The Executive Secretary of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), Prof Emmanuel Nnadozie, on 19 March visited the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research Rwanda (IPAR), one of the beneficiaries of the Foundation’s funding in Rwanda.
IPAR, an independent, not-for-profit research and policy analysis think tank has expressed gratitude to ACBF, saying it has benefited a lot from the Foundation’s funding. “With the funding from ACBF; we have done research in various areas including social economic development and transformation, agricultural, governance and youth related issues.” said Eugenia Kayitesi, Executive Director of IPAR.
Prof Nnadozie expressed satisfaction and said he was impressed, by the work done by IPAR. He however cautioned the think tank that it has to be results oriented, to remain relevant. “The partners, donors and funders are saying to us, it is no longer the case to assume that because you are doing something good, that is enough. You have to demonstrate that what you are doing is achieving results and having an impact”
Established in 2008 with the assistance of ACBF, IPAR’s mission is enhancing evidence based policy making, promoting dialogue and a culture of debate on policy issues in Rwanda through conducting timely, relevant, high quality public policy analysis and research.
To reach this mission, Nnadozie said it requires more than good work. “If you want to be able achieve that, you have to ensure, not only, that you do good work, but that the good work you are doing is also well known and utilized” he advised.
Though hailed for its achievements, the young IPAR cites challenges in getting competent qualified researchers and retaining them. For it to deliver, the institution says there is need to continue strengthening its institutional capacity to deliver quality research and retain its competent staff including strengthening capacities of young dynamic graduates in areas of policy analysis and research.
Meeting with IPAR researchers, Nnadozie expressed the Foundation’s willingness to continue assist the think tank with its capacity needs. “IPAR is a very high performing project, you have been doing very well; and as long as you continue doing very well and demonstrate results on the ground, we will continue to support you within the limits of the funding that is available.” he pledged.
ACBF is engaged with IPAR in a project ending in 2016, which aims at contributing to the improvement of the economic performance of Rwanda to achieve the development objectives defined in the Vision 2020. ACBF has invested more than two million US dollars in the project.
ACBF has been supporting the research institute in enhancing its human and institutional capacity for conducting relevant research studies to inform policy making processes. Through ACBF funding, IPAR says it has been able to enhance capacities of its own staff and other researchers through professional and academic trainings, workshops and seminars.
