Trainings and Fellowships

Our research fellowship program brings together African junior and senior policy practitioners and researchers to collaborate with CDP expert fellows in a supportive environment. Fellows engage in rigorous research on development programs and issues, with durations ranging from three to six months.

CDP facilitates connections between fellows and local organizations across public, private, and civil society sectors to enable effective data collection and field studies. Fellows participate in regular seminars to receive feedback from peers and experts, culminating in the production of high-quality research papers and policy briefs.

CDP Fellowships

The underlying objective of this research fellowship is to enable African junior and senior policy practioners and researchers working in areas of development programs and development issues to work with CDP expert fellows in a calm and conducive environment over a determined period of time- based on the project plan and the source of funding. Based on the established network between CDP and public, private and civil society organizations, CDP facilitates the connection between researchers and local organizations to facilitate data collection, interaction and study on specific projects. During the fellowship, different seminars are organized to allow fellows to receive feedback, comments and suggestions on their work from peer-researchers and expert fellows. Our visiting fellows are required to produce research papers and policy briefs. Research fellows come from within and out of Africa, as a form of international collaboration. The program lasts on average between three and six months. Fellows are also allowed to deliver training in their areas of expertise, upon request. This program has the following components:

African researchers residing in Africa or non-African researchers working on African countries collaborate with CDP to implement their research projects. This program aims at promoting and deepening intra-Africa knowledge sharing among researchers and other key policy makers and development actors. It encourages the sharing of the best-practices within African countries- based on grounded evidence. We seek to generate and share knowledge that would impact policy and development programs in African countries. During research fellowships, researchers are facilitated to collect required data and contextualize their studies. CDP arranges policy talks with academia, peer researchers, policy makers and development practioners where research fellows present policy briefs generated from their research findings.
For the interest of bridging skills gap and providing opportunity to African talents living abroad to contribute to African development through brain gain-knowledge transfer, African experts (who work at the interface of research and policy) are encouraged to come and work with CDP for a short period of time. This could be part of their sabbatical leave. They come and do different capacity strengthening activities such as training, capacity assessment, write research proposals, and mentor and coach junior experts in certain areas. As follow-up of their work at CDP, they continue to deliver trainings (virtually), advice and supervision remotely. This promotes knowledge sharing and skills transfer. It also provides an opportunity to our local experts to gain international experience.
The research internship program is one of the key pathways for CDP to creating a critical mass of Pan-African experts. We target passionate masters` graduate students from within Africa and abroad who want to further their skills in policy and economic analysis. These students work closely with experts to benefit mentoring and coaching in different areas of development interventions. During the stay at CDP they benefit from different related trainings to improve their analytical skills for policy and economic analysis.

Our Research Interns

CDP Trainings

We offer comprehensive training programs that focus on practical data analysis and economic modeling skills across multiple platforms and methodologies. Participants gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools including Stata, R Studio, and Matlab, learning to analyze economic data through regression techniques, time series analysis, econometric modeling, and policy evaluation frameworks. Each course emphasizes applied learning over theory, addressing key economic sectors from monetary policy to external shocks, and progressing from introductory data management to advanced statistical applications. The programs are designed to equip researchers, economists, and policy analysts with immediately applicable analytical skills for evidence-based decision-making, combining technical software proficiency with practical economic analysis methods relevant to current development challenges. These trainings are devided into various categories:

  • Data Analysis
  • Policy design and implementation
  • STATA for Labor Market Analysis
  • Labor Market Statistics and Analysis
  • Project Management
    Financial Management for Development Projects
  • Monitoring and Evaluation of Development projects and programs
  • Feasibility Studies
    Contract Management
  • Policy Analysis and Preparation of policy papers (Position paper, policy brief & memo)
  • Strategic planning for development projects
  • Service delivery
  • Program design and implementation
  • Policy Impact Analysis
  • Policy advocacy
  • Mainstreaming disability in development policies and programs
  • Mainstreaming environment in development policies and programs
  • Mainstreaming employment in development policies and programs
  • Result-based Monitoring and Evaluation
    Impact evaluation
  • Data Analysis and Regression with Stata
  • Econometrics with R Studio
  • Macroeconomic Analysis with application to Matlab
  • Policy Design and Implementation
  • Time Series Data Analysis Using Stata
  • External Sector Analysis
  • Introduction to Data Analysis using STATA
  • Intermediate Data Analysis using STATA
  • Advanced Data Analysis using STATA
  • Results-based Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Policy Analysis and Preparation of Policy Papers (Position paper, Policy Brief, Policy Pitch and Memo)
  • Introduction to Panel Data Analysis Using Stata
  • Policy Design and Implementation

No course now back late

Kabera Christine

Research Intern

During my involvement in the project titled “Differences in the Formation and Development of Informal Settlements and Their Effects on Residents’ Health and Safety,” my primary responsibility was conducting focus group discussions in both informal and formal settlements. These discussions involved engaging with landlords and tenants residing in these settlements to gather valuable insights and firsthand experiences.

By interacting directly with the landlords and tenants, I was able to gather diverse perspectives on the challenges, living conditions, and specific issues faced by individuals in both types of settlements. The firsthand accounts shared by landlords and tenants shed light on the challenges faced by individuals living in informal & formal settlements and emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to improve the overall well-being of residents.

It was such a good experience and formative regarding how people or residents consider government’s plans for them in developing and upgrading the informal settlements.

KABAGAMBE ISHYAKA BERTRAND

Research Intern
Participating in the research project concerning Variations in the establishment and growth of informal settlements and their influence on the health and safety of residents alongside my colleagues from the Medical College of Wisconsin, was an extraordinary experience. Our exploration took us to two vibrant communities, Mpazi and Busanza, where we engaged in enlightening focus group discussions with the residents. The genuine warmth and openness of the people we met were truly heartening, and they willingly shared their experiences and insights, enriching our research in immeasurable ways. Witnessing the challenges and triumphs of these communities firsthand deepened our understanding of the impact of informal settlements on residents’ well-being. This collaborative journey not only strengthened our team’s bonds but also left us with a profound sense of fulfillment, knowing that our work could contribute positively to the lives of others.

HANNAH KOVACEVICH

Research Intern
In the summer of 2023, I had the opportunity to work with the CDP as my preceptorship site to finish my masters in Global Health Equity at the Medical College of Wisconsin. With the partnership between MCW and CDP we conducted qualitative research with individuals serving as landlords, living in informal settlements, and those who have been upgraded to formal settlement housing. Focus group interviews facilitated discussions surrounding the quality of living, health, the issues landlords and tenants were experiencing, and the availability of services. This opportunity allowed me to work on an important topic to global health research that I am passionate about. Dr. Kadozi, Bertrand, and Christine were wonderful and welcoming mentors. My time in Rwanda was thought provoking and important to my professional development. I hope that I continue to have the opportunity to work with this organization on urban development.

Mutsa Chiromo

Research Intern

I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to participate in the Informal Settlement Research Project with CDP. Dr. Edward Kadozi was an exceptional mentor, creating a supportive environment where we could freely express our opinions while providing guidance. Collaborating with Christine and Bertrand was also a pleasure. They consistently offered their assistance in translation and helped us grasp the intricacies of the local culture. Thanks to their invaluable support, I gained a profound comprehension of Rwandan culture and acquired knowledge about the history of Kigali.

Additionally, by engaging in discussions with individuals residing in informal settlements, I was able to better understand the profound impact that systemic policy changes can have on the well-being of individual people. While the transformation of informal settlement residences into formal housing has generally been welcomed, engaging with relocated residents unveiled certain unanticipated issues that could only have been identified through their inclusion in the policymaking process. This experience heightened my awareness of the criticality of incorporating the perspectives of those most affected by policy alterations. From a public health standpoint, I also developed a deeper understanding of the pivotal role that housing plays in determining an individual’s overall health and well-being. We encountered and learned about numerous challenges, such as inadequate waste disposal, absence of running water, poor ventilation, and the use of charcoal stoves inside homes. If left unresolved, these issues have the potential to inflict significant harm.

LEON MOISE MINANI

Research Intern
Leon Moise Minani is an energy economist with a research interest in climate change, energy economics, environmental economics, and development interest. He holds a master of science in energy economics at the University of Rwanda. His empirical research on Tourism adaptability amid climate change and pollution in BRICS: a method of moments quantile regression approach was published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research (ESPR) While more studies are under review in international peer-reviewed journals.

CLEMENT UWIZEYE

Research Intern
Clement Uwizeye is a passionate and driven economist hailing from Rwanda. with a Bachelor’s degree in Monetary Economics and a Master of Science in Economics specializing in Applied Quantitative Economics at the University of Rwanda, he has excelled in his academic pursuits. He has participated in an Erasmus+ exchange program at Kiel University in Germany, expanding his knowledge and skills. Clement’s thirst for knowledge is insatiable and started preparation courses for Ph.D., aiming to pursue a Ph.D. in Financial Economics, further showcasing his determination to contribute meaningfully to the field. He is also actively engaged in research on Macroeconometrics and Microeconometrics analysis, resilience, and development, focusing on issues like extension services, inclusive wealth accounting, and climate change policy. Clement’s expertise extends beyond academia, as he has undergone training in ASP (Advanced Studies program) by the prestigious Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IFW). Additionally, he participated in the central bank of Rwanda postgraduate research competition, where he showcased his skills in data analysis and modeling. A proficient researcher and analyst, he utilizes various software such as RStudio, EViews, Stata, and MATLAB including BEAR toolbox, Dynare, and econometric modeler toolbox, with little in Python, and SPSS, to produce valuable insights for policymakers. His versatility in MS Word and Latex for research writing further enhances his effectiveness in disseminating research findings. Beyond academics, he was an advisor on the executive committee at the Groupe Biblique Universitaire (GBU) at the University of Rwanda. His engagement in this role and his successful completion of the “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and Their Underlying Character Qualities” showcase his dedication to personal growth and the empowerment of others. During the hobby time, he plays piano.

EMMANUEL MUGISHA

Research Intern
Emmanuel Mugisha is a well-trusted with enthusiastic and passionate in Sales and Economics field. With Over 5years of experience in the industry of Sales and Business developments, He has worked with different organisations that includes; Transsion holdings, Mara phones Rwanda Itd and currently Skynet worldwide Express Itd, All in Sales and Business Developments. As he is Skilled and passionate with sales in Economics, he has a deep understanding of economic principles and their practical application in sales processes through analysing Data on a project, forecasting trends and providing strategic insight hence contributing to maximizing revenue, improving society satisfaction and driving overall business growth and social developments.

Emmanuel Mugisha is a well-trusted, enthusiastic, and passionate in Sales and Economics field. With Over 5years of experience in the industry of Sales and Business developments, He has worked with different organisations that includes; Transsion holdings, Mara phones Rwanda Itd and currently Skynet worldwide Express Itd, All in Sales and Business Developments. As he is Skilled and passionate with sales in Economics, he has a deep understanding of economic principles and their practical application in sales processes through analysing Data on a project, forecasting trends and providing strategic insight hence contributing to maximizing revenue, improving society satisfaction and driving overall business growth and social developments.

Emmanuel, is pursuing his Master’s in Economics with hon in Applied Quantitative Economics from University of Rwanda under partnership with Senior staffs from institute of World Economy in University of Kiel Germany. Due to passion in Trade, he has written his thesis on Trade Openness among the East African Countries. He holds a bachelors degree in Economics from University of Rwanda. In addition to academia, He practiced his professional skills by applying for assistant and internships in Research centres and have been a warded Professional certification of Monitoring and Evaluation, Cost benefit analysis and Project Managements in accredited program providers within development centres.

When Emmanuel is not busy in doing research, he spends his time in praying football and golfing with his friends.