Seven Economic Research Studies produced by Rwandans were presented
Seven economic research studies produced by Rwandans on the country were presented as part of the 3rd annual conference organized by the Economic Policy Research Network (EPRN) to prepare the EDPRS 3 / Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy, Phase 3
“These seven studies cover different sectors of the economy of Rwanda in order to point out certain shortcomings observed in some other sector. The important thing is to see if Rwanda’s economic growth is well analyzed in order to better guide political decision-makers in the formulation of national policies, “said Françoise Kayitare Tengera, Director of the College of Economic Affairs Gikondo Campus within The University of Rwanda.
She acknowledged that Rwanda is a country with rapid economic growth. But it is important that universities, private operators, civil society, international organizations such as the German Agency for Cooperation (GIZ) and other stakeholders can point out the points to be strengthened.
It is within this framework that studies on Rwanda must be produced by Rwandans locally and not from the outside in order to show the reality.
The seven studies that have been presented include, for example, innovations to boost growth in agriculture, particularly for potatoes in one of the districts of the country.
The Director of the College of Economic Business acknowledged that the broad economic orientations were laid out in Rwanda’s Vision 2020 and the EDPRS. But academic institutions must be able to teach and explain them to the youth and the population. It is on the basis of this analysis that we can better refine them in order to accelerate the development and strengthen the capacities of the actors involved.
The seven papers presented will also be published in international newspapers in order to inform a wider audience for their implementation.
Dr Heran Van Boemmel, Director of Programs at GIZ in Kigali, urged the creation of local products from Rwanda in order to stimulate innovation and economic transformation.
This is why, with the support of GIZ, some twenty young Rwandan researchers are pursuing doctoral or PhD programs in economics to make them good researchers and teachers in increasing numbers.
EPRN was founded in 2008 to respond to research needs in economic policy and analysis in Rwanda. Its partners include the World Bank, the Ministry of Finance, the BNR, the National Statistics Institute, UNECA, IPAR and GIZ.
EPRN needs evidence-based facts, as well as well-trained researchers, and even the collaboration of partners. EPRN favors a culture of dialogue and debate and needs to disseminate the results of its research.
