The University of Kigali marked a major milestone on December 4, 2025 with the official launch of the Journal of Financial and Management Sciences (JFMS) at the Kigali Public Library. The event brought together Dignitaries from National Bank of Rwanda, National Council for Science and Technology, Bank of Kigali, BPR Bank Rwanda, Rwanda Revenue Authority, academics, researchers, innovators and students to celebrate a significant step in strengthening Rwanda’s research and innovation ecosystem. The Launch was hosted by Yvonne Ingabire, a renowned broadcaster at Rwanda Broadcasting Agency.
Prof George Kimathi, VC UoK (Left) Mr Philibert Africa, Chairman UoK Governing Body (Second Left), Dr Marie Chantal Cyulinyana, NCST Rwanda (Middle) Dr Mathias Karangwa, BNR (Second Right) and Dr Ronald Kwena Associate DVC-RIE UoK (Right)
In his keynote address, Dr. Karangwa Mathias, Director of the Research Department at the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), commended the University of Kigali for its increasing research initiatives and ambition to build a strong academic publishing culture. He highlighted the growing collaboration between the University of Kigali and the National Bank of Rwanda, which has already produced tangible outcomes. “Four researchers from BNR’s Research Directorate are currently serving as reviewers for JFMS, a strong sign of confidence in the journal’s academic rigor and relevance,” he noted.
Dr. Karangwa Mathias, Director of the Research Department at the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) delivering his Keynote Speech
Dr. Karangwa also recalled the fact that a University of Kigali Master of Science in Economics student won the BNR Postgraduate Competition, underscoring the university’s rising research excellence. He reaffirmed BNR’s commitment to deepening this partnership, particularly in areas of data-driven research, economic analysis, and capacity building.
Mr. Philibert Africa, Chairman of the University Governing Body
In his remarks, Mr. Philibert Africa, Chairman of the University Governing Body, referenced the university’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, which charts a bold path toward becoming a research-active and ultimately a research-intensive institution stated that the journal represents an essential pillar of the University of Kigali’s commitment to becoming a globally competitive institution. He stressed that Rwanda and the East African region are undergoing rapid shifts in financial systems, supply chain dynamics, digital transformation, governance structures, and sustainability priorities. “Our response must be rooted not only in training skilled graduates but also in generating evidence-based insights that drive policy, shape industries, and enable innovation,”
Mr. Africa emphasized.
Prof Manasseh Nshuti, Chairman Board of Promoters (Left) and Mr Philibert Africa (Right)
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Prof Manasseh Nshuti, Chairman Board of Promoters noted that JFMS will play a central role in producing and disseminating such knowledge to inform decisions at institutional, national, regional, and continental levels.
Vice Chancellor, Professor George Kimathi
Speaking during the launch, the Vice Chancellor, Professor George Kimathi, emphasized the strategic importance of JFMS in advancing the university’s research agenda. He noted that the journal positions the University of Kigali “at the intersection of knowledge creation and national development,” strengthening the institution’s voice in Rwanda’s evolving higher education landscape. “This transition is more than ambition; it presents platforms, systems, and a culture that supports inquiry, discovery, and knowledge dissemination,” he said. “JFMS is one of the key platforms that will anchor this transformation.” The VC also informed that another journal; Kigali International Journal of Education is being established.
Dr Ronald Kwena, The Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Innovation and Enterprise
Dr Ronald Kwena, The Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Innovation and Enterprise and Editor in Chief, Journal of Financial and Management Sciences outlined the vision, scope and progress of JFMS. He asserted that anchored on UoK Strategic Plan 2025-2029, SDGs, Rwanda’s Vision, JFMS was established to foster Research, Innovation and Enterprise, Impact Policy and Society.
He also highlighted that the journal registered with ISSN: 3078-5111 (Print) / 3078-512X (Online) / Crossref DOI:10.70970 focusses Finance, Economics, Accounting and Management ( Projects, Supply Chain, Human Resource, Information Technology) subjects. He added that JFMS draws its editorial Board from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Spain, Ireland, Bulgaria, United Kingdom, United States of America; a highly qualified team that ensures Internal & External Review Double Blind Review, Originality, ethics and Data Integrity.
Dr Kwena indicated that the journal has published three issues;
- 1 No. 1 (2025: Special Issue: Sustainable Development – https://journals.uok.ac.rw/jfms/en/issue/view/1
- 1 No. 2 (2025): International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development 2025 – Conference Proceedings – https://journals.uok.ac.rw/jfms/en/issue/view/2
- 1 No. 3 (2025): Innovative Financial and Managerial Approaches in Emerging Markets – https://journals.uok.ac.rw/jfms/en/issue/view/3
Innovation Showcases: Turning Ideas Into Impact
A highlight of the launch was the presentation of two innovations developed within the University of Kigali ecosystem, demonstrating the university’s commitment to linking research with practical societal solutions.
Alphonse Byiringiro presenting his BIMMI Impact Multiplier Model
The BIMMI Impact Multiplier Model developed by Alphonse Byiringiro, a University of Kigali Master’s in Project Management alumnus, this model introduces a three-component architecture integrating: Mathematical modelling; Narrative analytics; A digital evaluation framework.
The system converts complex, often invisible developmental pathways into a single comparable Impact Multiplier using five measurable dimensions: Temporal – longevity of the intervention’s impact; Economic – value created and economic ripple effects; Spillover – indirect beneficiaries and diffusion effects; Behavioral – behavioral adoption and normative shifts and Policy – institutional and system-level policy responses.
The model is positioned as a powerful tool for governments, NGOs, and development partners seeking to measure real, long-term impact beyond basic output metrics.
Rudasingwa Jules presenting his Smart Farming IoT Ecosystem
The second innovation, a Smart Farming IoT Ecosystem was showcased by Rudasingwa Jules, a University of Kigali Computing student. The innovation featured an integrated IoT and AI platform designed for farmers, particularly those in low-connectivity regions. The system consists of four interconnected components: Real-Time Monitoring – Sensors capture soil nutrients, EC, pH, moisture, temperature, humidity, and environmental patterns; Predictive Insights – AI forecasts irrigation needs, fertilizer timing, and pest risks before they occur; Smart Recommendations – Farmers receive actionable advice via the EZA app, SMS, or automated voice calls and Data Dashboard – A visual platform that stores and analyzes trends for individual farms or cooperatives.
This innovation seeks to boost agricultural productivity, reduce losses, and help farmers make scientific decisions using accessible digital tools.
Dignitaries during the Launch
In his Closing Remarks, Dr Kwena affirmed that the launch of the Journal of Financial and Management Sciences represents a significant step in the University of Kigali’s journey to strengthen research, innovation, and scholarly excellence.
The journal is expected to:
- Enhance the visibility of the university’s academic outputs
- Foster stronger research partnerships
- Support national development priorities
- Strengthen postgraduate research training
- Contribute to Africa’s growing knowledge economy
Yvonne Ingabire, a renowned broadcaster at Rwanda Broadcasting Agency hosting the Launch
With strong backing from institutional leadership and national partners such as the National Bank of Rwanda, JFMS is set to become a respected platform for advanced scholarship and impactful research in finance, management, and related fields.
https://journals.uok.ac.rw/jfms/en/about
