Manayubahwe Kazana Leonidas, a University of Kigali graduate was crowned the winner of the inaugural 2022 National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) Postgraduate Research Competition. The March 2023 Master of Science in Economics graduate, whose research was titled, “Drivers of inflation during the pandemic: evidence from disaggregated consumption,” beat competitors from the University of Rwanda and Kigali Independent University (ULK). The winner and runner-up were awarded laptops and government bonds by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR). Manayubahwe Kazana Leonidas receiving his award from The Governor National Bank of Rwanda (BNR). Another University of Kigali Master of Science in Economics graduate of March 2023, Moses Mudaheranwa emerged among the 6 finalists and was awarded a certificate. The competition had 26 participants enrolled from the three participating Universities; University of Kigali, University of Rwanda and Kigali independent University.
Manayubahwe Kazana Leonidas (Right, second row) and Moses Mudaheranwa (Second left, front row) posing for a finalist’s photo.
The award ceremony took place during the National Bank of Rwanda 2023 Research conference held at the Kigali Convention Centre. Speaking during the conference, the National Bank of Rwanda Governor revealed that the inaugural research competition targeted a cohort of postgraduate students enrolled in accredited postgraduate programs in economics in Rwanda.
A poster presentation of the research findings by Manayubahwe Kazana Leonidas
The supervisors, Dr. Afolabi Luqman and Dr. Kabanda Richard, University of Kigali Graduate School faculty in economics were also recognized. The Dean Graduate School, Dr. Kwena Ronald who was also present during the conference and award ceremony, appreciated the Faculty for mentorship of the students. He noted that the School is privileged to have such highly qualified academic staff. Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Dr. KWENA Ronald, the Dean Graduate School revealed that the University of Kigali Graduate School has shifted its focus to producing quality research. “This achievement shows the results of the quality of research we are targeting to produce.” He emphasized.
Dr. KWENA Ronald (Centre) Dr. Afolabi Luqman (Right) and Dr. Kabanda Richard (left) during the conference.
The competition was aimed at bridging the gap between academia and applied research hence creating a pool of young economists capable of contributing to evidence – based policymaking in Rwanda’s economic development.
