Adopting technology in data collection and analysis should be fast-tracked to modernize the statistics ecosystem in Rwanda and encourage data use for decision-making processes across socioeconomic sectors, experts have said.

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This was noted during the launch of the fourth National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS4) themed "Data as the Catalyst for National Transformation and Sustainable Development,” on December 20.

The event that also marked the celebration of Africa Statistics Day brought together different government officials, members of the private sector, development partners, and academicians. Ivan Murenzi, the Director General of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), said that there is a need for modernization and innovation that will improve the service delivery in the data usage ecosystem.

He said that there has been progress in technology adoption that helped in the quick turnaround of the 2022 national census whereby the institution moved from traditional data collection using paper to using digital gadgets that monitored agents in the field to ensure the input of accurate data.

Similarly, there were technological tools used for data analytics that enabled them to conduct the pilot census within weeks, contrary to the longer period of six months it used to take.

But Murenzi said there is room for improvement in the rapidly changing technology era and mitigating risks that come with it.

"We are talking of Artificial Intelligence now, and the likes...these technologies present opportunities but also potential challenges. We have to quickly adapt but also learn how to manage them to avoid serious issues like misinformation,” he explained.

While NISR ranks best in the region across different metrics, Murenzi acknowledged that they are struggling with experts’ retention in the market, meaning talents in data analytics and other statistical fields.

Yusuf Murangwa, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, emphasized on the timeliness of data and communication around it for it to serve purpose across sectors.

He noted that there is a need to sustain the momentum in capacity building within NISR and strengthen the sectoral statistics capacities and abilities to use statistics in sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and business.

Focus areas of NSDS4

While presenting the fourth NSDS, Murenzi said that it will focus on four pillars that are in line with the implementation of the country’s second National Strategy of Transformation (NST2).

These are: producing data to support evidence, national data revolution through establishing support structures to enable data openness and support researchers, capacity building to promote data uptake, and strengthening an enabling environment for development through building a sustainable workforce and investing in operational infrastructure.

He said that key outcomes will include a reinforced traditional data source through the modernization of surveys and census, and streamlined data standards across administrative systems, as well as creating awareness about available data for use.