US scientists in Kigali for symposium

Researchers and academics from Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-Pal), based in Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Mit) in the US, will join Rwandan policymakers at a Decision Science Symposium in Kigali tomorrow. The scientists will discuss best practice policy evaluation tools and draw on research undertaken by J-Pal in 21 countries across Africa, including Rwanda. J-PalL’s network of academics will share experiences and insights on health, education and agriculture. “There is potential for us to learn from the rigorous impact evaluations that have been conducted not only in Rwanda but also in other East African countries and around the world,” Amb. Claver Gatete, the minister for finance and economic planning, said in a statement to The New Times yesterday. Embracing innovation“In our mission to become a knowledge-based middle-income country by 2020, we need to embrace innovation, and adopt new ideas with proven capacity to advance our economy and improve people’s lives,” he said. Dr Rachel Glennerster, the J-Pal executive director, said they are excited by “the strong commitment of the Rwandan government to evidence-based policy.” “Rwanda is already implementing many of the proven programmes we recommend, and it is encouraging to see this level of enthusiasm for expanding an evidence-based approach to policy,” Glennerster said. The Decision Science Symposium is expected to be opened by Amb. Gatete, with Dr Rachel Glennerster set to make a presentation, while UNDP Resident Coordinator Lamin Manneh will moderate a panel on health and education alongside the Minister for Education, Dr Vincent Biruta, and the Minister of State in charge of Health, Dr Anita Asiimwe.There will also be a presentation on the use of agricultural technologies. The symposium will be followed by a second day of meetings hosted at the stakeholder ministries.

National

US scientists in Kigali for symposium