Photo 1; some of the delegates who attended the Private Sector Data Acceleration symposium in a group photo.
The ever-increasing digitization of public services and business operations is leading to unprecedented demand for powerful storage capacities alongside the demand to utilize the swath of generated and collected data.
The need to generate, collect, organize, and analyze the ever-increasing information from the public and customers is something that is making innovators, CEOs, and entrepreneurs burn their midnight oil. Today as people spend more time scrolling and glaring at their small screens, companies do not require a survey to understand the customers’ opinion on their new product same for the most selling products.
However, to make this a reality it requires special talents and skills which is quite a challenge given the current labour market imbalance realities. According to the World Economic Forum, data analysis-related jobs are one of the most demanded jobs globally, and companies irrespective of size, are finding it hard to attract the right talent which is crippling effective decision-making.
Photo 2; SHEMA Frank, a Business Data Analyst at the ICT Chamber presenting to members some of the tools that were developed.
Although the challenge is sparing nobody, for small companies especially start-ups in the digital business ecosystem it spells doom. As a solution, last year ICT Chamber in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation and Cenfri funded by Mastercard Foundation launched an initiative dubbed the Private Sector Data Acceleration program to improve data utilization through building internal capacities.
For sustainability, the initiative focused on three major aspects; building competent teams, processes, and systems needed for companies to dramatically improve and sustain sound data-driven and informed decision-making.
Speaking at the Private Sector Data Acceleration Symposium that was organized by the ICT Chamber, INNOCENT BAGAMBA MUHIZI Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Information Society Authority, applauded the initiative saying that it had come of age and urged beneficiaries to sustain and improve their skills if they are to get their acts together in data management.
“I would like to thank the ICT Chamber for this brilliant initiative and to you; innovators, business owners, and internees build on the knowledge and experience you have earned during this program to effect change in your businesses and work”
Photo 3; Mr. Innocent BAGAMBA MUHIZI, CEO of Rwanda Information Society Authority sharing his remarks.
According to the ICT Chamber, 1267 young people applied, and following rigorous interviews, 118 were selected for three weeks of online training on privacy law, data engineering, SQL, econometrics, and data engineering. Additionally, after an intensive evaluation test, 59 trainees were identified for in-person learning conducted by N@tcom Services Ltd and CERTA Foundation.
To enable experiential learning and exposure to real-world projects, the 20 best performers were awarded 6 months of internship in 17 companies where they immensely contributed to the building of in-house capabilities in terms of developing data strategies and governance frameworks responding to the specific needs of a company.
Photo 3; Some of the delegates sharing insights.
LEON EUSTACHE KANAMUGIRE Chief Executive of DDIN a digital distribution aggregating network company commended the transformational impact it has had on his company specifically data management.
“Although data management is wide, I am elated about the change I see in my company because now it is easy to tell the most performing product and area and this is making decision-making more seamless compared to previous times”
For the wide impact, the one-year program involved other activities like round table discussions, breakfast meetings, and legal clinics to help private companies understand the law, register with the National Cyber Security Authority and ensure compliance.