Data scientists contribute to data-driven policymaking in Rwanda
Data scientists contribute to data-driven policymaking in Rwanda
20 April, 2022 •The Rwanda Economy Digitalisation Programme aims to support the Government of Rwanda in its vision of building an inclusive digital economy using data-driven policymaking. To support data-driven decision making through capacity building and development activities, Cenfri has welcomed eight data science interns to the team. These interns will spend the next year supporting key governmental institutions by cleaning relevant data to be used strategically, analysing data to determine trends and projections for business planning processes as well as translating data findings into understandable templates, dashboards and other graphic presentations.
The interns bring with them a variety of experience and skills from leading academic institutions in Rwanda such as Carnegie Mellon University, African Leadership University, African Institute of Mathematics and Science and the University of Rwanda. The interns will be working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, and the Rwanda Information Society Authority to support the application of data to policy actions as well as working with the Chief Digital Officers to utilise data-driven approaches.
Meet the data science interns
Kevin holds a BSc in Computer Science from the African Leadership University with a personal interest in artificial intelligence research. Before joining Cenfri, Kevin interned with ALU as a Computer Science Faculty Teaching Assistant. He enjoys playing with data building models and doing research. In his spare time, he likes to play chess, read about astronomy, and play the guitar.
Manzi is currently pursuing his MSc in Information Technology, specialising in Data Science at Carnegie Mellon University. He is an aspiring researcher with expertise in building big data analytics and machine learning algorithms. Manzi had worked with several tech companies that positively impact the community with software solutions, research, data-driven decision systems and other services that use the power of artificial intelligence and big data.
Edison holds a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Rwanda, the College of Science Technology. Before joining Cenfri, he worked as a data scientist at LEAPR Labs. He has skills in software development and data engineering, specifically in building data pipelines, backend microservices, developing APIs, and building web platforms for a variety of analyses. Edison is passionate about data science, machine learning and computer vision.
Pierre holds a BSc in Mathematics and an MSc in Data Science from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences. He worked on a designing web-based digital library management system for the Lake Kivu Monitoring Programme and completed an internship with the Ministry of Justice. Pierre has experience in programming languages, SQL, data science and machine learning and is always looking for new technology challenges to improve his skills and satisfy his passion for innovation.
Jean Damascene holds an undergraduate degree in Applied Statistics and is completing a Master’s degree in Data Science with a specialisation in Demography from the University of Rwanda. He participated in various research, teaching and training activities including the countrywide rollout of the School Data Management Information System and the disaster risk reduction strategies portfolio of the Building Disaster Resilience to Natural Hazards in the Sub-Saharan Region initiative.
Mireille holds a Masters’ degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a major in Data Science. Before joining Cenfri, she was a teaching assistant at Carnegie Mellon University and participated in various leadership activities as a Mastercard Foundation scholar. She is passionate about providing data-driven solutions to African problems and loves to mentor undergraduate students in information technology. In her spare time, Mireille volunteers at community initiatives focused on empowering young women to discover their potential and boost their confidence.
Jeannine Uwingabire holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics and a Master’s in Mathematical Science, specialising in data science, from the African Institute for Mathematical Science. She has also recently completed a fellowship in image processing and geospatial analysis. Jeanine likes to read, watch YouTube videos, and socialise with friends in her free time.
Martin holds an MSc in Mathematics from the African Institute of Mathematics and a Bachelor’s in Applied Statistics from the University of Rwanda and has experience in data analysis in the public and private sectors. Before joining Cenfri, he worked as a consulting data analyst. He is passionate about skills development and loves travelling.
If you would like to know more about the data-driven policy work we’re doing in Rwanda, please contact Fiacre Mushimire Niyigena.
