MEMBERSHIP OF STATNET
Members are drawn from social science and development management disciplines and are accomplished statisticians, econometricians, policy analysts and practitioners as well as researchers with extensive experience in the building of statistical capacity, statistical analysis, and management of national statistics and statistical agencies; respectable knowledge of fundamental principles, international standards and frameworks in the management of national statistics and the assessment of the quality of data; and an excellent understanding of, and commitment to, the role of national statistics in the drive for transparency, accountability and good governance.

OBJECTIVES
The main objective of STATNET is to help strengthen ACBF’s internal capacity and enhance its access to a wider pool of experts in the strengthening of national statistical capacity and improvement of the quality of national data. STATNET is being established to support the activities of ACBF Secretariat in the core competence area - “Strengthening and Monitoring of National Statistics”, and, where possible, provide the Foundation’s other knowledge networks an idea management tool through which they can broaden consultation and seek responses to specific issues and questions relating to statistical capacity building. STATNET is expected to achieve other objectives. It is expected to serve as:

• an institutional support for reviewing aspects of the Foundation’s activities and adding value to its operations;
• an idea management tool for ACBF secretariat to seek professional opinion on issues and discuss ideas in greater depth; and
• a professional arm of the relevant thematic network or community of practice that will be set up by the Foundation with a focus on the strengthening and monitoring of national statistics.

ACTIVITIES
On an annual basis, STATNET will be expected to undertake the activities listed below:

1. ANNUAL POSITION PAPER
   STATNET will be expected to prepare a position paper on developments relating to the state of statistical capacity and system on the African continent. The Annual Position Paper will be a regular feature of the Annual Work Plan of the TAP-NET and will be used as an instrument for systematically tracking progress or lack thereof in the building of capacity of national and regional statistical agencies.
   
   
2. STATNET ISSUES AND LESSONS NOTES
   STATNET will be expected to identify, research and prepare a country or region’s Lessons, Best Practice or an Avoidable Pitfall Note each year that could provide lessons to countries in sub-Saharan Africa in any of the following areas, among others:
   
   • Extent of application of international standards, frameworks and guidelines in the building, utilization and maintenance of national statistics and statistical capacity.
   • Profile of international efforts, partnerships and resources in support of the building of statistical capacity in Africa and ease of access to international resources.
   • Emerging methodologies and techniques in data collection and analysis.
   • Extent of application of standard practices in the compilation and dissemination of national statistics.
   • Reforms in statistical policies and agencies.
   • Contributions of national statistics to transparency, accountability and efficiency in the management of national resources and good governance.
   
   The Note will be disseminated on behalf of the Network as a knowledge product to assist in the building and strengthening of statistical capacity.
   
   
3. ACBF REGIONAL WORKSHOP RESOURCE PERSONS
   Members of the Network will be expected to serve as resource persons at ACBF Biennial Forum for Policymakers.
   
   
4. SENIOR POLICYMAKERS AND DEVELOPMENT PRACTITIONERS KNOWLEDGE SHARING PROGRAM
   STATNET will be expected to propose a short list of prominent senior policymakers and development practitioners who have made outstanding contributions to statistical reforms or in the strengthening of capacity of national and regional statistical institutions in Africa and/or any of the developing regions. Members of the Network will lead or participate in an interview panel that will extract tactic knowledge from the selected policymakers on issues relating to statistical capacity building.
   
   
5. ACBF ANNUAL LECTURE SERIES
   STATNET will be expected to take turns with ACBF TAP-NETs to prepare and present a lecture at ACBF Annual Lecture Series on Capacity Building and Development Management. The lecture will focus on capacity building or substantive development issues within its competence area. The Annual Lectures will be held back to back with the Annual Regular Meeting of ACBF Board of Governors.
   
   
6. REFLECTIONS BY STATNET MEMBERS
   Members of the Network will be expected to contribute a 3-5 page reflection on developments and issues relating to statistical capacity building and reforms as well as the application of international standards and best practices in the strengthening of national statistics.
   
   
7. DISCUSSIONS, INFORMATION EXCHANGE AND ADVICE
   STATNET members will be expected to:
   
   • Participate in the TAP-NET’s discussions and information sharing activities, and assist to respond to request for information and advice on project and program operations by ACBF Secretariat.
   • Inform members of the Network regularly about web sites, portals and other information sources that are links to data, information and knowledge materials on issues and practices in statistical reforms and capacity building in Africa and other developing regions. This will also include information sources on major international seminars, workshops, conferences, symposia, colloquiums, training programs and publications relating to statistical capacity building in Africa.

   Peer review and add value to ACBF publications and other knowledge-related materials that will be posted from time to time on the Network’s web site.

8. CONTRIBUTIONS TO ACBF PUBLICATIONS
   STATNET members will be welcome to make contributions to any of the following publications by ACBF:
   
   • ACBF Capacity Building Review.
   • ACBF Occasional Papers.
   • Africa’s Development Research Abstracts.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
The performance of STATNET will be evaluated every year to determine the level of its effectiveness. The evaluation will examine overall performance and the contributions of individual members of the Network.