roles and responsibilities of staff, as stated in the Statistics Act of 1976, also cover ethical standards. During internal trainings, all staff including temporary staff are reminded and briefed about staff behavior. However, the CBS has not yet been able to write down these practices in a clear set of guidelines, such as a code of conduct for the CBS staff. It plans to prepare such guidelines and post them on its future website.

2.1.1 The overall structure in terms of concepts and definitions follows internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices.

The concepts and definitions used in the compilation of the CPI broadly conform with international recommendations and good practices. The definition of household consumption expenditures and the specification of products for pricing follow international recommendations.

2.2.1 The scope is broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices.

The scope of the ICPI is limited to Windhoek, the capital city, which accounts for less than 15 percent of total population. The 1985 HIES covered only Windhoek as well. Information on the scope of household consumption expenditures from the 1985 HIES is not available. However, a review of the weights indicates that the consumer basket of the ICPI may have included purchases of market goods and services as well as consumption of goods produced on own account and imputed value of owner-occupied dwelling services. The ICPI excludes seasonal goods as it attempts to include only commodities that are generally available in most of the periods.

The scope of the NCPI is designed to cover the full economic territory of the country. The HIES of 1993/94, which is used as a basis for deriving the consumer basket, represented all resident households except for institutional households (a normal practice for HIES). The consumer basket of the NCPI includes purchases of market goods and services, consumption of goods produced on own account, and the imputed value of owner-occupied dwelling services.

2.3.1 Classification/sectorization systems used are broadly consistent with international standards, guidelines, or good practices.

The ICPI consumer basket is classified according to the classification of household consumer goods and services recommended by the 1968 SNA.

The NCPI will use the Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP), which is consistent with the 1993 SNA recommendation.

2.4.1 Market prices are used to value flows and stocks.

The valuation of consumption expenditures, which are the basis for deriving the weights, is in accordance with the 1993 SNA. Purchases are valued at purchasers’ prices. Concerning the valuation of consumption of goods from own production and services of owner-occupied dwellings, the valuation used in the 1985 HIES can not be ascertained due to the lack of documentation. The 1993/94 HIES values the consumption of goods from own production and services of owner-occupied dwellings using equivalent market prices.

Product specifications include price determining characteristics, and price quotations based on actual transaction prices (including taxes and general discounts) are collected.

2.4.2 Recording is done on an accrual basis.

Prices of goods and services are recorded in the period they are purchased in accordance with the accrual principle.

2.4.3 Grossing/netting procedures are broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices.

The 1993/94 HIES does not allow to identify separately the sales of used consumer durables, such as used cars. In the NCPI, sales of consumer durables are not netted out against their purchases, which may lead to overstatement of the weight for this component.

3.1.1 Source data are collected from comprehensive data collection programs that take into account country-specific conditions.

Population censuses conducted every ten years (the latest referred to 2001) provide sample frames for household surveys. There is no up-to-date statistical business register or other comprehensive lists of establishments for selecting a sample of outlets for price collection.

A regular household budget survey program does not exist to collect household expenditures data that can be used to calculate consumer baskets. The ICPI weights are based on the HIES conducted in 1985 by the Directorate of Development Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa. The NCPI weights are calculated using the 1993/94 HIES, the first HIES conducted by the CBS. The next such survey is planned for 2002/3.

The 1985 HIES covered only Windhoek. The survey was based on a two-percent sample of households from each of the 1981 Population Census Enumeration Areas. The survey was conducted during October and November of 1985. A proper assessment of the survey results is not possible due to the lack of information on this survey.

The 1993/94 HIES represented the full economic territory and covered all resident households. Institutional households were excluded. Households were selected using a two-stage random sample approach. First, 192 primary sampling units (PSUs) were selected from the 1991 census enumeration areas (2231 enumeration areas converted into 1696 PSUs of about 100 households each). The selection was done using a “probability proportional to size” procedure, where the size measure is the number of households. All of the households within these PSUs were listed one month before the survey month and 24 households were selected in each PSU using systematic random sample techniques. Altogether 4,608 households were selected. The 192 PSUs were allocated randomly over 12-months period to cover seasonal variations. As the list was prepared just before the survey month in each PSU, the non-response rate was low (about 7 percent). The weights of PSUs were adjusted for non-responses in the estimation of survey parameters. The details collected by the HIES were more than sufficient to meet the needs of a CPI.

The frequency of price collection for the ICPI is adequate for perishable goods, rents, and some fees and rates; but inadequate for consumer durables and other services as prices for these items are collected on a quarterly basis. The same applies to the NCPI.

The selection of outlets and products for price collection for the ICPI is done using a purposive selection procedure based on their importance and availability. All items with more than 0.9 percent of total expenditures were selected. One or several product varieties were selected to represent an item.

As the NCPI represents the population in the whole economic territory, it involves selection of geographic areas. The thirteen administrative regions were grouped into three NCPI zones covering eight localities representing one or more regions. Each locality constituted a major town center in a NCPI zone. A retail outlet survey was conducted in all the NCPI zones to identify pricing points and list of commodities sold in those areas. However, rents for NCPI are at present collected only in Windhoek.

For the ICPI, approximately 570 price quotations are collected from 93 outlets. The NCPI at present has approximately 2000 price quotations from about 428 outlets. The number of price quotations will increase as the CBS started to collect prices for agricultural products on a weekly basis. Most prices are collected through personal visits. Item and variety specifications are sufficiently detailed to ensure consistent pricing in each period.

Ad-hoc surveys are not conducted to obtain supplementary data neither for weights nor for price collection procedures.

3.1.2 Source data reasonably approximate the definitions, scope, classifications, valuation, and time of recording required.

Source data used for the ICPI are reasonably consistent with the requirements for consumer price indices. The practices followed in the ICPI for recording prices for perishable goods (weekly), rents (quarterly), and some fees and rates (annually) are adequate for CPI compilation. However, the pricing schedule for consumer durables and other services (quarterly) would generally lead to a bias in the movement of the CPI.

In the case of the NCPI, source data for the weights are almost fully consistent with the requirements for producing a national CPI. The planned price collection procedures are same as those followed in the ICPI.

3.1.3 Source data are timely.

Price quotes are supplied on a timely basis. No data from other statistical systems are needed in the compilation of the CPI.

3.2.1 Data compilation employs sound statistical techniques.

The level of details for goods and services in both the ICPI and the NCPI is acceptable given the range of commodities consumed in Namibia. The ICPI has 188 items organized into 9 groups and 48 sub-groups. The NCPI has 236 items organized into 12 groups and 78 sub-groups.

The assessment of the ICPI concerning the aggregation techniques is as follows. At the item level, long-term relatives are derived by taking the simple average of the ratios of average prices of relevant price quotations. This is acceptable, although international consensus now prefers the use of the geometric average. Aggregation of elementary indices to higher levels is done using the Laspeyres formula. The weight reference period is outdated (1985). The price reference period is December 1992, which is older than preferable. Although the weight and price reference periods are different, weights were not adjusted for price difference between the weight and price reference periods. The ICPI is the first index compiled in Namibia, therefore the issue of index linking does not arise.

The NCPI plans are to follow the same approach as that used in the ICPI for compiling item level indices and aggregating them to higher level indices. The weight reference period would still be outdated (1993/94). December 2001 is now being considered as the price reference period. Although the weight and price reference periods are different, weights had not been adjusted for price difference between the weight and price reference periods. The plan is to calculate the overall index for Namibia by aggregating long-term relatives of national average prices (unweighted simple average) for items calculated directly from price observations. This may lead to a significant bias in the overall national index because regional prices will be weighted not according to the expenditure share of each NCPI zone, but by the distribution of price quotations. Furthermore, this would also lead to inconsistency between zonal and national indices. An appropriate approach would be to derive a weight matrix combining both geographic and item dimensions. The CBS would like to introduce improvements in the aggregation techniques.

The treatment of missing prices and quality changes in the ICPI is not optimal. Temporarily missing prices are carried forward. If an item is missing for more than three months, a replacement item with similar characteristics is selected in consultation with the selling outlets. When items are replaced, base prices are imputed. Seasonal items are not included in the basket. New products are not introduced into the sample on an ongoing basis.

The NCPI compilation system has not yet worked out techniques for the treatment of missing prices, seasonal prices, and quality changes. The CBS is interested in improving these techniques, but lacks necessary skills.

3.2.2 Other statistical procedures (e.g., data adjustments and transformations, and statistical analysis) employ sound statistical techniques.

There are no significant adjustments that would be required. Adjustments to the weights for a few products (durables goods, alcohol, tobacco) should have been made, but were not done as sufficiently reliable alternative sources are not available.

3.3.1 Source data—including censuses, sample surveys and administrative records are routinely assessed, e.g., for coverage, sample error, response error, and non-sampling error; the results of the assessments are monitored and made available to guide planning.

Information needed for analyzing the results of the 1985 HIES (which was used for the ICPI) is not available. However, the 1993/94 HIES provides sufficient information for evaluating its results.

Sampling errors for price collection are not available, given the judgmental selection of outlets and products. Individual price quotations are routinely checked for excessive growth over the previous month and for consistency with other quotes.

3.4.1 Main intermediate data are validated against other information where applicable.

Producers, export, and imports price statistics are not compiled. Therefore, there is a little scope for validation of intermediate results against other independent data sources. Export prices of the Republic of South Africa (as a substantial portion of consumer goods in Namibia is imported from this country) and prices of some agricultural products available from other Namibian agencies might be useful for validating the CPI results. However, apart from cursory cross-checks no systematic process exist for validation of CPI results against other data.

3.4.2 Statistical discrepancies in intermediate data are assessed and investigated.

Unusual movements in the indices at various levels are investigated.

3.4.3 Statistical discrepancies and other potential indicators of problems in statistical outputs are investigated.

All breakdowns of the ICPI are fully consistent as this index comprises only one geographic area. However, the NCPI should use proper techniques to avoid potential inconsistencies between indices at the geographic and national levels (see also 3.2.1).

3.5.1 Studies and analyses of revisions are carried out routinely and used to inform statistical processes.

All price quotations arrive in time for inclusion in the ICPI calculation as they are collected in Windhoek only. Therefore, there are no revisions to the ICPI. In addition, no major revisions related to a change of base have been implemented as yet.

4.1.1 The relevance and practical utility of existing statistics in meeting users’ needs are monitored.

Occasional workshops of data producers and users are organized to discuss data issues. However, there is no established process for consultation with users. The CBS regularly participates in SADC meetings to discuss CPI methodology.

4.2.1 Timeliness follows dissemination standards.

The ICPI is published before the 15^th day of the month after the reference month, which complies with the SDDS.

4.2.2 Periodicity follows dissemination standards.

The ICPI is compiled monthly, which is in accordance with SDDS requirements.

4.3.1 Statistics are consistent within the dataset.

The ICPI is consistent within the dataset. It represents only one geographic region, therefore the issue of consistency in aggregation by regions and by items does not arise.

4.3.2 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable over a reasonable period of time.

Consistent time series are available since 1993 when the ICPI was started. The methodology for constructing the CPI has not changed, so there has never been the need to reconstruct historical series. Unusual changes in the ICPI are explained in the ICPI Monthly Releases or as requests are made for explanations.

4.3.3 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable with those obtained through other data sources and/or statistical frameworks.

Only limited opportunities exist for analyzing the consistency of the ICPI with other data sources (particularly with the prices from the Republic of South Africa and for some agricultural products in Namibia). However, these opportunities are not exploited.

4.4.1 Revisions follow a regular, well-established and transparent schedule.

The practice is to not revise the monthly ICPI. Regular changes of base year and weight updates are not feasible as HIES is not available on a regular basis. Furthermore, available sources are not included as early as possible due to resource constraints. For example, the 1993/94 HIES results were available in 1996, but the compilation of the NCPI that uses this source has not yet been completed.

4.4.2 Preliminary data are clearly identified.

Data are final when first released, but are not identified as such. The practice has been that the data are not revised.

4.4.3 Studies and analyses of revisions are made public. (See also 3.5.1)

This is not applicable as the monthly ICPI is not revised and base year or weight updates have not been carried out in the past.

5.1.1 Statistics are presented in a way that facilitates proper interpretation and meaningful comparisons (layout and clarity of text, tables, and charts).

The monthly ICPI publication is clear and concise. It contains a commentary on the results, incorporating charts. The ICPI figures are broken down into nine groups and are published for the latest five years. More detailed figures (48 sub-groups) are also included for the more recent periods.

5.1.2 Dissemination media and formats are adequate.

Data are released as a hard-copy Consumer Prices and Inflation, a monthly release for ICPI. It is suitable for most users’ needs. More detailed data or analyses are not published, but are available on request. The monthly figures are also published in the Quarterly Bulletin of the BON, which is also posted on the Bank’s Internet website.

The NPC is developing an Internet website, where a sub-site for CBS will be created. The CBS plans to disseminate the Monthly Releases as well as historical series on the website.

5.1.3 Statistics are released on a preannounced schedule.

There is no preannounced release schedule. In fact, the figures are published as soon as they are finalized, so the release date varies from month to month.

5.1.4 Statistics are made available to all users at the same time.

The ICPI is released simultaneously to all public and private users (including the press). However, since there is no release schedule, not all users know when it is available.

5.1.5 Nonpublished (but nonconfidential) subaggregates are made available upon request.

All available breakdowns are supplied on request and free of charge. However, this service is not specifically advertised.

5.2.1 Documentation on concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical techniques is available, and differences from internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices are annotated.

The Press Release that was published when the ICPI was first disseminated in 1993 contained limited information on the sources and methods. It is not readily available now and the information is not adequate. No other documents exist on the ICPI.

5.2.2 Levels of detail are adapted to the needs of the intended audience.

The Press Release is the only document that provides some description of sources and methods. A document on comprehensive sources and methods is not prepared.

5.3.1 Contact person for each subject field is publicized.

The monthly releases of the ICPI provide specific contact points at the CBS.

5.3.2 Catalogues of publications, documents, and other services, including information on any charges, are widely available.

Information on publications is not available. The statistical publications do not include catalogues of available publications. However, beginning from 2002, all CBS’s publications will include a list of its publications.

Table 1.2

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for Interim Consumer Price Index

(Compiling Agency: Central Bureau of Statistics)

Table 1.2

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for Interim Consumer Price Index

(Compiling Agency: Central Bureau of Statistics)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observe; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria
Element	NA	Assessment				Comments on Assessment	Plans for Improvement and Target Dates
		O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment			X			Responsibility for CPI is not clearly identified. No clear mandate to disseminate data.	The new Statistics Act being drafted will clarify this issue.
0.2 Resources			X			Staff turnover, lack of trained staff, low level computer hardware.
0.3 Quality awareness			X			No systematic external review for quality monitoring.
1. Integrity
1.1 Professionalism			X			Professional independence is not guaranteed.	The new Statistics Act to ensure this.
1.2 Transparency				X		Limited access to information on the CBS’s operations; no information on the process for data approval by the NPC is made available to the public.	The new Statistics Act to make the operation of CBS transparent.
1.3 Ethical standards			X			A clear set of guidelines for statistical staff has not been formalized.	Written guidelines for staff in statistical services will be prepared.
2. Methodological soundness
2.1 Concepts and definitions		X
2.2 Scope				X		Scope is limited to Windhoek; seasonal products are excluded.	A new CPI being developed represents consumption expenditures of all households in the country.
2.3 Classification/Sectorization			X			Classification is not based on COICOP.	The new CPI uses COICOP.
2.4 Basis for recording		X
3. Accuracy and reliability
3.1 Source data			X			Frequency for price collection for durables and some services (quarterly) are not adequate. Household surveys are not regular and frequent.	A household budget survey is planned for 2002/3.
3.2 Statistical techniques				X		Weight (1985) and price reference (1992 December) are outdated; they are different but no adjustment is made to weights. Inferior methods for treatment of missing prices and quality changes.	The CBS would like to introduce improved methods in compiling the new CPI. Necessary skill is lacking.
3.3 Assessment and validation of source data		X
3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs		X
3.5 Revision studies	X					The ICPI is not revised as all data on prices arrive timely and no major revisions have been implemented as yet.
4. Serviceability
4.1 Relevance			X			Only occasional workshops are conducted. No established process exists for consultation with users.
4.2 Timeliness and periodicity		X
4.3 Consistency		X
4.4 Revision policy and practice			X			Changes of base year/weight updates are not regular. Data are final when first released, but not advertised.	Future CPI releases will mention that the data are final.
5. Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility			X			No pre-announced scheduled; published as soon as possible.	NPC/CBS future website to include data.
5.2 Metadata accessibility				X		Very limited documentation is available.	Documentation will be prepared for new CPI.
5.3 Assistance to users			X			Limited information on publications.	CBS publications from 2002 to include a list.

View Table

Table 1.2

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for Interim Consumer Price Index

(Compiling Agency: Central Bureau of Statistics)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observe; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria
Element	NA	Assessment				Comments on Assessment	Plans for Improvement and Target Dates
		O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment			X			Responsibility for CPI is not clearly identified. No clear mandate to disseminate data.	The new Statistics Act being drafted will clarify this issue.
0.2 Resources			X			Staff turnover, lack of trained staff, low level computer hardware.
0.3 Quality awareness			X			No systematic external review for quality monitoring.
1. Integrity
1.1 Professionalism			X			Professional independence is not guaranteed.	The new Statistics Act to ensure this.
1.2 Transparency				X		Limited access to information on the CBS’s operations; no information on the process for data approval by the NPC is made available to the public.	The new Statistics Act to make the operation of CBS transparent.
1.3 Ethical standards			X			A clear set of guidelines for statistical staff has not been formalized.	Written guidelines for staff in statistical services will be prepared.
2. Methodological soundness
2.1 Concepts and definitions		X
2.2 Scope				X		Scope is limited to Windhoek; seasonal products are excluded.	A new CPI being developed represents consumption expenditures of all households in the country.
2.3 Classification/Sectorization			X			Classification is not based on COICOP.	The new CPI uses COICOP.
2.4 Basis for recording		X
3. Accuracy and reliability
3.1 Source data			X			Frequency for price collection for durables and some services (quarterly) are not adequate. Household surveys are not regular and frequent.	A household budget survey is planned for 2002/3.
3.2 Statistical techniques				X		Weight (1985) and price reference (1992 December) are outdated; they are different but no adjustment is made to weights. Inferior methods for treatment of missing prices and quality changes.	The CBS would like to introduce improved methods in compiling the new CPI. Necessary skill is lacking.
3.3 Assessment and validation of source data		X
3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs		X
3.5 Revision studies	X					The ICPI is not revised as all data on prices arrive timely and no major revisions have been implemented as yet.
4. Serviceability
4.1 Relevance			X			Only occasional workshops are conducted. No established process exists for consultation with users.
4.2 Timeliness and periodicity		X
4.3 Consistency		X
4.4 Revision policy and practice			X			Changes of base year/weight updates are not regular. Data are final when first released, but not advertised.	Future CPI releases will mention that the data are final.
5. Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility			X			No pre-announced scheduled; published as soon as possible.	NPC/CBS future website to include data.
5.2 Metadata accessibility				X		Very limited documentation is available.	Documentation will be prepared for new CPI.
5.3 Assistance to users			X			Limited information on publications.	CBS publications from 2002 to include a list.

0.1.1 The responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating statistics is clearly specified.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) collects and compiles central government finance data, in compliance with the State Finance Act No.31 of 1991 and at the direction of the Permanent Secretary at the MOF based on that Act. The MOF then disseminates central government finance statistics, both independently and in conjunction with the Bank of Namibia (BON) and the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Section 13 of the State Finance Act directs the Permanent Secretary to make, no later than six months after the end of the fiscal year, an annual accounting of the central government operations, and within seven months to provide these accounts to the office of the Auditor General for his review. These certified accounts are to be submitted to the Parliament within twelve months of the end of the fiscal year for its approval, and as soon as available are included in the annual Budget Statement, which is submitted in conjunction with the Minister of Finance’s budget presentation to the Parliament. The MOF also collects for policy purposes monthly data on central government operations, which as a public service it provides to the BON, which posts these data on its website and prints them in its Quarterly Bulletin and Annual Report. These data are processed within fifteen days of the end of the following month, and are derived from the same sources that are used to prepare the annual accounts, although the monthly and the annual data can not be completely reconciled. Monthly data are usually disseminated within thirty days of the end of the reference month.

0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among data producing agencies are adequate.

The MOF has sole responsibility for reporting annual and monthly fiscal and financial data, as compiled from the Budget Management and Accounting System, and makes these data available to other government agencies including the BON and the CBS as they are available. There is good cooperation among the agencies, and since the primary role of the MOF is clear, there is no duplication of effort or unnecessary respondent burden.

Two interagency committees, the Macroeconomic Working Group, consisting of the MOF, the BON, the National Planning Commission (NPC), and the Namibia Economic Policy Research Unit (NEPRU), and the Cabinet Treasury Committee, consisting of representatives of the MOF, the BON, and the NPC, act to provide a formal mechanism to maintain close liaison between fiscal data compilers and their primary users. Among other responsibilities, the Cabinet Treasury Committee must grant preliminary approval of the annual budget, which affords it substantial authority to act across ministries.

0.1.3 Respondents’ data are to be kept confidential and used for statistical purposes only.

Confidentiality of these data is protected under the Public Service Act No. 13 of 1995, which clearly identifies in Part III grounds for and punishment of misconduct, which includes dismissal from public service. In special circumstances, the MOF provides individual data to the BON and the CBS, whose employees are similarly charged to protect the confidentiality of individual data by the Statistics Act of 1976 and the Bank of Namibia Act of 1997, and when data are archived for permanent storage, their confidentiality is protected by the Archive Act. In addition to penalties provided in these separate acts, offenders are further subject to civil and criminal sanctions. In accordance with these regulations, all civil servants are required to sign a confidentiality statement when they are appointed.

0.1.4 Statistical reporting is ensured through legal mandate and/or measures to encourage response.

Central government statistical data are provided by the individual ministries to the MOF in accordance with provisions of the State Finance Act No. 31 of 1991. A recent reorganization at the MOF promoted the Accountant General, who bears responsibility for providing these accounts, to the director level, granting him greater authority in contacts with other government ministries and agencies. Financial reports for the social security administration, the parastatals, and extrabudgetary accounts are required to be audited by the Auditor General and approved by Parliament by separate legislative acts.

0.2.1 Staff, financial, and computing resources are commensurate with statistical programs.

The staff and other resources dedicated to compiling government finance statistics are not adequate, as evidenced by the fact that only four of ten positions are filled in the General Ledger Division of the MOF, which has primary responsibility for data compilation. With the restructuring of the MOF, efforts are underway to address these shortcomings, including improving the training and other qualifications of existing staff. Current training of staff is provided on-the-job, but the MOF is increasingly emphasizing external training as feasible.

The supporting accounting systems from the individual ministries and revenue departments in the MOF are computerized and are generally adequate for reporting purposes. These data are incorporated into the General Ledger by hand to allow careful screening for accuracy. The computer support is provided by a separate section within the MOF and thus is generally responsive to data reporting requirements. Unfortunately, an exceptional technical malfunction required the hand recovery of data from the past fiscal year, disrupting regular compilation of recent data. Efforts are being made to encourage the retention of experienced staff through access to short training courses (usually abroad) and a more aggressive promotion policy.

0.2.2 Measures to ensure efficient use of resources are implemented.

The shortage of skilled staff necessarily encourages short-term efficiency of human resources, but impedes the ability to undertake technical innovations which could expand the usefulness of government finance statistics that are disseminated. The costs associated with compiling GFS are not yet measured.

0.3.1 Processes are in place to focus on quality.

Quality is recognized by the MOF staff as the cornerstone of statistical work, and they diligently work with line ministries to ensure the accuracy of central government accounts.

0.3.2 Processes are in place to monitor the quality of the collection, processing, and dissemination of statistics.

The MOF interacts with line ministries and participates in the User’s Conference organized by the CBS to monitor and improve the quality of compiled and disseminated GFS. When monitoring and planning improvements to statistical quality, international statistical and accounting standards as established by GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) are taken into account.

0.3.3 Processes are in place to deal with quality considerations, including trade-offs within quality, and to guide planning for existing and emerging needs.

Trade-offs between “accurate, reliable, and comprehensive data” and timely data, where relevant, are taken into account in the MOF statistical work. Monthly data disseminated by the BON are unaudited and may substantially depart from the final annual accounts. However, annual GFS statistics based on audited fiscal data are at best available only 12 months after the end of the reference fiscal year, and the MOF does not have a practice of disseminating unaudited statistics, although these data are available for internal purposes 7 months after the end of the fiscal year.

Quality is taken into account in statistical planning, and some mechanisms are in place to address new and emerging data requirements, particularly for data requests from other government ministries. The MOF is responsive to external special data requests, and is initiating a project to establish an Integrated Financial Management System, which should substantially enhance the availability and variety of fiscal data.

1.1.1 Statistics are compiled on an impartial basis.

The MOF strongly emphasizes a professional approach to its statistical operations, which encompass the collection of revenue, grant, expenditure, and budgetary financing data, as well as maintaining the government debt register. To support these objectives, the MOF was reorganized in September 2001 and the Treasury operations including data dissemination were incorporated as the Department of State Accounts, one of two departments at the ministry, with the Accountant General designated at the Director level. This reorganization should promote the timely and independent collection, compilation, and dissemination of government public finance statistics, as supported by applicable laws and guidelines.

The MOF promotes professionalism through staff participation in regional seminars, workshops, conferences, and other training opportunities, but has not systematically promoted publication of analytical work or methodological papers.

1.1.2 Choices of sources and statistical techniques are informed solely by statistical considerations.

Government financial statistics are collected from government ministries and government records, which are based on complete information rather than statistical estimation techniques. The complete implementation of the new GFS methodology would require high level support. Certain decisions to increase the frequency and timeliness of the data or to publish preliminary figures and estimates would need to take political considerations into account.

1.1.3 The appropriate statistical entity is entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics.

The MOF staff can provide expert advice on technical and policy aspects of government financial statistics when necessary. The Minister of Finance provides an explanation of policy initiatives and their implications in his March Budget Speech (which includes central government statistics), and the MOF provides extensive commentary on the budget when it is tabled, in response to Parliamentary inquiries, and participates in a panel discussion on the budget organized by the media. Supplementary budgets are normally introduced in October, and the MOF provides a similar commentary on this occasion, as well. The Permanent Secretary responds to any issue on the technical aspects of government finance statistics.

1.2.1 The terms and conditions under which statistics are collected, processed and disseminated are available to the public.

The State Finance Act No. 31 of 1991, which broadly governs the collection of source data and the dissemination of comprehensive annual government finance statistics, is freely disseminated to the public. The Permanent Secretary of the MOF, in consultation with the Auditor General, can authorize administrative changes in the procedures which govern dissemination of the data. The monthly data which were developed for internal policy purposes and have been disseminated as a public service are collected in accordance with the regulations governing annual data.

1.2.2 Internal governmental access to statistics prior to their release is publicly identified.

Since the fiscal data are compiled and processed in the MOF, the responsible divisions and the Minister of Finance have first access to the compiled data. Monthly data are routinely distributed to the line ministries, the NPC, and the BON within 48 hours of their availability. The MOF has no independent publication outside the annual budget statement, so these data are not publicly disseminated until the BON posts them on its website and publishes them in its quarterly and annual reports. Although data confidentiality safeguards are not generally publicized, access to annual data related to preparation of the annual budget is very tightly controlled, with only top budget planners and the Minister provided these data until the formal budget presentation to Parliament, at which time they are publicly disseminated.

1.2.3 Products of statistical agencies/units are clearly identified as such.

The MOF is responsible for the main budget documents, which include a summary of the Development Budget, which is prepared separately by the NPC. Each document clearly identifies the agency responsible for its preparation.

1.2.4 Advance notice is given of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques.

The MOF has few avenues to provide formal explanations of changes in data compilation techniques. Major changes would be identified in the context of the budget presentation, and the government issues a weekly news bulletin which could be used for this purpose. Prominence is given in the publication of government finance statistics to any changes that cause a break in the time series. It does not seem that major changes have been preceded by an advance notice.

1.3.1 Guidelines for staff behavior are in place and are well known to the staff.

The compilation and subsequent dissemination of government finance statistics is entirely the responsibility of the MOF, and its staff are governed by both by the State Finance Act No.31 of 1991 and the Public Service Act No. 13 of 1995. This ensures that data are compiled and the results are presented according to strictly professional considerations. The code of conduct, which also covers conflicts of interest established thereby, is enforced by imposing sanctions including dismissal and criminal prosecution if applicable if the code is breached. Any officer or auditor who knowingly certifies or verifies any false statement or account to the Permanent Secretary is also guilty of an offence. To remind its staff of its ethical responsibilities and to reinforce the effectiveness of these regulations, in 1999 the MOF required all its staff to re-sign a statement acknowledging their obligations to discharge their duties ethically.

2.1.1 The overall structure in terms of concepts and definitions follows international standards, guidelines, or agreed practices. (GFSM 1986 guidelines)

Compilation and dissemination of the GFS for central government in the MOF’s Budget Statement for the Financial Year and Estimate of Revenue and Expenditure for the Financial Year is largely based on the GFSM 1986, which provides for the recording of transactions on a cash basis. The format of the summary central government accounts differs from GFS methodology in two important respects. First, central government transactions of an investment nature with other government units are separately included as revenue and expenditure, instead of being presented on a consolidated basis as net lending. Second, the financing of the budget is not provided in an analytically meaningful format.

Plans are underway to adopt an accrual framework for the government finance accounts, but no firm deadlines have been established for the conversion. The October 2001 Conference for the South Africa Development Community called for exploratory studies, with member countries to report back on their progress in two years.

2.2.1 The scope is broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or agreed practices. (GFSM 1986 guidelines.)

The scope of Namibian central government accounts as presented in the MOF’s annual publications Budget Statement for the Financial Year and Estimate of Revenue and Expenditure for the Fiscal Year, as well as that of the monthly data promulgated through the BON, basically covers all activities as defined to be those of the central government in GFSM 1986. They encompass the 21 central government ministries under 28 votes and exclude the social security fund and parastatals; however, they depart from GFSM 1986 by also excluding several extrabudgetary accounts, the most significant being that governing road building operations. Namibia is a unitary state and although it is in the process of establishing a federal structure comprising 13 regional councils, these entities have not yet been sanctioned by taw, and the regional and local governments do not have separate accounts. Otherwise, audited accounts prepared by various government agencies, which encompass the other government activities cited above, collectively cover the complete general government sector, but these data are not presented on a consolidated basis.

Data on total government debt data are provided quarterly, disseminated in the BON Quarterly Bulletin, but are only provided in an aggregate form, as total domestic and foreign government debt The Quarterly Bulletin and the Annual Report also provide a monthly series on Treasury Bill and Bond sales, the latter of which have a maturity structure extending to more than ten years.

Except for any revised administrative data, which are so identified, all data are complete and actual when published; therefore, the scope is complete upon publication.

2.3.1 Classification/sectorization systems used are broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices. (GFSM 1986 guidelines)

Revenue and expenditure data are broadly classified using the methodology set out in the GFSM 1986, except that as noted in section 2.1, net lending items are presented as separate revenue and expenditure items, and some development expenditures financed through external grants are omitted from the accounts. No detailed sources are provided for budgetary financing.

The sectorization is broadly consistent with the GFSM 1986 methodology.

2.4.1 Prices used to value flows and stocks reflect actual or expected cash payments. (GFSM 1986 guidelines)

All flows are measured in cash or cash equivalents.

Debt is valued at face value. The stock of external debt (consisting of loans only) is converted to national currency equivalents using the end of the period exchange rate. International transactions are converted into national currency using the mid-rate between buying and selling market rates on the date of recording.

2.4.2 Recording is done on a cash basis. (GFSM 1986 guidelines)

Transactions are recorded on a cash basis.

2.4.3 Grossing/netting procedures are broadly consistent with international standards, guidelines, or agreed practices. (GFSM 1986 guidelines)

Practically all transactions (including the sales of market establishments) are recorded on a gross basis, except refunds of revenue, which are netted against gross revenue receipts. These practices are consistent with GFSM 1986 recommendations.

3.1.1 Source data are collected from comprehensive data collection programs that take into account country-specific conditions.

Data covering nearly the full range (see sections 2.1 and 2.2) of financial stocks and flows for central government statistics are provided by the MOF administrative systems. Annual data on central government are disseminated with a 12 months lag.³ Monthly fiscal data are also compiled, but are subject to revision when audited annual fiscal data are prepared. Financial data on the Social Security System are also available, again with a delay. Once decentralization has been fully implemented, the accounts of regional councils will be prepared separately.

With information on the budgetary, extrabudgetary, and social security components of government available, it would be conceptually possible to present a consolidated set of accounts for the general government. Technical and staffing limitations make this an ambitious objective, however, and there are currently no plans to expand the data dissemination system to this level.

3.1.2 Source data reasonably approximate the definitions, scope, classifications, valuation, and time of recording required.

As noted in section 2.2.1, certain revenue, expenditure, and financing items in the state accounts are not in line with GFSM 1986 definitions. However, with the exception of financing data, the most detailed data of the central government accounts are sufficiently complete to be reclassified so they conform to GFS categories. Budget management and accounting systems do not include provision for automatic derivation of GFS items from budget items.

The timing of recording and valuation of operational source data sent to compilers are consistent with the GFSM 1986 concepts.

3.1.3 Source data are timely.

Monthly central government data are available for internal use by the MOF (on a provisional basis), and are timely (about 15 days after the end of the reference month). These data are not published by the MOF, but are available on the BON website as soon as they can be posted, and in its quarterly and annual printed reports (see section 1.2.2). They are, however, subject to considerable revision in the audited annual data. Annual internally audited central government data are produced within seven months, but not generally disseminated until the budget presentation 12 months after the end of the reference year.

3.2.1 Data compilation employs sound statistical techniques.

The MOF generally does not employ surveys or other estimation techniques, but relies on actual enumeration provided by other line ministries.

3.2.2 Other statistical procedures (e.g., data adjustments and transformations, and statistical analysis) employ sound statistical techniques.

As noted above, central government financial data are entirely based on administrative records, and data adjustments and reclassifications generally follow commonly accepted techniques.

3.3.1 Source data—including censuses, sample surveys and administrative records—are routinely assessed, e.g., for coverage, sample error, response error, and non-sampling error; the results of the assessments are monitored and made available to guide planning.

Consolidated GFS general government data are not compiled. Central government data are identified as actual, revised estimates (administrative data), and budget estimates. For annual data, accuracy is clearly favored at the expense of timeliness, and published final accounts have been audited by the Auditor General. Generally speaking, ministerial submissions and MOF administrative records that include a complete record of actual government expenditure constitute the best possible source data for compiling government finance statistics. In a few cases, however, such as for the level of development spending financed by external grants, the official accounts may be incomplete. Only in isolated cases does the MOF utilize information from outside sources.

The monthly central government data produced by the MOF primarily for internal policy reasons and disseminated through the BON are sufficiently accurate for fiscal development and analysis. These monthly data are used to provide revised current year budget projections for the central government, which are only available for internal policy purposes. Namibia has submitted its government financial statistics for the IMF’s GFS Yearbook through the year 2000.

3.4.1 Main intermediate data are validated against other information where applicable.

The MOF compiles the government financial statistics based on submissions from line ministries and its internal accounting records, which include complete records of checks issued by the BON as the government’s sole financial agent. The MOF maintains a close crosscheck of checks issued and cashed to compare with BON records. In general, when data are available from two sources, the inconsistencies are small, but in the case of expenditure submission records from line ministries, there are occasionally large discrepancies, which are reconciled. The BON conducts a donor survey to provide an independent estimate of these transactions, and the MOF incorporates these results in its statistics.

3.4.2 Statistical discrepancies in intermediate data are assessed and investigated.

The MOF takes statistical discrepancies very seriously and, given its limited staff, devotes considerable resources to resolving discrepancies between different MOF divisions. The Bank Reconciliation Section has primary responsibility for this task.

3.4.3 Statistical discrepancies and other potential indicators of problems in statistical outputs are investigated.

Several divisions at the MOF, including the General Ledger and the Asset, Cash, and Debt Management divisions, share the responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of MOF statistics. Other government users of MOF data, primarily the CBS and the BON, provide a crosscheck of data they disseminate, also employing information provided by the Auditor General. As the MOF also has the responsibility for managing government domestic and external debt, it compares financing flows to changes in debt stock to ensure financing consistency.

3.5.1 Studies and analysis of revisions are carried out routinely and used to inform statistical processes.

The monthly data are never revised, but considered final until amended in the preparation of the annual data. The preliminary actual annual data prepared for submission to the Auditor General within seven months of the end of the fiscal year are essentially final, as the Auditor General rarely makes changes or amendments. In any case, these data are not disseminated until they are final. In the absence of significant revisions, there are no reasons to undertake revision studies.

4.1.1 The relevance and practical utility of existing statistics in meeting users’ needs are monitored.

Annual central government statistics are compiled with the same time frame as for budget preparation. These data are used in the process of determining and evaluating fiscal policy. The analytical relevance of fiscal data is greatly diminished by the fact that no consolidated central and general government data are produced.

Monthly central government data are usually disseminated by the BON through its website within a month of the end of the reference period, and in its publications within a quarter of the end of the reference period, which provides full and complete disclosure of fiscal developments to the public at large.

Feedback from users is not sought on a regular basis.

4.2.1 Timeliness follows dissemination standards.

The MOF compiles central government operations data in a summary format monthly, with a lag of fifteen days, primarily for internal use, but they are posted on the BON website and subsequently published in BON quarterly and annual reports. Annual detailed data are compiled within seven months of the end of the reference period, and after certification by the Auditor General, are generally disseminated with a 12 months lag after the end of the reference year.

Consolidated central government debt, which excludes data on government-guaranteed debt, is produced by the MOF on a monthly basis. However, the only debt data publicly disseminated are in a summary form,⁴ total domestic and foreign debt, published quarterly in the BON’s Quarterly Bulletin, and annually in the MOF’s Estimate of Revenue and Expenditure for the Financial Year, which accompanies the Minister of Finance’s budget presentation. These summary debt statistics are available with a 3 months lag from the end of the reference period.

4.2.2 Periodicity follows dissemination standards.

Comprehensive annual data on consolidated central government operations are published with a 12 months lag after the end of the reference year in the MOF’s Estimate of Revenue and Expenditure for the Financial Year. More aggregated monthly data on central government operations are available through the BON, both on its website and in its quarterly and annual reports. Neither of these series provides disaggregated financing data. This compares with GDDS recommendation to publish annual consolidated central government data within 6–9 months after the reference period, and major government categories (revenues, expenditures, and financing) on a quarterly basis, within one quarter of the reference period.

Data on general government operations are not compiled. The GDDS encouraged practice is to publish annual general government data within six to nine months of the reference period.

The MOF does not disseminate disaggregated government debt data, and disseminates aggregated domestic and foreign debt only on a quarterly basis, with a lag of a quarter. This compares with the GDDS’ recommended practice to publish annual consolidated central government disaggregated debt data within one-to-two quarters of the end of the reference period. Quarterly reporting is encouraged, as is the inclusion of government-guaranteed debt.

4.3.1 Statistics are consistent within the dataset (e.g., accounting identities observed)

Major central government data aggregates on central government, such as total expenditure classified by economic type or functions (Table B and C in IMF’s GFS Yearbook), the deficit/surplus and financing, are generally consistent. The MOF data on changes in the stock of outstanding debt are not directly comparable to budgetary financing data, as neither are provided with sufficient disaggregation.

4.3.2 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable over a reasonable period of time.

Explanations for significant departures from expected trends, arising from changes in fiscal policy and/or economic developments, are provided in footnotes to the relevant tables. These developments would also be outlined in the Minister of Finance’s Budget Speech each year. Consistency in classification or methodological treatment is viewed as important by MOF staff; and they endeavor to maintain a consistent time series at all times.

Previously released time series are not adjusted to account for discontinuities arising from methodological developments, changes in the statistical system, etc., but major breaks in time series are clearly identified and the reasons are explained, usually in the Minister’s Budget Speech.

4.3.3 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable with those obtained through other data sources and/or statistical frameworks.

Government finance statistics, the balance of payments, and national accounts data are compiled by three different institutions. In some cases, data on financing from different sources within the MOF are difficult to reconcile despite efforts to do so.

The separate responsibilities for data preparation have not contributed to a common format, but central government finance statistics are presented in a format that facilitates comparison of fiscal data with data from other sources. Nonetheless, it is difficult to compare data on economic flows that are reported from two different sources, such as external government grants, which are included in government revenues and BON balance of payments data. In the case of external financial flows, the BON accepts records of the MOF, which maintains official debt records for the government.

4.4.1 Revisions follow a regular, well-established, and transparent schedule.

GFS revisions are limited to current annual budgetary central government data (provisional data) and these are identified in the published statistics. The revised annual budgetary central government data follow the regular publication schedule of the Budget Speech. Monthly government finance statistics on central government produced by the MOF, and disseminated by the BON, are not revised.

4.4.2 Preliminary data are clearly identified.

The revised annual budgetary central government data are normally published in the Budget Speech of the following year. The estimated or revised GFS are clearly identified in the MOF, BON, and CBS publications. Revised and final data are sufficiently consistent to allow revised administrative data to be used with confidence for policy determination and analysis.

4.4.3 Studies and analyses of revisions are made public.

The MOF does not undertake formal studies or analyses of revisions, though it does discuss these experiences with the line ministries involved to improve the quality of future submissions.

5.1.1 Statistics are presented in a way that facilitates proper interpretation and meaningful comparisons (layout and clarity of text, tables, and charts).

The annual central government finance statistics presented in the MOF’s Budget Statement for the Financial Year and Estimate of Revenue and Expenditure for the Financial Year, as well as the monthly data used for internal policy purposes and disseminated through the BON, are presented in a way which broadly allows major aggregates/balancing items to be identified and related to detailed underlying data. To facilitate comparisons, annual data are typically provided with a five-year times series. Some aggregates do deviate from international standards and guidelines (see section 2.3.1), and closer adherence to these standards could improve their usefulness for policy purposes, although collectively they provide a reasonably suitable basis for budget development and monitoring.

The MOF’s annual fiscal publications of central government statistics provide detail broadly equivalent to that set out in the GFSM 1986 tables, but do not include detailed financing or debt stock data. Consolidated data on the general government are not provided.

5.1.2 Dissemination media and formats are adequate.

The MOF routinely meets the reporting requirements of the State Finance Act, and preliminary actual annual data are compiled within seven months. The monthly data provided as a public service are typically available to all ministries and the BON within fifteen days of the end of the reference period, posted on the BON’s website shortly thereafter, and published in BON reports. Dissemination media and format are adequate.

5.1.3 Statistics are released on a preannounced schedule.

Although there is no formal preannounced schedule, the annual revised estimates for central government financial statistics are normally available for government use within seven months of the end of the reference period, and disseminated in conjunction with the budget speech delivered at the beginning of the next fiscal year. The monthly data are generally released within 15 days of the end of the reference month and posted on the BON’s website at their initiative.

5.1.4 Statistics are made available to all users at the same time.

All disseminated data are made available to all users simultaneously, and without preferential treatment for selected users.

5.1.5 Nonpublished (but nonconfidential) subaggregates are made available upon request.

Nonconfidential data are made available from the MOF upon request, after approval of the Permanent Secretary.

5.2.1 Documentation on concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical techniques is available, and differences from internationally accepted standards, guidelines or good practices are annotated.

Documentation of concepts, sources, and methods, and any revisions to them, are generally unavailable from domestic sources. Namibia is in the process of adopting the General Data Dissemination System (GDDS), and these characteristics of its government financial statistics, including any differences from internationally accepted standards, will be available on the DSBB. A bridge table showing the links between source data and government finance statistics is not publicly available.

5.2.2 Levels of detail are adapted to the needs of the intended audience.

No detailed technical descriptions of concepts, sources, and methods that would allow users to assess the strengths of the government finance statistics are published.

5.3.1 Contact person for each subject field is publicized.

Prompt and knowledgeable service and support are made available upon request but no measures have been taken to educate the users of the government finance statistics.

5.3.2 Catalogues of publications, documents, and other services, including information on any charges, are widely available.

The MOF publishes only the Budget Speech and related documents. It therefore does not publish any catalogue of MOF publications, documents, or other services.

Table 1.3

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for Government Finance Statistics

(Compiling Agency: Ministry of Finance)

Table 1.3

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for Government Finance Statistics

(Compiling Agency: Ministry of Finance)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observe; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria
Element	NA	Assessment				Comments on Assessment	Plans for Improvement and Target Dates
		O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment		X
0.2 Resources				X		Number of staff compiling data is inadequate (unfilled vacancies).
0.3 Quality awareness			X			Focus on short-term needs rather than on long-term planning.
1. Integrity
1.1 Professionalism		X
1.2 Transparency			X			Major changes in techniques poorly documented.
1.3 Ethical standards		X
2. Methodological soundness
2.1 Concepts and definitions				X		Some net lending operations are included in revenue/expenditure. Financing is not disaggregated.
2.2 Scope				X		Extrabudgetary and social security accounts are not included.
2.3 Classification/Sectorization			X			No details of debt stock, financing.
2.4 Basis for recording		X
3. Accuracy and reliability
3.1 Source data		X
3.2 Statistical techniques		X
3.3 Assessment and validation of source data		X
3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs			X			MOF does not make extensive use of outside sources to supplement internal data. Comparisons with monetary data are not possible owing to insufficient detail of financing data.
3.5 Revision studies	X					Revisions performed by Auditor General.
4. Serviceability
4.1 Relevance				X		Feedback from users not regularly sought.
4.2 Timeliness and periodicity			X			Annual detailed budgetary central government data are available only after 12 months.
4.3 Consistency			X			Insufficient data to allow cross-checks.
4.4 Revision policy and practice		X
5. Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility			X			Comparisons limited by lack of detail in data.
5.2 Metadata accessibility				X		No documentation available.
5.3 Assistance to users			X			Contact persons not generally identified.

View Table

Table 1.3

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for Government Finance Statistics

(Compiling Agency: Ministry of Finance)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observe; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria
Element	NA	Assessment				Comments on Assessment	Plans for Improvement and Target Dates
		O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment		X
0.2 Resources				X		Number of staff compiling data is inadequate (unfilled vacancies).
0.3 Quality awareness			X			Focus on short-term needs rather than on long-term planning.
1. Integrity
1.1 Professionalism		X
1.2 Transparency			X			Major changes in techniques poorly documented.
1.3 Ethical standards		X
2. Methodological soundness
2.1 Concepts and definitions				X		Some net lending operations are included in revenue/expenditure. Financing is not disaggregated.
2.2 Scope				X		Extrabudgetary and social security accounts are not included.
2.3 Classification/Sectorization			X			No details of debt stock, financing.
2.4 Basis for recording		X
3. Accuracy and reliability
3.1 Source data		X
3.2 Statistical techniques		X
3.3 Assessment and validation of source data		X
3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs			X			MOF does not make extensive use of outside sources to supplement internal data. Comparisons with monetary data are not possible owing to insufficient detail of financing data.
3.5 Revision studies	X					Revisions performed by Auditor General.
4. Serviceability
4.1 Relevance				X		Feedback from users not regularly sought.
4.2 Timeliness and periodicity			X			Annual detailed budgetary central government data are available only after 12 months.
4.3 Consistency			X			Insufficient data to allow cross-checks.
4.4 Revision policy and practice		X
5. Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility			X			Comparisons limited by lack of detail in data.
5.2 Metadata accessibility				X		No documentation available.
5.3 Assistance to users			X			Contact persons not generally identified.

0.1.1 The responsibility for processing, and disseminating statistics is clearly specified.

The Bank of Namibia (BON) is solely responsible for compiling and disseminating monetary statistics. Data are compiled under the terms and conditions set out in the Bank of Namibia Act (BON Act) of 1997 and the Banking Institutions Act (Banking Act) of 1998. The BON Act governs the activities of the BON and defines the BON’s authority to collect necessary information. According to section 56(1), the BON may direct any person to furnish the Bank with information that the Board may consider necessary for the Bank to perform effectively its functions. In terms of section 56(2), the Bank is authorized to request from any banking institution any information about its operations that may be needed for the proper discharge of the BON’s functions and responsibilities. In accordance with section 56(3), a failure to comply with the Bank’s request for information or a willful provision of false or misleading information is a criminal offence subject to fines or imprisonment. Furthermore, in terms of section 52 of the Banking Act, the BON is empowered to examine the affairs of any banking institution to determine its compliance with legal requirements pertaining to banking business.

While the BON Act addresses the issue of the BON’s authority to collect data from banking and other institutions, the BON’s responsibility for compiling and disseminating monetary statistics is not clearly specified. In terms of section 52 of the BON Act, the BON is only obliged to compile and submit to the Minister of Finance its annual accounts, a report on the Bank’s operations for the past year, and a report on the state of the economy. In addition, within 15 business days after the end of each month, the Bank shall submit to the Minister of Finance a return on the Bank’s assets and liabilities. These accounts, reports, and returns shall be published in a manner approved by the Minister of Finance. In section 52(4)(b), the BON Act authorizes the BON to publish other reports and studies on financial and economic issues as approved by the BON’s Board.

The BON compiles and disseminates on a monthly basis (a) a monetary survey, which is a consolidation of the accounts of the BON and those of the five commercial banks, and (b) a banking survey⁵, which consolidates the monetary survey and the accounts of four other banking institutions (OBIs). In addition to the monthly monetary and banking surveys, the BON publishes separate data on each of the groups of institutions.

The Monetary and Financial Data Section (MFDS) within the Statistics Division of the BON Research Department compiles the monetary statistics. In the statistical publications of the BON, the Research Department is identified as the unit responsible for the compilation and dissemination of the monetary statistics.

0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among other data producing agencies are adequate.

The BON publishes in its Quarterly Bulletin data provided by the CBS and the Ministry of Finance. Data sharing arrangements among the three agencies appear to be adequate, although these arrangements are not formalized.

0.1.3 Respondents’ data are to be kept confidential and used for statistical purposes only.

The Banking Act forbids publication by the BON of any information that would disclose particulars relating to the affairs of the banking institution or of a customer of a banking institution without their consent in writing (section 65(2)). In addition, in terms of section 12(1) of the BON Act, officials of the BON are prohibited from directly or indirectly disclosing any information acquired in the performance of duties or functions, except for the purpose of the performance of duties or functions or when lawfully required to do so.

Monetary statistics are produced mainly from balance sheet data provided by the commercial banks and other banking institutions in their monthly returns. Only the staff of the MFDS and of the Supervision Department have access to data of individual banks before they are aggregated and consolidated for publication.

0.1.4 Statistical reporting is ensured either through legal mandate and/or measures implemented to encourage voluntary reporting.

The Banking Act of 1998 provides the legal basis for ensuring mandatory reporting for monetary statistics purposes. Section 49(1) of the Banking Act imposes an obligation on banking institutions to provide to the BON, at the time and in the manner required by the BON, statements containing full particulars of all the assets and liabilities, including information on assets and liabilities of the branches of resident banking institutions outside Namibia. In addition, in terms of section 49(2) of the Banking Act, the BON is authorized to demand any other information relating to the banking business of the banking institution or any of its transactions.

0.2.1 Staff, financial, and computing resources are commensurate with institutional programs.

The MFDS has a total of three staff: one economist with a master’s degree and two research officers (one with a BA degree in accounting and economics, and the other with a diploma in business administration). The head of the section has two years of experience in money and banking statistics, and the other two staff members have one year and two months of experience in compiling monetary statistics, respectively. It is estimated that, on average, it takes at least one year of on-the-job training to gain sufficient knowledge and expertise to do the basic compilation work. At present, staff resources for compiling monetary statistics are considered adequate, although further training and on-the-job experience are clearly needed. Also, with the prospective implementation of the methodological requirements set out in the MFSM, the MFDS will have to assume a more proactive role in deriving data from administrative and accounting sources and expand its analytical role. In this connection, the BON intends to review the staffing needs in due course and provide additional resources if necessary.

Monetary statistics compilers are given the opportunity to participate in training courses offered at the South Africa Reserve Bank Training Institute, the Macroeconomic and Financial Management Institute of Southern and Eastern Africa (MEFMI), and the relevant courses offered by the IMF Institute. One research officer participated in the IMF’s Monetary and Financial Statistics training seminar in Abidjan in 2001.

The computer resources utilized in the collection and compilation of monetary statistics are adequate. All staff members have personal computers that are connected to the BON network and utilize a recent version of MS Office (including Excel and MS Word). With the assistance from the IMF, a data management system D-Bank has been installed and is being used in conjunction with Excel in producing monetary statistics.

At present, source data used for compiling the BON accounts and the commercial banks’ and other banking institutions’ accounts are provided in hard copy and require manual re-entry of data in the Excel spreadsheets. Although the Finance Department of the BON, in conjunction with the Information Technology Department, produces electronically detailed trial balance sheets on a monthly basis, these balance sheets are not used in compiling monetary statistics and no programs exist to permit linking the compilation of monetary statistics with the existing database of accounting records.

0.2.2 Measures to ensure efficient use of resources are implemented.

In general, all programs in the BON are subject to budget considerations and performance assessments. Each division prepares a work plan that includes plans of activities for sections. Divisional work programs are consolidated into the work program for the department. The implementation of work programs is monitored through quarterly performance assessments.

With a view to ensuring efficient use of resources, the Research Department recently initiated work on introducing electronic reporting by commercial banks and OBIs. Preliminary findings indicate that there are no issues of software compatibility and the implementation of the electronic reporting will be feasible within about six months.

0.3.1 Processes are in place to focus on quality.

The BON recognizes that official statistics must have the confidence of their users. The Corporate Charter of the BON promulgates a vision of the BON as a center of excellence, a professional and credible institution, a leader in the areas of economics, banking, and finance. The charter upholds integrity, impartiality, open communication, and transparency as the central values of the BON.

0.3.2 Processes are in place to monitor the quality of the collection, processing, and dissemination of statistics.

The Supervision Department verifies that data reporting practices followed by the commercial banks and other banking institutions are consistent with the regulations issued under the Banking Act of 1998. The Research Department has systems and procedures in place to ensure quality in the compilation process, and the staff of the MFDS, the head of the Statistics Division, and the Head of the department participate actively in the review of data prior to publication. However, the fact that the MFDS officials do not interact directly with the reporting banks and other banking institutions does not facilitate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the quality issues relating to the reported data. Similarly, a high level of aggregation of the balance sheet data used for compiling the BON accounts does not permit sufficient reviews and identification of data quality problems.

There is no external body authorized to provide guidance on the quality of monetary statistics and on strategies for improving data production. However, an internal Statistical Committee was established in November 2001 to review issues pertaining to the consistency and quality of the collection, processing, and dissemination of statistics. The committee is headed by the Deputy Head of the Research Department and includes heads of all sections of the Statistics Division and representatives of the Modeling and Forecasting Division. Beginning with the December 2001 issue of the Quarterly Bulletin, the BON started conducting users’ surveys to obtain feedback from users on data quality issues. Such surveys will be included in each issue of the bulletin and in the Annual Report.

0.3.3. Processes are in place to deal with quality considerations, including tradeoffs within quality, and to guide planning for existing and emerging needs.

There is wide recognition of the tradeoffs between data accuracy/reliability and timeliness. The priority is given to accuracy, even at the cost of delaying the publication of data. The production of monetary statistics is to a great extent automated through the use of worksheets linked with the database. As a result, it has been possible to adhere to a strict publication schedule, without compromising the quality of the data.

The Research Department and the Supervision Department work closely toward improving the methodological soundness of the data to take into account new initiatives and developments in the financial system. Following the publication of the MFSM, the BON is in the process of designing an appropriate migration path from the existing practices to the guidelines of the MFSM.

1.1.1 Statistics are compiled on an impartial basis.

The statutory provisions under which the BON compiles monetary statistics are adequate to support its independence in conducting these functions. The Governor and the Deputy Governor of the BON are appointed by the President in accordance with the Article 32(4)(b)(bb) of the Namibian Constitution and Section 4(3) and 4(4) of the BON Act from among persons having the necessary qualifications and professional experience. Although in accordance with section 49 of the BON Act the Cabinet is authorized to determine the policy to be adopted by the BON, such a policy directive is restricted to cases where in the opinion of the Minister of Finance the policies pursued by the BON are not adequate for, or conducive to, the achievement of the objectives of the Bank. Accordingly, the BON can perform its statistical functions independently without fear, favor, or prejudice.

Professional competency plays a key role in recruitment and promotion policy in the Research Department of the BON. A set of clear rules and principles based on performance govern the promotion policy. Professionalism of the staff in charge of compilation of monetary statistics is promoted by encouraging participation in lectures, conferences, seminars, and training courses, including those organized by the IMF. Professionalism is also promoted through encouraging staff publications in Research Papers, Working Papers, Discussion Papers, and Occasional Papers.

1.1.2 Choices of sources and statistical techniques are informed solely by statistical considerations.

Monetary statistics are compiled from the balance sheet of the BON and statements of assets and liabilities (Forms DMB 900 and OBI 900) of commercial banks and OBIs. The selection of sources is based solely on statistical considerations, with due regard to the cost of data collection and the reporting burden to the reporting institutions.

1.1.3 The appropriate statistical entity is entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics.

The Research Department comments on misinterpretations of its statistics if deemed truly significant. The Research Department seeks to prevent misinterpretation or misuse of monetary statistics by providing explanatory materials and notes.

1.2.1 The terms and conditions under which statistics are collected, processed, and disseminated are available to the public.

The BON Act and the Banking Act are easily available to the interested public in hard copy. In addition, the BON Act is posted on the BON’s website.

1.2.2 Internal governmental access to statistics prior to their release is publicly identified.

Following approval of the data by the Research Department, the monetary statistics are released to the public and provided to the management of the BON at the same time. No officials outside the BON have access to the data before their release to the public. No information on internal access to data prior to their release is available to the public.

1.2.3 Products of statistical agencies/units are clearly identified as such.

The BON’s statistical publications are clearly identified as products of the Research Department. Also, sources of data provided by other agencies (e.g., CBS) are clearly identified.

1.2.4 Advance notice is given of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques.

Major changes in methodology, such as those resulting from the implementation of the MFSM, will be announced to the public in the BON’s Quarterly Bulletin prior to their implementation. A full explanation will be provided at the time of the implementation.

1.3.1 Guidelines for staff behavior are clear and publicized.

The BON Act provides broad ethical guidelines, in particular regarding confidentiality, for employees of the BON. In addition, staff members of the BON are bound by the Code of Conduct, which is part B of the Staff Handbook. These internal documents instruct the staff, in particular, to observe secrecy regarding the information acquired in the course of duty, and not to use such information for private advantage. Upon commencement of employment, BON officials are required to sign an oath of confidentiality, and an Induction Course for new staff includes ethical guidelines.

2.1.1 The overall structure in terms of concepts and definitions follows internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or agreed practices.

The analytical framework used for compiling monetary statistics reflects concepts and definitions that are, in general, based on the IMF’s draft Guide to Money and Banking Statistics in International Financial Statistics of December 1984. A monetary survey is compiled on a monthly basis as the consolidation of the accounts of the BON and five commercial banks. A banking survey, which also is compiled monthly, consolidates the monetary survey and the accounts of four OBIs. The main monetary aggregates identified in the monetary survey are (i) narrow money (Ml), comprising currency outside banks and demand deposits of the nonbank, nongovernmental sectors, and (ii) quasi-money, comprising savings deposits and time deposits.

Broad money (M2) is defined as the sum of M1 and time and savings deposits; however, the institutional scope of this concept in Namibian monetary statistics appears to be somewhat confusing. In the monetary statistics published in the BON’s Quarterly Bulletin, broad money (M2) is derived in the monetary survey as the sum of narrow money (M1) and quasi-money. Therefore, it does not include deposit liabilities of the OBIs, which are not included in the monetary survey. A broader measure of money, including deposit liabilities of OBIs, is derived in the banking survey and is called “money supply.” On the other hand, in the BON’s monthly statistical publications (Monthly Monetary Statistics and Statistical Release of Selected Data), broad money (M2) is derived in the banking survey and includes deposit liabilities of the OBIs. As a result, the amount of broad money in the Quarterly Bulletin differs from the corresponding amount in the BON’s monthly publications. The Research Department intends to revise the monetary survey format as soon as practicable to ensure that the broad money (M2) aggregate is derived only in the banking survey.

Other aggregates identified in the monetary survey and in the banking survey are (i) foreign assets (net); (ii) domestic credit, disaggregated by claims on central government (net), claims on private sector, and other claims; and (iii) other items (net).

Following the publication in September 2000 of the MFSM, the BON intends to revise its procedures and formats for the collection, compilation, and dissemination of monetary statistics. This section compares present data compilation practices with those recommended in the MFSM. Hence, it indicates areas where the BON has yet to make changes to comply with the new methodological standard.

2.2.1 The scope is broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices.

The depository corporations in Namibia comprise the BON (the central bank), five commercial banks, and four OBIs (the Namibia Post Office Savings Bank, the Agricultural Bank of Namibia, the SWABOU Building Society, and the National Housing Enterprise). In accordance with the MFSM, the major framework for compiling monetary statistics is the Depository Corporations Survey (DCS), which consolidates the accounts of the central bank with those of all other depository corporations (issuers of liabilities that are included in the national definition of broad money). Thus, the scope of the banking survey compiled at present by the BON, which consolidates the accounts of the BON, the commercial banks, and the OBIs, is consistent with the standard recommended in the MFSM.

2.3.1 Classification/sectorization systems used are broadly consistent with international standards, guidelines, or agreed practices.

The principles of sectorization applied in the monetary statistics compiled by the BON are satisfactorily consistent with the MFSM. The following sectoral groupings of resident institutional units are distinguished: (i) central bank; (ii) deposit money banks (commercial banks); (iii) other banking institutions; (iv) nonbank financial institutions; (v) central government; (vi) local authorities and regional councils; (vii) nonfinancial public enterprises; and (viii) private sector (with further breakdown into businesses and individuals). Notwithstanding differences in naming convention, this sectoral classification can be easily reconciled with the guidelines of the MFSM.

In accordance with the MFSM, the distinction of nonresident units should be based on the concept of the center of economic interest. However, Namibian commercial banks tend to decide the residency issue on the basis of simplified criteria. Most banks rely for this purpose on the address of the client; any customer with an address in Namibia is considered resident. Some other banks rely on the formal permanent residency status of non-citizens, as stamped in the passport.

In accordance with the guidelines of the MFSM, branches of foreign banks operating in Namibia are included in the statistics as resident units. No Namibian banks have branches abroad.

The principles underlying the classification of financial instruments are based on international standards and, notwithstanding differences in terminology used, are generally consistent with the Fund’s statistical methodology as described in the MFSM. The classification framework is based on the liquidity of financial instruments and legal characteristics that describe the form of the underlying creditor/debtor relationship. However, the classification of financial instruments is less detailed than that required by the MFSM.

Financial derivatives are not separately identified in the returns submitted by commercial banks. The only commercial bank that engages in forward currency contracts reports the outstanding asset position under claims on nonresidents in foreign currency, and the liability position under borrowing in foreign exchange from nonresidents. Financial derivatives are not identified as a separate category of financial instruments. There appear to be no repo (securities repurchase agreements) transactions in Namibia.

2.4.1 Market prices are used to value flows and stocks.

The general recommendation of the MFSM is that the valuation of financial assets and liabilities should be based on market prices or, for financial assets and liabilities that are not traded or traded infrequently, on market-price equivalents (fair values). The valuation of loans is an exception to this principle, and loan values should be based on creditors’ outstanding claims without adjustment for expected loan losses. This amount comprises the outstanding principal plus any accrued interest and is referred to as the book value of a loan.

Valuation principles used by the BON in compiling the BON accounts appear to be consistent with these recommendations. Foreign securities (money market investments) are valued at market prices as of balance sheet date. The BON does not hold any other securities and does not extend loans.

The valuation principles applied in the commercial banks’ accounting are in general consistent with the MFSM recommendations. In the absence of a secondary market, treasury bills and other domestic securities’ holdings are recorded at book value (principal plus accrued interest), which in Namibia is a reasonable equivalent of market price (fair value).

Loans are reported at book value (principal plus accrued interest). However, commercial banks do not apply uniform procedures in reporting provisions for loans losses. Some banks net out provisions on the assets side from relevant loans. Other banks report loans on a gross basis and include provisions in “other liabilities”, which is consistent with the MFSM recommendations (however, provisions are not separately identified within “other liabilities”).

The conversion of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities is based on the end-of-period BON central rate. The only exception applies to the IMF deposits with the BON, which are recorded in national currency on the basis of the N$/SDRs exchange rate, called IMF holding rate, that is determined by the IMF Treasurers Department. This practice is not consistent with the recommendations of the MFSM, which do not exempt the IMF accounts from the general principle of using the end-of-period market exchange rate for conversion purposes. Commercial banks revalue their positions in foreign currencies on a daily basis using the mid-point market exchange rate.

2.4.2 Recording is done on an accrual basis.

In accordance with the accrual accounting principles recommended by the MFSM, interest accruing on deposits, loans, and securities other than shares should be incorporated into the outstanding amount of the financial asset or liability, rather than being treated as part of other accounts receivable/payable. With regard to the BON accounts, this principle is fully observed in the Namibian monetary statistics. In the monthly balance sheet of the BON, interest accrued on foreign securities (money market investments) is included in foreign assets, along with the underlying instruments. Interest accruing on the deposit liabilities of the BON (to banks, OBIs, and central government) is capitalized on the balance sheet date into the underlying deposits and there is no accrued interest outstanding. Fixed assets are recorded at historic cost (book) value, and presented in the balance sheet net of accumulated depreciation. The commercial banks’ records are kept on an accrual basis and accrued interest outstanding is classified along with the underlying instrument.

The MFSM recommends recording of transactions at the time of the change in ownership of the financial asset. This principle requires simultaneous recording of transactions by the transactors. At present, the standard form of settlement in Namibia is the end-day net settlement, by which all payments and receipts between banks accumulate during the day and are settled by transfer of the net amount at the end of the day. The BON is preparing to replace this system in the near future with a Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS), in which payments will be exchanged almost instantaneously.

2.4.3 Grossing/netting procedures are broadly consistent with international standards, guidelines, or agreed practices.

The general guideline of the MFSM and the 1993 SNA that data should be collected and compiled on a gross basis is only partially applied in the compilation of Namibian monetary statistics. In general, assets and liabilities of the commercial banks are reported on a gross basis in their monthly returns; however, contrary to the recommendations of the MFSM, interbank positions are excluded in consolidation from the aggregated statement of assets and liabilities (so called “detailed account”) of commercial banks. Similarly, data on the OBIs’ accounts are presented on a consolidated rather than on an aggregated basis. Consistent with the standard recommended in the MFSM, netting and consolidation adjustments should be made only in presenting the analytical surveys (the monetary survey and the banking survey or, in the new framework, the depository corporations survey).

3.1.1 Source data are collected from comprehensive data collection programs that take into account country-specific conditions.

The source data for compiling the analytical accounts of the central bank are the accounting records (balance sheet) of the BON, prepared by the Finance Department of the BON. These reports are generated from an electronic general ledger system based on complete recording. A detailed trial balance sheet, specifying balances of all accounts, is derived each month by the Information Technology Department and serves as a basis for the aggregated monthly balance sheet of the BON. This aggregated monthly balance sheet, along with some supporting records, is used by the Research Department as a source for compiling monetary statistics.

Given the high level of aggregation of the monthly balance sheet, it does not provide an adequate basis for the compilation of monetary statistics. The level of detail is insufficient to enable the classification of financial instruments and economic sectors in accordance with the 1984 Guide to Money and Banking Statistics in International Financial Statistics and in the MFSM.

The basic data sources for the commercial banks are the individual monthly returns called Institutional and Maturity Breakdown of Liabilities and Assets (Form DMB 900). Identical report form (coded OBI 900) is used to collect data from OBIs. These forms provide sufficiently detailed data for the compilation of monetary statistics.

3.1.2 Source data reasonably approximate the definitions, scope, classifications, valuation, and timing of recording required.

The BON balance sheet used for compiling monetary statistics does not approximate satisfactorily definitions, scope, and classification requirements of the MFSM. As a result, major monetary aggregates derived from this source cannot be treated with the necessary degree of confidence.

On the other hand, the reports provided by the commercial banks and OBIs cover a complete set of balance sheet positions and appear to be reasonably consistent with the methodological requirements of the MFSM. The Research Department recognizes that the current reporting framework does not conform adequately to the new international standard (MFSM) with regard to the definitions, scope, classification, valuation, and the basis of recording. Complete redesigning of the data reporting formats is an integral part of the BON’s medium-term plan for implementing the guidelines of the MFSM.

3.1.3 Source data are timely.

The data collection system allows sufficient time for the compilation of monetary statistics. The accounting records of the BON are provided to the Research Department within two weeks after the end of the month for purposes of monetary data compilation. The returns of the commercial banks and the OBIs are at present submitted in hard copy by the 21^st calendar day after the end of the month.

3.2.1 Data compilation employs sound statistical techniques.

The statistical techniques used to compile monetary statistics are to a great extent automated and minimize processing time and errors (e.g., coding, editing, and tabulating errors). However, insufficient use appears to be made from the possibility to apply built-in consistency checks, in particular to verify the consistency of interbank positions.

3.2.2 Other statistical procedures (e.g., data adjustments and transformations, and statistical analysis) employ sound statistical techniques.

The Research Department does not calculate seasonally adjusted monetary data and does not make any other statistical adjustments to monetary statistics. As a result, monetary statistics reflect actual practices used in accounting (e.g., classification, valuation, conversion of foreign currency denominated items), and these practices are not verified for consistency with the methodological requirements set out in the MFSM.

3.3.1 Source data—including censuses, sample surveys and administrative records—are routinely assessed, e.g., for coverage, sample error, response error, and non-sampling error; the results of the assessments are monitored and made available to guide planning.

Source data are routinely assessed and verified; however, compilers do not interact directly with reporting banks. Any source data issues have to be addressed through the Supervision Department.

3.4.1. Main intermediate data are validated against other information where applicable.

Intermediate data are not routinely verified for internal consistency. The Research Department verifies the consistency between the monetary and the balance of payments data. Net credit to central government is not crosschecked with information of the Ministry of Finance, because government finance data do not provide appropriate basis for such a crosschecking, as they do not include separate data on bank financing of government deficit.

3.4.2. Statistical discrepancies in intermediate data are assessed and investigated.

Any inconsistencies and unexplained large data variations are supposed to be investigated with the reporting bank through the Supervision Department or with the BON Finance Department. However, the consistency of interbank positions is not routinely verified and investigated.

3.4.3. Statistical discrepancies and other potential indicators of problems in statistical outputs are investigated.

Large changes in monetary or credit aggregates are very rare, and likely to occur only in the event of a significant change in the methodology. However, internal discrepancies in the final data, in particular those relating to interbank positions between the BON and the commercial banks, are not sufficiently investigated.

3.5.1 Studies and analyses of revisions are carried out routinely and used to inform statistical processes.

Monetary statistics are rarely subject to revisions. Given the sporadic nature of revisions to monetary data, no formal revision studies and analyses are carried out.

4.1.1 The relevance and practical utility of existing statistics in meeting users’ needs are monitored.

A users’ survey was included in the December 2001 issue of the Quarterly Bulletin and will be published in each consecutive issue. Senior staff participate in users’ fora, including international statistical meetings and seminars organized by international and regional organizations, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

4.2.1 Periodicity follows dissemination standards.

Monetary statistics comply fully with the periodicity guidelines of the GDDS, which recommend dissemination of monthly data on the analytical accounts of the central bank and the analytical accounts of the banking sector. These data are released to the public in the BON’s publications and on the Internet.

4.2.2 Timeliness follows dissemination standards.

The GDDS recommends dissemination of data on the analytical accounts of the central bank within 1–2 months of the end of the reference month, and on the analytical accounts of the banking sector within 1–3 months of the end of the reference month. The BON meets these guidelines, as all monetary statistics are released simultaneously on the Internet and in the Monthly Monetary Statistics and the Statistical Release of Selected Data by the 5^th calendar day of the second month after the end of the reference period (i.e., within about 5 weeks after the end of the reference month).

4.3.1 Statistics are consistent within the dataset.

The data on the BON claims on the commercial banks are inconsistent with the corresponding data reported by commercial banks. While the BON accounts show zero values for its claims on banks, the banks’ accounts record outstanding liabilities on credit from the BON in the range of up to N$120 million. Similarly, the BON and the commercial banks’ data on the commercial banks’ deposits with the BON show, at times, large discrepancies.

4.3.2 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable over a reasonable period of time.

The monetary statistics database of Namibia, which is maintained by the Research Department in the D-Bank database environment, contains monthly data starting in 1991. Monthly time series are published in the Quarterly Bulletin for the most recent two calendar years, and on an annual basis for the preceding four years.

4.3.3 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable with those obtained through other data sources and/or statistical frameworks.

The consistency of monetary statistics with the BOP data and data on international reserves is monitored internally within the Research Department and its Statistical Committee. Some attempts have been made to verify their consistency with the government finance data; however, government finance statistics does not provide sufficiently detailed financing data to permit meaningful and routine comparisons.

4.4.1 Revisions follow a regular, well established, and transparent schedule.

Monetary statistics are considered final when first publicly released and are not subject to regular revisions based on a pre-established schedule. This policy, however, is not announced to the public. In practice, revisions of monetary data are rare and insignificant.

4.4.2 Preliminary data are clearly identified.

Monetary data are final when first released to the public. Since it is highly unlikely that data will be revised, BON’s publications do not include notes on the status of the data (preliminary or final). Data users treat them as final.

4.4.3 Studies and analyses of revisions are made public.

There are no studies of revisions, as data are not revised on a routine basis.

5.1.1 Statistics are presented in a way that facilitates proper interpretation and meaningful comparisons (layout and clarity of text, tables, and charts).

The presentation of monetary statistics by the BON facilitates the interpretation of the data by the users. The central bank and the commercial bank accounts are presented in a balance sheet format. The format of the monetary survey and the banking survey follows the framework recommended in the IMF’s Guide to Money and Banking Statistics in the International Financial Statistics. The BON is considering several modifications to the presentation layout and descriptors to increase transparency.

5.1.2 Dissemination media and formats are adequate.

Monetary data are disseminated in hardcopy and in electronic formats to meet the needs of data users. The entire Monthly Selected Statistics and the Quarterly Bulletin are posted on the BON’s website.

5.1.3 Statistics are released on a pre-announced schedule.

An advance release calendar for the BON statistical publications for the next three months was published at the end of 2001 on the BON’s website and will be included in the Annual Report 2001 and in the next issue of the Quarterly Bulletin. The release schedule is defined in terms of specific dates.

5.1.4 Statistics are made available to all users at the same time.

The BON has procedures in place to ensure that the data are released simultaneously to all users. Owing to technical reasons, the publication of the Monthly Monetary Statistics and the Statistical Release of Selected Data precede at present the posting of monetary data on the Internet.

5.1.5 Nonpublished (but non-confidential) sub-aggregates are made available upon request.

Nonpublished (but nonconfidential) data are made available upon request from the Research Department. The department rarely receives user requests for historical and non-published data. The availability of nonpublished data is not publicized.

5.2.1 Documentation on concepts, scope, classification, basis for recording, data sources, and statistical techniques is available, and differences from internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices are annotated.

No statement of the methodology underlying the compilation of the monetary statistics is available. However, the Quarterly Bulletin and the Annual Report of the BON include explanations of major concepts and definitions.

5.2.2 Levels of detail are adapted to the needs of the intended audience.

No metadata are available at present. After the GDDS metadata for Namibia are posted on the IMF’s Dissemination Standards Bulletin Board, the BON intends to provide a link to this metadata on its website. The rationale for re-posting of the GDDS metadata on the BON’s website will also be considered.

5.3.1 Contact person for each subject field is publicized.

The BON’s statistical publications indicate that inquiries should be directed to the Research Department and provide the relevant phone and fax numbers and the mail and e-mail addresses. The Director of the Research Department is identified as a contact person. No documentation has been developed so far to educate users of related datasets, nor periodic surveys of users are conducted to monitor assistance to users.

5.3.2 Catalogues of publications, documents, and other services, including information on any changes, are widely available.

No catalogue of the BON publications and documents is available; however, a list of publications is included in the advance release calendar that is available on the website. The monthly statistical publications and the Quarterly Bulletin are distributed free of charge to a wide range of users, including government agencies, banks and other financial institutions, colleges, libraries, etc.

Table 1.4

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for Monetary Statistics

(Compiling Agency: Bank of Namibia)

Table 1.4

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for Monetary Statistics

(Compiling Agency: Bank of Namibia)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observe; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria
Element	NA	Assessment				Comments on Assessment	Plans for Improvement and Target Dates
		O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment			X			0.1 The BON’s statistical responsibilities are not clearly specified.
0.2 Resources		X
0.3 Quality awareness			X			0.3 There is no external body authorized to provide guidance on data quality.
1. Integrity
1.1 Professionalism		X
1.2 Transparency			X			1.2 No information on internal access is publicly available.
1.3 Ethical standards		X
2. Methodological soundness
2.1 Concepts and definitions			X			2.1 Broad money definition is confusing.	2.1 Broad money definition will be refined a.s.a.p.
2.2 Scope		X
2.3 Classification/Sectorization		X
2.4 Basis for recording			X			2.4 IMF accounts are converted using the IMF holding rate rather than the end-of-period market rate. Commercial banks’ data are consolidated rather than aggregated. Some banks net out provisions from loans.	2.4 These shortcomings will be eliminated by implementing the new data reporting and presentation formats that are part of the MFSM implementation project.
3. Accuracy and reliability
3.1 Source data				X		3.1 BON data sources are inadequate owing to the lack of detail. The BON balance sheet does not reasonably approximate definitions and classifications of the MFSM.
3.2 Statistical techniques				X		3.2 Insufficient use of built-in consistency checks. No statistical adjustments are done. Data reflect accounting practices, which are not verified for consistency with statistical methodology.
3.3 Assessment and validation of source data			X			3.3 Compilers do not interact directly with reporting banks.	3.3 A technical committee on statistics to be set up by the BON, including representatives of the reporting banks (March 2002)
3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs			X			3.4 Inconsistencies in intermediate data and outputs are not sufficiently monitored and investigated.
3.5 Revision studies	X					3.5 Data are considered final when published and there are on revisions.
4. Serviceability
4.1 Relevance			X			4.1 Users’ survey introduced only recently.
4.2 Timeliness and periodicity		X
4.3 Consistency				X		4.3 Interbank positions between the BON and the commercial banks are inconsistent.	4.3 The BON plans to investigate and eliminate the sources of discrepancies in interbank positions.
4.4 Revision policy and practice			X			Data are considered final when published, however, this policy is not announced to the public.
5. Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility			X			5.1 Clarity of data presentation could be improved. Availability of nonpublished data is not publicized.	5.1 Several improvements in the layout of tables are intended in the short term.
5.2 Metadata accessibility			X			5.2 No comprehensive documentation of methodology is available; however, concepts and definitions are publicized.	5.2 After GDDS metadata are posted on DSBB, a link will be provided on the BON website.
5.3 Assistance to users		X

View Table

Table 1.4

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for Monetary Statistics

(Compiling Agency: Bank of Namibia)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observe; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria
Element	NA	Assessment				Comments on Assessment	Plans for Improvement and Target Dates
		O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment			X			0.1 The BON’s statistical responsibilities are not clearly specified.
0.2 Resources		X
0.3 Quality awareness			X			0.3 There is no external body authorized to provide guidance on data quality.
1. Integrity
1.1 Professionalism		X
1.2 Transparency			X			1.2 No information on internal access is publicly available.
1.3 Ethical standards		X
2. Methodological soundness
2.1 Concepts and definitions			X			2.1 Broad money definition is confusing.	2.1 Broad money definition will be refined a.s.a.p.
2.2 Scope		X
2.3 Classification/Sectorization		X
2.4 Basis for recording			X			2.4 IMF accounts are converted using the IMF holding rate rather than the end-of-period market rate. Commercial banks’ data are consolidated rather than aggregated. Some banks net out provisions from loans.	2.4 These shortcomings will be eliminated by implementing the new data reporting and presentation formats that are part of the MFSM implementation project.
3. Accuracy and reliability
3.1 Source data				X		3.1 BON data sources are inadequate owing to the lack of detail. The BON balance sheet does not reasonably approximate definitions and classifications of the MFSM.
3.2 Statistical techniques				X		3.2 Insufficient use of built-in consistency checks. No statistical adjustments are done. Data reflect accounting practices, which are not verified for consistency with statistical methodology.
3.3 Assessment and validation of source data			X			3.3 Compilers do not interact directly with reporting banks.	3.3 A technical committee on statistics to be set up by the BON, including representatives of the reporting banks (March 2002)
3.4 Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs			X			3.4 Inconsistencies in intermediate data and outputs are not sufficiently monitored and investigated.
3.5 Revision studies	X					3.5 Data are considered final when published and there are on revisions.
4. Serviceability
4.1 Relevance			X			4.1 Users’ survey introduced only recently.
4.2 Timeliness and periodicity		X
4.3 Consistency				X		4.3 Interbank positions between the BON and the commercial banks are inconsistent.	4.3 The BON plans to investigate and eliminate the sources of discrepancies in interbank positions.
4.4 Revision policy and practice			X			Data are considered final when published, however, this policy is not announced to the public.
5. Accessibility
5.1 Data accessibility			X			5.1 Clarity of data presentation could be improved. Availability of nonpublished data is not publicized.	5.1 Several improvements in the layout of tables are intended in the short term.
5.2 Metadata accessibility			X			5.2 No comprehensive documentation of methodology is available; however, concepts and definitions are publicized.	5.2 After GDDS metadata are posted on DSBB, a link will be provided on the BON website.
5.3 Assistance to users		X

0.1.1 The responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating statistics is clearly specified.

The Bank of Namibia Act, 1997, provides for the collection of such information as the Board of the BON considers necessary for BON to effectively perform its functions. In particular, section 46(4) of the Act requires BON to maintain balance of payments statistics, and BON has compiled such statistics since its establishment in 1990. Section 52 of the Act permits but does not require BON to publish the balance of payments statistics. Further, sections 56(1) and 56(2) of the Act provide BON with the legal authority necessary to collect such data as are necessary to carry out this function and section 56(3) provides for penalties for noncompliance with BON requests for the supply of such information. BON compiles and publishes balance of payments statistics. Such statistics are available on an annual basis since 1990 and on a quarterly basis from the first quarter of 1999.

BON conducts a range of surveys to collect data for the compilation of balance of payments statistics. While the Statistics Act 1976 requires that CBS approves all survey questionnaires, BON has not consulted with CBS on any aspects of the development or conduct of surveys. However, cooperation between the two agencies is good in other aspects of statistical work, such as the production of merchandise exports statistics.

Most data collection is carried out directly by the BON. Where there is overlap of interest in the data with a government department or ministry, or with another department of BON, either joint collection has been agreed, or discussions on such arrangements are under way.

0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among data-producing agencies are adequate.

Within the BON, there are adequate informal arrangements on data sharing. There are also arrangements in place for the CBS to provide quarterly merchandise import statistics, and agreement has just been reached with the NPC regarding the quarterly collection of information on direct aid expenditures by foreign embassies in Namibia. Further, data on the transactions of Namibian embassies based abroad are obtained directly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; data on government borrowings and repayments are obtained from the Ministry of Finance; and data on the transactions of government departments and ministries directly with nonresidents are collected through a quarterly survey of these entities. Data on numbers of visitors to Namibia are provided only irregularly by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Trade Statistics Committee, with representatives of Customs, the CBS, and the BON, meets on an ad hoc basis to discuss problems with, and agree on the publication of, merchandise imports statistics. In 2001, a statistical advisory committee was established to oversee statistical policies and programs. The statistics act that is currently being developed will strengthen coordination between agencies. Informal consultations with the CBS and the NPC take place on an ad hoc basis.

0.1.3 Respondents’ data are to be kept confidential and used for statistical purposes only.

Section 12(1) of the Bank of Namibia Act 1997 protects the confidentiality of information provided by respondents by not permitting any BON employee to disclose any information acquired in his or her duties as an officer of the BON. Section 12(2) provides for penalties for any staff member who contravenes section 12(1). When staff first join BON, they are required to sign a confidentiality oath. In surveys and other statistical inquiries, respondents are informed of their rights and obligations with regard to the provision of information, and they are informed that the information they provide will be used for the purpose of producing statistics. Survey forms, with one exception, inform respondents that information in the form is to be used for statistical purposes only and will not be made available outside the of the Statistics Division of the Research Department of BON.

In general, BON staff outside of the Balance of Payments Section (BOPS) do not have access to electronically stored data; however, this provision does not apply to senior staff of the Research Department, who may access individual respondent data electronically for quality control purposes. There are procedures in place to ensure the eventual destruction of the hard copy questionnaires.

While BOPS staff check the published tables for any breaches of confidentiality of data, there are no formal procedures or legal provisions that ensure that confidential data are protected in the publications of BON.

0.1.4 Statistical reporting is ensured through legal mandate and/or measures to encourage response.

Section 56(1) of the Bank of Namibia Act 1997 requires all persons so requested to provide to BON the information it needs to compile the balance of payments statistics. No conflicts have arisen between this Act and any other laws or provisions. Legal penalties for noncompliance with reporting requirements are provided for in section 56(3) of the Act, although such provisions have not been used to date. Each survey questionnaire provides information on a contact point for assistance. In addition, the BOPS employs rigorous follow-up procedures to ensure timely receipt of data from respondent enterprises, including reminder letters, telephone calls, and visits to respondents.

In November 2000, a seminar was held for users; this aimed to raise the awareness of respondents to the importance of balance of payments statistics, for example by discussing the need for government economic policy, and showing how balance of payments data assist in the process of informing policy.

0.2.1 Staff, financial, and computing resources are commensurate with statistical programs.

BOPS has five staff (one economist, four research officers), plus one person (a senior economist) who has recently been promoted from BOPS and is now responsible for both balance of payments and monetary statistics. These existing resources are not always sufficient in peak work periods. Most staff have more than five years of experience in balance of payments data collection; compilation experience is more limited.

BON provides a range of in-house professional training. Other training is provided through such organizations such as the South African Reserve Bank, which runs a short introductory macroeconomic statistics course, and the Macroeconomic and Financial Management Institute of Eastern and Southern Africa (MEFMI), which holds a variety of statistical and management courses. BON also provides opportunities for staff to study abroad full time and to study part time in Namibia. Such study is supported by financial assistance. In addition, there are internal technical training meetings in subject matter areas and for software use. BON management noted the limited opportunities for detailed technical balance of payments training. The last Namibian participant in an IMF balance of payments course attended the headquarters course in 1996.

Computing resources are adequate; BON has up-to-date software and hardware, each member of the staff has his or her own computer with access to the BON internal network, e-mail, and the internet. BOPS uses the FOCUS database for data capture, ad analysis is carried out primarily in EXCEL. There is one person from the Information Technology Department dedicated to working with the Research Department.

Financial resources are adequate.

0.2.2 Measures to ensure efficient use of resources are implemented.

Each year, work plans are developed at the section, then divisional, then departmental level, feeding into the work plan of the organization, in accordance with the strategic directions of BON. For each member of staff, quarterly work goals are developed and assessed through the performance assessment system.

There are no internal processes in place to compare the resource usage of the balance of payments compilation system with other statistical programs. BON adopts new technology (hardware and software) in a timely manner and management is open to suggestions for improvements to efficiency.

0.3.1 Processes are in place to focus on quality.

Managers are sensitive to all dimensions of data quality: integrity, methodological soundness, accuracy and reliability, serviceability, and accessibility. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of high quality statistics. The Corporate Charter of the BON is included in the BON’s Annual Report each year and in the Quarterly Bulletin, as well as being displayed clearly on each floor of the BON building. This Charter comprises statements of the mission, vision, and values of BON.

0.3.2 Processes are in place to monitor the quality of the collection, processing, and dissemination of statistics.

The data in each returned survey questionnaire are checked for internal consistency, for consistency with previous returns, and for unusual data (such as high values) before they are inputted to the processing system. If necessary, the respondent is contacted to confirm or correct the return. In addition all data entry is checked.-

In November 2001, the Research Department of BON established its Statistical Committee, comprising the heads of the various sections in the Statistics Division and chaired by the Deputy Head of Research, to review all data before publication in the Quarterly Bulletin and the Annual Report to ensure consistency amongst the various published statistical series. The first task of this Committee has been to develop a framework to review consistency. There is no body distinct from BOPS that provides guidance on the quality of the balance of payments statistics and on strategies for improving data production. No processes are in place to obtain user feedback on data quality issues.

Informal feedback received from users is incorporated into improvements to the collection system. In addition, a user survey has recently been added to the Quarterly Bulletin, inviting feedback on the content of the publication.

0.3.3 Processes are in place to deal with quality considerations, including tradeoffs within quality, and to guide planning for existing and emerging needs.

There is a recognition that there is a trade-off between the timeliness and accuracy of the data. Emphasis is on accuracy; there are rare occasions when the quarterly balance of payments data have not been published on time because of concerns about quality that have arisen when survey data have not been available before the survey close-off date. In these instances, publication of the Quarterly Bulletin has been delayed. While such trade-offs have not been discussed formally with users, there have been informal discussions and users are in agreement with BON policy.

Data quality improvements are taken into account in the development of the forward work program and are incorporated into the quarterly performance agreements with the staff. In addition, the work of BOPS has recently been reorganized to ensure closer links between the compilation of the current account on the one hand and the capital and financial accounts on the other.

In November 2000, there was a one-off seminar with respondents and users of balance of payments statistics, and informal discussions with users take place from time to time; however there is no mechanism in place to meet with either group on a regular basis to discuss new and emerging data requirements.

1.1.1 Statistics are compiled on an impartial basis.

The statutory provisions under which BON compiles balance of payments statistics are adequate to support its independence in this area. The Governor and the Deputy Governor of BON are appointed by the President in accordance with the Article 32(4)(b)(bb) of the Namibian Constitution and Sections 4(3) and 4(4) of the Bank of Namibia Act 1997 from among persons having the necessary qualifications and professional experience. Although in accordance with section 49 of the Act the Cabinet is authorized to determine the policy to be adopted by BON, such a policy directive is restricted to cases where in the opinion of the Minister of Finance the policies pursued by BON are not adequate for, or conducive to, the achievement of the objectives of BON. Accordingly, BON performs its statistical functions impartially.

Recruitment and promotion policies and practices in BON are the responsibility of the Human Resources Department (HRD), which endeavors to be impartial in these matters and oversees the processes as they are carried out in BON.

BON encourages staff to produce research papers (working papers and occasional papers) that are made available publicly through the website. Before being made publicly available, these papers are vetted within the Research Department. In addition, staff may produce ‘box articles’ for inclusion in the publications. Internal seminars and meetings are held within the Research Department to discuss and debate topics of interest (for example, the introduction of the value added tax or the depreciation of the currency). There are also informal discussions held on Friday afternoons in which Research Department staff may participate, to discuss various topics of interest that are raised by the staff.

Data published in the Quarterly Bulletin and the Annual Report are reviewed by the Statistical Committee within the Research Department.

1.1.2 Choices of sources and statistical techniques are informed solely by statistical considerations.

BON is independent in the choice of data collection methods. The choice of source data and statistical techniques is based primarily on statistical considerations, although there may be other constraints, particularly the need to consider costs and cost-effectiveness within BOPS and also the costs to respondents in supplying the required data.

1.1.3 The appropriate statistical entity is entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics.

BON has not been in the situation where it has been aware of balance of payments data being misinterpreted or misused.

1.2.1 The terms and conditions under which statistics are collected, processed, and disseminated are available to the public.

The Bank of Namibia Act 1997 is posted on the BON website at www.bon.com.na. This contains all of the legal provisions under which data are collected and disseminated. The survey questionnaires that are used to obtain data also spell out the legal provisions for obligation to report and confidentiality of data.

1.2.2 Internal governmental access to statistics prior to their release is publicly identified.

There is no internal governmental or other public access to the balance of payments statistics prior to their release in the Quarterly Bulletin; however this policy should be publicly disseminated. The content of this publication is approved by the Head of Research. The Annual Report, which is provided to the Board of BON before publication, may contain annual data that at that time have not been published. However, by the time the Annual Report is publicly available, all data contained in it will have been released in the latest Quarterly Bulletin.

1.2.3 Products of statistical agencies/units are clearly identified as such.

Quarterly data for the latest periods are released through the Quarterly Bulletin and on BON’s website. They are clearly identifiable as products of the BON’s Research Department.

1.2.4 Advance notice is given of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques.

There have been no major changes in methodology since the introduction of balance of payments statistics.

1.3.1 Guidelines for staff behavior are in place and are well known to the staff.

Guidelines are in place regarding potential conflict of interest situations, secrecy, and confidentiality. These are contained in the Code of Conduct section of the Staff Handbook, which is provided to all staff when they join BON. These internal documents instruct the staff, in particular, to observe secrecy regarding the information acquired in the course of duty, and not to use such information for private advantage. Upon commencement of employment, BON staff are required to sign an oath of confidentiality, and an Induction Course for new staff includes ethical guidelines as one focus. Basic guidelines are also included in the Bank of Namibia Act 1997.

2.1.1 The overall structure in terms of concepts and definitions follows internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices.

Balance of payments statistics are compiled broadly in accordance with the guidelines set out in the fifth edition of the IMF’s Balance of Payments Manual (BPM5). Following these guidelines, the balance of payments statistics include the current account, comprising goods, services, income, and current transfers; the capital account; comprising capital transfers; and the financial account, comprising direct investment, portfolio investment, other investment, and reserve assets. While data are compiled, for the most part, on a gross basis as recommended in BPM5, a number of components of the current account and capital transfers are disseminated on a net basis, as the credits for these components are small.

2.2.1 The scope is broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices.

The economic territory of Namibia consists of the economic territory administered by the government of Namibia and includes the economic processing zone (EPZ). In theory, no transactions between residents of Namibia and nonresidents are excluded from the balance of payments statistics. The definition of resident institutional units is in conformity with the BPM5 concepts of economic territory, residence, and center of economic interest, with the exception of the definition of residence used by commercial banks, and embodied in the balance of payments statistics through the use of the monetary and financial data. Most banks distinguish resident and nonresident units on the basis of the address of the client; any client with an address in Namibia is considered to be a resident of Namibia. Some other banks rely on the formal permanent residence status of non-citizens, as shown in their passports. There are some transactions that are not included in the balance of payments statistics. These are identified in 3.1.1 below.

2.3.1 Classification/sectorization systems used are broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices.

The classification/sectorization used in Namibia’s balance of payments statistics is broadly consistent with the BPM5 guidelines. Following these guidelines, the balance of payments statistics include the current account, comprising goods, services, income, and current transfers; the capital account, comprising capital transfers; and the financial account, comprising direct investment, portfolio investment, other investment, and reserve assets. Financial derivatives is not shown as a separate functional category. Transactions of foreign-owned banks are correctly classified; however the classification of transactions relating to the activities of life insurance and pension funds needs further investigation (these are classified to other investment). The four sectors, general government (comprising all government departments and ministries), monetary authorities (comprising BON), banks (comprising all commercial banks), and other sectors (nonbank financial institutions, enterprises, and individuals) are distinguished. Specific issues are:

Goods: The breakdown of goods specified in BPM5 is not provided; the necessary data are not collected.

Services: The component breakdown of services is not as detailed as that recommended in BPM5, as a number of services components have very small values for transactions. Services data are disseminated for transportation, travel, insurance, other private services, and other government services.

Income: Compensation of employees and investment income are separately identified, and the major components of investment income, direct, portfolio, and other investment are shown separately.

Current and capital transfers: The breakdown of current transfers meets the requirements of BPM5; however no breakdown of capital transfers is provided.

Financial account: The classification by type of investment, by instrument, and by sector follows BPM5, except that financial derivatives has not been introduced as a separate functional category. Data on financial derivative transactions are cither not collected or are not separately identifiable; their importance is not known but is thought to be small.

Reserve assets: Namibia does not have monetary gold; SDRs, Reserve Position in the Fund and foreign currency holdings are separately identified in reserves.

2.4.1 Market prices are used to value flows and stocks.

The principle of market valuation specified in BPM5 is followed wherever possible in the valuation of transactions. In some cases data are only available at book values. For data provided in foreign currencies, conversions into domestic currency are in accordance with BPM5 guidelines. Where transactions are derived from stock data, they are estimated as the change in stocks; there is no estimation of the effect of exchange rate fluctuations or, where relevant, price and other changes.

2.4.2 Recording is done on an accrual basis.

Transactions are measured on a mixture of cash and accruals bases, depending on the data source.

2.4.3 Grossing/netting procedures are broadly consistent with internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices.

The compilation of current, capital, and financial account transactions generally follow BPM5 guidelines. For the current and capital accounts, BPM5 recommends that data should be published gross, that is, credits and debits should be separately identified. While data are generally compiled on a gross basis, the services components, compensation of employees, current transfers, and capital transfers are disseminated on a net basis. The credit data for these components are small. Following BPM5, financial account transactions are compiled on a net basis, separately for the individual asset and liability components.

3.1.1 Source data are collected from comprehensive data collection programs that take into account country-specific conditions.

A comprehensive data collection system, comprising a wide variety of sources forms the basis of the balance of payments system. The principle sources are:

• CBS provides information on imports at c.i.f. valuation, although with substantial delays;

• NPC provides quarterly data on aid spending in Namibia directly by embassies – to both government and nongovernmental organizations;

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides data on the transactions of Namibian embassies abroad;

• Ministry of Finance provides data on government borrowings and repayments;

• BOPS conducts a range of quarterly surveys of business enterprises: fishing companies; diamond producers and processors; other Namibia-owned enterprises; parastatals; government departments; municipalities; nongovernmental organizations; enterprises with ten percent or more foreign ownership (direct investment enterprises); enterprises with foreign subsidiaries; nongovernmental organizations; life assurance and unit trusts managed in South Africa for Namibian residents; pension, provident, and other employee benefit funds managed in South Africa for Namibian employees; enterprises investing directly in South African pension and provident funds, and annuity and other retirement benefit schemes; and building societies. All enterprises with annual transactions, or stocks of assets or liabilities, of more than N$500,000 are included in the quarterly surveys. There is no sampling of smaller enterprises, and no estimation has been made for these since the introduction of the quarterly statistics.

• BON’s monetary survey is used to derive the transactions of commercial banks, and data from BON are used to derive transactions in reserve assets. In these derivations, there is no distinction made for exchange rate, price, or other changes; these are included with transactions. The definitions of residence of individuals used by commercial banks differ from that of BPM5; the effect of this has not been estimated.

• BOPS conducts an annual business register update of all enterprises. New enterprises are added based on information from the Ministry of Trade and Industry on newly registered businesses. This annual survey identifies those enterprises that have transactions with nonresidents, the overseas ownership of Namibian resident enterprises, and the overseas subsidiaries of Namibian resident enterprises. In addition, newspapers may sometimes provide information on new enterprises. This process means that an enterprise may be operating for several quarters before being incorporated into the appropriate quarterly survey (and transactions for the first quarter for which they are included in the survey may be overstated). Follow-up procedures with survey respondents allow for the identification of those units that have ceased operation.

BON also has an exchange control system, whereby all resident enterprises including government enterprises, ministries, and departments, are required to have all new loans approved, along with the repayments of all loans. At present, this system covers only those transactions that take place between Namibian residents and nonresidents outside of the Common Monetary Area (CMA), and is therefore not used by BOPS.

The sources of data for each balance of payments component are as follows:

Goods: Merchandise imports on a c.i.f. basis are supplied by CBS, but with lengthy delays of 8–12 months. These are adjusted to f.o.b. basis by a fixed factor for imports (7.6 percent freight and 0.85 percent insurance). These factors are not regularly updated. There is a substantial time lag before these data are available, and preliminary estimates are made for the most recent periods. In addition, adjustments to a BPM5 basis are made for coverage and valuation, based on other information available on recent events in the economy. These adjustments are not made publicly available, but an explanation was provided when the quarterly statistics were introduced in 2000 (for data from the first quarter of 1999 onwards). Exports are estimated directly by BOPS from a range of data sources:

• diamonds, gold, and other precious and semi-precious minerals and gemstones from the Ministry of Mines;

• estimates of smuggled diamonds from the Diamond Board;

• data on exports of meat and live animals from the Meat Board;

• game exports from the Ministry of Tourism;

• fish exports;

• exports of ostrich meat, feathers, oil, and skins;

• exports of beer and soft drinks;

• electricity; and

• a range of miscellaneous exports obtained from the quarterly surveys.

Goods procured in ports by carriers and repairs on goods are not covered in the balance of payments statistics.

Transportation: Freight transportation services are estimated using fixed proportions of imports plus exports. Transportation estimates are incomplete; in particular, transactions relating to the use of airport facilities by foreign carriers in Namibia and the Namibian airline abroad are not included.

Travel: Travel credits are estimated by BON based on information on trade fairs, SADC and other meetings and seminars, meetings of ministers and heads of state, and the annual agriculture show. While the Ministry of Home Affairs collects data on the number of visitors to Namibia by nationality and length of stay, these data are not made available to BON. The estimates are not robust. There was a tourism study in 1993 that was used to establish a benchmark estimate. There are only a small number of Namibian residents who travel abroad, and a very small number of border and seasonal workers. Estimates are not made for the expenditures in these categories; the values are believed to be very small.

Other services: Freight insurance services are estimated as 0.85 percent of total imports. Data on all other services are obtained from the quarterly surveys and direct collection from government ministries. The transactions of telecommunications enterprises are not completely covered. Transactions related to the activities of Namibian peacekeepers abroad are not included.

Compensation of employees: Data are obtained from the exchange control system (which at present does not cover transactions with other CMA countries). Amounts are very small.

Investment Income: Data on investment income are obtained from the quarterly surveys. Data on retained earnings of direct investment enterprises are identified separately in the survey. However, while these income data are collected and compiled, they have not always been included in the published data; rather, staff estimates of income have usually been included. Income on reserve assets is included.

Current and capital transfers: The data for these two categories are obtained from (i) surveys of government departments and nongovernmental organizations on aid and other receipts from government and nongovernmental sources abroad, (ii) data obtained from NPC on aid provided directly by foreign embassies in Namibia, (iii) SACU receipts and grants; (iv) withholding taxes received (from nonresidents). Contributions to international organizations, net insurance premiums and insurance claims are not included.

Direct investment: Data are obtained from the quarterly survey of direct investment enterprises resident in Namibia. Enterprises in the EPZ are included, although data are often difficult to obtain. New enterprises are often not included in the survey for some quarters after they begin operations. There is little direct investment by Namibian residents abroad. Although some new activities have been identified, coverage is incomplete.

Portfolio investment and other investment: Data are obtained from the quarterly surveys and from the monetary survey. Recently, problems have arisen with the measurement of transactions relating to the taking up by nonresidents of Treasury bills issued. The traditional methods of nonresident purchase have been replaced by the use of local brokers who buy on behalf of nonresidents. Information on these transactions is not presently collected. Both domestic and nonresident companies are listed on the stock exchanges in Namibia and South Africa. The Stock Exchange used to supply information on the foreign ownership of listed companies; however it no longer does so. This gives rise to possible undercoverage of transactions in equities. As with direct investment enterprises, new, in-scope enterprises are often not included in the survey for some quarters after they begin operations. Where transactions are estimated from stock values, no adjustments are made for exchange rate and other changes. The definition of residence used in the monetary survey varies slightly from that BPM5. The effects of this variation are not known.

Financial derivatives: Transactions in financial derivatives are not included; however such activity is believed to be minor.

Reserve assets: Data on stocks are obtained from BON. Transactions are estimated as the change in stocks; no adjustments are made for exchange rate or other changes.

Revisions are incorporated as new data become available; individual components may be revised for up to three years, although consideration is being given to increasing to five years the period in which revisions may be introduced. While newspapers are monitored for new international activities, relevant transactions are not usually introduced in a timely manner.

3.1.2 Source data reasonably approximate the definitions, scope, classifications, valuation, and time of recording required.

In general, source data reasonably approximate BPM5 definitions and recommendations for scope and classification. For principal goods exports, data are obtained directly from the exporters or their umbrella organizations. Customs based import data are adjusted from c.i.f. to f.o.b. using fixed ratios. Imports data have incomplete coverage. No adjustments are made to move from a cash to an accruals basis where data are provided on a cash basis. Coverage of portfolio investment does not include the nonresident purchase of Treasury bills or all stock and share transactions between residents and nonresidents. There are a number of data gaps in services.

3.1.3 Source data are timely.

The quarterly questionnaires clearly identify the deadlines set for reporting. Written reminders are sent to tardy respondents. BON uses such follow-up procedures as telephone calls and e-mail contact for the large respondents, but not for all smaller ones. Personal visits are also made on a periodic basis to encourage respondents to report and to identify difficulties that respondents face in supplying data. Rigorous application of these procedures has seen survey response rates increase from around 30–40 percent to over 60 percent in the last two to three years. This has allowed for more timely production of the data. In general, response for current account data collection is faster, and the response rate higher, than that for financial account data. Merchandise imports are not timely, with a delay of 8–12 months in production.

3.2.1 Data compilation employs sound statistical techniques

Data management procedures have been set up to check survey returns and to minimize processing errors. When received, survey returns are checked for internal consistency and opening stock levels are checked against closing levels for the previous quarter. Where necessary any errors, inconsistencies and large or unexpected values in the return are followed up with the respondent. Data entry is checked by another member of staff. Data are stored and manipulated in the FOCUS database, which outputs the detailed balance of payments tables. There are no consistency checks encompassed in the detailed worksheet used for compiling the balance of payments statistics.

The documentation of the data collection and compilations systems was written in 1993; it is now outdated.

3.2.2 Other statistical procedures (e.g., data adjustments and transformations, and statistical analysis) employ sound statistical techniques.

Estimates regarding nonrespondents are made for each nonrespondent individually, considering the special circumstances of the enterprises. Follow-up is also carried out by telephone, particularly for large respondents. No estimates are made for the activities of small enterprises. The c.i.f/f.o.b. adjustment factor and the factors for estimating freight transportation have not been reviewed since they were introduced in the early 1990s. The most recent quarters of merchandise imports are estimated by BOPS.

3.3.1 Source data—including censuses, sample surveys and administrative records—are routinely assessed, e.g., for coverage, sample error, response error, and non-sampling error; the results of the assessments are monitored and made available to guide planning.

BOPS has a business register for enterprises that are identified as in scope for the BOP and IIP. The an annual business register enquiry survey provides information that allows BOPS to identify in-scope enterprises. Response rates to surveys are monitored each quarter. Unusual responses, including high-value transactions are confirmed with respondents. Checking of responses is carried out to ensure that assets and liabilities are recorded consistently over time, and that there is consistency between reported transactions and stock data.

Revisions are made to published statistics whenever new or improved data become available. However, no analysis of revisions is carried out.

3.4.1 Main intermediate data are validated against other information where applicable.

Cross-checking with other data sources is not carried out routinely at present, although a number of developments are under way in this area. Occasionally, when it is available, information from newspapers is used to cross-check large transactions.

No comparisons of data on selected external debt transactions are made with the Joint BIS-IMF-OECD-World Bank Statistics on External Debt or the BIS locational international banking statistics. No use is made of the final audited government accounts.

3.4.2 Statistical discrepancies in intermediate data are assessed and investigated.

Verification procedures also involve the occasional assessment of reported data on investment income payments and receipts in relation to the corresponding stock data in the questionnaires.

3.4.3 Statistical discrepancies and other potential indicators of problems in statistical outputs are investigated.

While there is awareness that net errors and omissions has become large and variable, little work has been done to date in investigating the reasons for this problem. A bilateral reconciliation of the financial account was carried out with South Africa, Namibia’s major trading partner, in 2001. Large differences were identified in the data. Methodologies were compared and variations that might cause these divergences in data were identified. Portfolio investment was identified as a particular problem.

3.5.1 Studies and analyses of revisions are carried out routinely and used to inform statistical processes (see also 4.4.3).

No record is kept of revisions to the published data, and no systematic study of revisions has been carried out.

4.1.1 The relevance and practical utility of existing statistics in meeting users’ needs are monitored.

Informal feedback received from users has been incorporated into the compilation process. Recently, a survey of users of the BON’s Quarterly Bulletin was introduced; the survey form is included with the publication. The survey includes questions about the publication, not about the statistics. There is no other established process of consultation with users. As and when opportunities are available, BOPS staff participate in regional and international statistical meetings and seminars. There are few such opportunities.

4.2.1 Timeliness follows dissemination standards.

Quarterly balance of payments statistics are normally disseminated with a time lag of one quarter, but on rare occasions the publication of the Quarterly Bulletin has been delayed for a few days because balance of payments statistics were not prepared on time due to insufficient response to the surveys. The standard for GDDS is met.

4.2.2 Periodicity follows dissemination standards

Namibia compiles and disseminates quarterly balance of payments statistics, and the annual statistics are calculated as the sum of the four quarters, thus exceeding the standard for GDDS and meeting the standard for the SDDS. Balance of payments statistics are available on an annual basis since 1990 and a quarterly basis from the first quarter of 1999.

4.3.1 Statistics are consistent within the dataset.

Annual balance of payments statistics are derived as the sum of the four quarters; thus quarterly and annual statistics are consistent. Net errors and omissions as an indicator of consistency is extremely variable and often large; it would appear that there are inconsistencies within the balance of payments dataset.

4.3.2 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable over a reasonable period of time.

Annual statistics were produced up until 1999. Quarterly statistics were introduced in 2000 from the first quarter of 1999. While the data collection methods were not changed with the introduction of the quarterly statistics, particularly for the financial account components, respondents had difficulty in providing quarterly data. Thus there may have been some decline in the completeness of the statistics at this point. No detailed methodology notes exist that explain the introduction of the quarterly statistics, although there was an article published in the Quarterly Bulletin at the time of first release of these series. Some discussion of the data is included when the data are disseminated in the Quarterly Bulletin.

4.3.3 Statistics are consistent or reconcilable with those obtained through other data sources and/or statistical frameworks.

The BON is working towards complete consistency of BOP and IIP data with the other macroeconomic statistics. At present, there is consistency with monetary and financial statistics (which are used as a data source). BOPS makes adjustments to the merchandise imports for undercoverage and for valuation and estimates exports of goods completely separately from the merchandise exports data produced by the CBS from Customs data.

The detailed quarterly balance of payments worksheet is provided to the CBS for national accounts purposes; it assumed therefore that there is consistency. While the external accounts include appropriately the transactions of the enterprises in the EPZ (which are regarded as Namibian residents for the balance of payments), there is some doubt as to whether the domestic activities of these entities are included in the national accounts.

Data collection of stocks of foreign financial assets and liabilities takes place on the same survey forms as the balance of payments data. Thus international investment position statistics are produced in conjunction with the balance of payments statistics and are consistent with one main exception. Transactions associated with the activities of life insurance and pension funds that are managed in South Africa are classified as other investment in the balance of payments statistics and portfolio investment in the international investment position statistics. This should be further investigated. In addition, the statistical treatment of unit trusts should be confirmed.

BOPS surveys government departments and ministries on a quarterly basis directly to obtain information on their transactions, if any, directly with nonresidents. Information on aid flows is taken from the records of the Ministry of Finance and data on government borrowings and repayments are obtained from the debt management system of the Ministry of Finance. Data on the expenditure of Namibian embassies situated abroad is obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These data are not checked against the final publication of the audited government accounts.

While external debt statistics may be derived from the international investment position statement, this is not done at present and no official external debt statistics are produced.

4.4.1 Revisions follow a regular, well-established and transparent schedule.

Revisions are made as and when data become available, for up to three years. These revisions are not identified in the published statistics and no explanation or analysis of the revisions is provided. There is no written policy on revisions.

4.4.2 Preliminary data are clearly identified

First published estimates are always identified as provisional, so that users realize that revisions may occur. Revised data are disseminated with the same level of detail as previously published for the data being revised. However there is no indication in the revised data to show those periods and components of the balance of payments statistics that have been revised.

4.4.3 Studies and analyses of revisions are made public (see also 3.5.1)

Users are not informed of the causes of revisions to the balance of payments statistics, and no analysis is carried out to assess the reliability of the preliminary data.

5.1.1 Statistics are presented in a way that facilitates proper interpretation and meaningful comparisons (layout and clarity of text, tables, and charts).

Text and charts describing the data and current period developments accompany the tables published in the Quarterly Bulletin, which is the first publication of the data. Release of the Quarterly Bulletin is accompanied by a press release, which makes reference to balance of payments data. Capital and financial account data are made available, on a less timely basis, through the BON website.

For services and current transfers components, data are published on a net basis. Although debits for these items are likely to be small, this presentation makes it more difficult for users to understand the data. Extra detail on grants received by Namibia is provided within current transfers component, thus facilitating user analysis of the data.

No seasonal adjustment is carried out.

5.1.2 Dissemination media and formats are adequate.

Quarterly data for the latest periods are published in a timely manner in the BON Quarterly Bulletin. Annual data, at the same level of detail, are published in the BON Annual Report. Both publications provide the address of the BON website as well as information on what can be found on the website (both quarterly and annual data). All publications are currently free of charge. In addition, the Annual Report and Quarterly Bulletin are e-mailed to a number of users of the data, as well as to those respondents who have requested it. These dissemination formats are believed to be adequate.

5.1.3 Statistics are released on the pre-announced schedule.

A three month advance release calendar for the publication of the Quarterly Bulletin and the Annual Report has been produced and may be found on the BON website. This has recently been introduced and will need to be publicized.

5.1.4 Statistics are made available to all users at the same time.

The data are released simultaneously to all interested users through the publication of the Quarterly Bulletin. Data on the website are not updated simultaneously, but are provided as soon as is possible. Data are not made available to any users until after the release of the Quarterly Bulletin. The policy on data release is not made public.

5.1.5 Non-published (but non-confidential) sub-aggregates are made available upon request.

Apart from the sharing of the detailed balance of payments worksheet with the CBS on a confidential basis for national accounts purposes, no non-published data are made available.

Occasionally, on request, special tabulations of non-published, non-confidential data are provided to users. Users are not informed that such a service is available.

5.2.1 Documentation on concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical techniques is available, and differences from internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices are annotated.

Documentation of the methods used for compiling balance of payments statistics is not publicly available, with the exception of the summary methodology that is published in the IMF’s Balance of Payments Statistics Yearbook; however, this documentation is now quite out of date.

No metadata, including information on concepts, definitions, classification and other methodology, data sources, and statistical techniques, are prepared and disseminated to the public. A ‘box article’ about the statistics was included in the Quarterly Bulletin when the quarterly statistics were introduced. ‘Box articles’ are short articles about topics of special interest that may be included in either the Quarterly Bulletin or the Annual Report.

GDDS metadata are being developed in association with the IMF.

5.2.2 Levels of detail are adapted to the needs of the intended audience.

A comprehensive sources and methods document was produced in 1993 and is available internally to BON to inform compilers and analysts. However, this document is not available outside BON and in need of editing and updating.

5.3.1 Contact person for each subject field is publicized.

The Quarterly Bulletin provides a designated contact position (the Head of Research), with mail address, telephone and facsimile numbers, and e-mail address, for all queries related to the publication. Queries are then allocated to individual staff.

5.3.2 Catalogues of publications, documents, and other services, including information on any charges, are widely available.

No catalogue of publications, documents, and other services to users is available; however, a list of publications is included in the advance release calendar that is provided on the website. A list of research papers, which may be downloaded free of charge, is provided on the website. The Quarterly Bulletin and the Annual Report both list the information that may be found on the website.

Table 1.5

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for Balance of Payments

(Compiling Agency: Bank of Namibia)

Table 1.5

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for Balance of Payments

(Compiling Agency: Bank of Namibia)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observe; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria
Element		NA	Assessment				Comments on Assessment	Plans for Improvement and Target Dates
			O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1	Legal and institutional environment			X			There is no legal obligation to disseminate balance of payments data. There are no formal processes that ensure that confidential data are not inadvertently disclosed in publications.	Processes for ensuring confidentiality of output will be reviewed.
0.2	Resources		X
0.3	Quality awareness			X			There is no body distinct from the data producing unit that provides guidance on quality or strategies for improving balance of payments data. There is no formal process in place to obtain user feedback on data quality issues.
1. Integrity
1.1	Professionalism		X
1.2	Transparency			X			While statistics are not made available to any users before publications, this policy is not publicly known.
1.3	Ethical standards		X
2. Methodological soundness
2.1	Concepts and definitions		X
2.2	Scope		X
2.3	Classification/Sectorization		X
2.4	Basis for recording			X			Valuation is a mixture of market price and book value; recording is on a mixture of cash and accrual bases. Capital account and some current account data are disseminated net, rather than showing credit and debit data separately.
3. Accuracy and reliability
3.1	Source data			X			There are lengthy delays in the provision of merchandise imports. Where transactions are estimated from stocks of assets and liabilities, no account is taken of exchange, valuation, and other changes. There are a number of data gaps. Investment income estimates do not use survey data and are inconsistent with financial account data. New enterprises are introduced to the survey with long delays in some cases.	Some data gaps will be addressed and improvements made to existing data. Plans include improvements to air and road transportation, travel, government services, and further investigation of EPZs. Further effort, through visits to respondents, will be made to improve response rates.
3.2	Statistical techniques			X			There is no up-to-date internal documentation. No statistical techniques are used to produce estimates for small enterprises.	Internal data collection and compilation documentation will be updated and improved.
3.3	Assessment and validation of source data			X			There is no systematic monitoring of response rates.
3.4	Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs				X		There are no processes in place for conducting internal data consistency checks between the various components and for cross-checking with other data sources. Large and variable net errors and omissions have not been investigated as yet.	BON is currently developing a system to monitor all receipts and payments activity between residents and nonresidents. This will be an important and useful cross-checking tool. Discussions are under way.
3.5	Revision studies					X	No revision studies are carried out.
4. Serviceability
4.1	Relevance			X			There is no formal process of consultation with users.
4.2	Timeliness and periodicity		X
4.3	Consistency			X			Net errors and omissions are large and variable. Statistics are believed to be consistent with national accounts and monetary statistics; there is no crosscheck with final fiscal data. There is no consistency with merchandise exports and number of coverage adjustments are made to merchandise imports. The inconsistency between the BOP and IIP data for the statistical treatment of life insurance and pension funds should be investigated.	A review of all questionnaires is planned.
4.4	Revision policy and practice			X			Revisions are made as and when available; this is not explained publicly. There is no systematic study of revisions.
5. Accessibility
5.1	Data accessibility			X			Some current account components and the capital account are disseminated on a net basis. Policies on provision of data are not made public.
5.2	Metadata accessibility				X		There is no publicly available documentation on concepts, sources and methods.
5.3	Assistance to users		X

View Table

Table 1.5

Namibia—Data Quality Assessment Framework: Summary Presentation of Results for Balance of Payments

(Compiling Agency: Bank of Namibia)

Key to symbols: NA = Not Applicable; O = Practice Observed; LO = Practice Largely Observe; LNO = Practice Largely Not Observed; NO = Practice Not Observed; SDDS = Complies with SDDS Criteria
Element		NA	Assessment				Comments on Assessment	Plans for Improvement and Target Dates
			O	LO	LNO	NO
0. Prerequisites of quality
0.1	Legal and institutional environment			X			There is no legal obligation to disseminate balance of payments data. There are no formal processes that ensure that confidential data are not inadvertently disclosed in publications.	Processes for ensuring confidentiality of output will be reviewed.
0.2	Resources		X
0.3	Quality awareness			X			There is no body distinct from the data producing unit that provides guidance on quality or strategies for improving balance of payments data. There is no formal process in place to obtain user feedback on data quality issues.
1. Integrity
1.1	Professionalism		X
1.2	Transparency			X			While statistics are not made available to any users before publications, this policy is not publicly known.
1.3	Ethical standards		X
2. Methodological soundness
2.1	Concepts and definitions		X
2.2	Scope		X
2.3	Classification/Sectorization		X
2.4	Basis for recording			X			Valuation is a mixture of market price and book value; recording is on a mixture of cash and accrual bases. Capital account and some current account data are disseminated net, rather than showing credit and debit data separately.
3. Accuracy and reliability
3.1	Source data			X			There are lengthy delays in the provision of merchandise imports. Where transactions are estimated from stocks of assets and liabilities, no account is taken of exchange, valuation, and other changes. There are a number of data gaps. Investment income estimates do not use survey data and are inconsistent with financial account data. New enterprises are introduced to the survey with long delays in some cases.	Some data gaps will be addressed and improvements made to existing data. Plans include improvements to air and road transportation, travel, government services, and further investigation of EPZs. Further effort, through visits to respondents, will be made to improve response rates.
3.2	Statistical techniques			X			There is no up-to-date internal documentation. No statistical techniques are used to produce estimates for small enterprises.	Internal data collection and compilation documentation will be updated and improved.
3.3	Assessment and validation of source data			X			There is no systematic monitoring of response rates.
3.4	Assessment and validation of intermediate data and statistical outputs				X		There are no processes in place for conducting internal data consistency checks between the various components and for cross-checking with other data sources. Large and variable net errors and omissions have not been investigated as yet.	BON is currently developing a system to monitor all receipts and payments activity between residents and nonresidents. This will be an important and useful cross-checking tool. Discussions are under way.
3.5	Revision studies					X	No revision studies are carried out.
4. Serviceability
4.1	Relevance			X			There is no formal process of consultation with users.
4.2	Timeliness and periodicity		X
4.3	Consistency			X			Net errors and omissions are large and variable. Statistics are believed to be consistent with national accounts and monetary statistics; there is no crosscheck with final fiscal data. There is no consistency with merchandise exports and number of coverage adjustments are made to merchandise imports. The inconsistency between the BOP and IIP data for the statistical treatment of life insurance and pension funds should be investigated.	A review of all questionnaires is planned.
4.4	Revision policy and practice			X			Revisions are made as and when available; this is not explained publicly. There is no systematic study of revisions.
5. Accessibility
5.1	Data accessibility			X			Some current account components and the capital account are disseminated on a net basis. Policies on provision of data are not made public.
5.2	Metadata accessibility				X		There is no publicly available documentation on concepts, sources and methods.
5.3	Assistance to users		X