The initiatives undertaken as part of Cenfri’s Rwanda Economy Digitalisation Programme are designed to strengthen the data ecosystem in Rwanda. We want to see people excited about using data and unlocking its potential for improved policymaking and service delivery. One such initiative is a Community of Practice – a safe space for data practitioners to learn and grow their skills.

What is the Community of Practice?

The Community of Practice (CoP) on Data for Development is a structured forum for professionals, researchers, and practitioners who engage with data to inform policy and practice. It provides a sustained platform for collective learning, critical exchange, and problem-solving across institutions and sectors.

Why participate?

The CoP is designed to:

• Facilitate the exchange of practical experience, analytical tools, and best practices in data use
• Enhance individual and institutional capabilities through peer-to-peer learning.
• Expand professional networks and foster cross-sectoral partnerships.
• Contribute to a culture of openness, accountability, and continuous improvement within the data ecosystem.

Who should join?

Membership is open to Kigali-based professionals working in government, academia, the private sector, civil society, and development organizations who are engaged in data-related activities. This includes policymakers, statisticians, data scientists, programme managers, technical experts, and students with an interest in applying data for decision-making and service delivery.

When and where?

The CoP convenes monthly. Each session addresses a defined theme of practical relevance and is structured to balance knowledge sharing with interactive participation.

Each session may include case study presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and expert contributions, ensuring both structured input and interactive engagement.

How does it operate?

Each session follows a three-hour format. The first hour is dedicated to expert input through a structured presentation or case study. The subsequent two hours focus on practical exercises, group discussions, and problem-solving activities that enable participants to apply concepts directly to their work.

How to join

Professionals committed to advancing evidence-based decision-making are invited to join the CoP. By participating, members will contribute to strengthening Rwanda’s data ecosystem while gaining access to applied knowledge, peer expertise, and collaborative networks.

Join the CoP WhatsApp Group

Notes from the CoP sessions

Where possible, presentations and supporting resources will be uploaded to this page after each session and we encourage you to return to it periodically

Credit market segmentation: CoP 22 August 2025

The session examined credit market segmentation, illustrating how financial institutions can apply data-driven methods to differentiate customer groups. The session demonstrated exploratory data analysis, segmentation techniques, modelling, and prediction, with a focus on identifying high-risk customer segments. It further considered practical interventions such as proactive customer support, credit limit management, and early-warning alerts to mitigate default risks.