On 29th November 2024, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) renewed their partnership to symbolize a new chapter in the existing collaboration focused on shared priorities. Both organizations are excited about the potential for a greater impact in implementing agreed-upon new initiatives. Building the data science capacity of Rwandan professionals across public, non-profit, and private sectors remains a shared priority for both NISR and AIMS.

NISR provided several AIMS graduates with successful Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) experiences including internship and applied research opportunities. These WIL opportunities have allowed AIMS graduates to put into practice their mathematical science skills in providing data analytics to improve decision-making processes across the National Statistical System organizations in Rwanda. 

The impact of the previous partnership recognized AIMS as a reliable technical partner for NISR in providing expertise in building capacity in data science. AIMS has indeed embedded a Senior Data Scientist in NISR who continues to provide training that will bring real results and generate impact through this collaboration.

To support its Data Revolution efforts, Rwanda needs more data analysts across NSS organizations to fill the identified data science capacity gaps. This will provide the country with the required resources to promote the use of evidence-based decision-making processes among professionals in different sectors. 

NISR and AIMS have developed a comprehensive Data Science Capacity Building Initiative (DSCBI), which opens a new chapter of the partnership in addressing the above-mentioned capacity gaps by more importantly strengthening the NSS organizations with more evidence-based decision-making systems and processes. 

During the new agreement signing ceremony, senior management of both organizations agreed to collaborate in joint funding-raising efforts to implement the above DSCBI with impact.