The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) and the International Growth Centre (IGC) have emphasized the importance of research-based policies in addressing global economic challenges and supporting sustainable development.
Speaking Thursday at the Annual Research Conference held in Kigali, BNR Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye said cooperation between researchers and policymakers is essential as economies face increasing uncertainty.
She pointed to geopolitical conflicts, trade disruptions, climate change, rising public debt and rapid technological changes as challenges affecting countries around the world.
Hakuziyaremye said such pressures require policymakers to look beyond immediate solutions and build systems that strengthen economic resilience.
“Research should not only provide lessons but also serve as a practical tool for improving institutions, enhancing decision-making and supporting long-term economic development,” she said.
The governor also highlighted the long-standing partnership between NBR and IGC, saying it has helped connect research with policy decisions.
“The partnership between the National Bank of Rwanda and IGC has become an important bridge between research and policy decision-making,” she said.
IGC Director Jonathan Leape said strong partnerships between researchers and governments help improve economic outcomes.
“When policies are carefully designed and based on solid evidence, we achieve better outcomes,” Leape said.
He added that IGC will continue supporting Rwanda through global expertise and by sharing lessons from the country’s development experience.
