Flawed Baselines, Fractured Economies: The Impact of Census Inaccuracy on African Macroeconomic Planning

Abstract This study examines the macroeconomic consequences of faulty demographic data across African states. Inaccurate census processes severely compromise national planning by introducing structural distortions into fiscal allocation models, public service distribution, and revenue projections. Utilizing a comparative framework, this paper analyzes how politicization, logistical failures, and technological deficits lead to misallocated national resources. The findings reveal that inflated or undercounted population figures destabilize financial sustainability, misguide infrastructural investments, and deter foreign direct investment (FDI). Ultimately, the study demonstrates that accurate demographic data is an irreplaceable prerequisite for achieving long-term economic stability and sustainable national development in Africa.