Edwin Byusa is a runner-up of the Africa Evidence Leadership Award 2024 in the Evidence User category offered by the Africa Evidence Network. We asked Edwin to reflect on his work.
As we strive for Evidence-Informed Decision-Making (EIDM) in Africa, this is not only about using evidence; it is the whole value chain that starts from evidence generation up to the use. That process involves data collection and processing; once data is processed, it gives information; once the information is processed, it gives knowledge, and once the knowledge is processed, it gives wisdom. The insight generated at this level contributes significantly to our overall development. It is clear that the keyword here is the word "data". The processed data gives us tangible evidence for our actions. So, we need the right capabilities in Africa to navigate with data, not only artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities but also human capabilities, to have enough evidence to inform our developmental decisions on the continent. This is for everyone; the EIDM is not for particular individuals but for all of us. Previously, we have discussed how we engaged in EIDM from the day we were born without knowing it.
There are different ways, as Africans, we can support our people with the right capabilities in the EIDM as we reinforce the inner capabilities and innate capabilities to build the bright continent, the Africa We Want. However, it was observed that developing or building data and analytics skills takes work, even acquiring those talents (Gartner, 2023). Last year, the building of evidence-based decision-making capabilities was discussed during the Evidence2023 and other preparatory webinars, posters, and other promotional materials. However, the discussions could have been more exhaustive; we can keep reflecting on it and innovate based on our different contexts, indigenous knowledge and practice in gathering and using evidence and data to solve problems in our society.
From the last three years at Cenfri, we have experienced how effective it is to build evidence-based capabilities through professional internships for fresh graduates from different fields of study related to data science. The internship is beneficial in preparing participants for future productive work as it helps to create a connection of classroom activities to the real-world experience at the same time, serves as a feedback loop to schools or universities to match their programme to the market needs (HADDAD-ADAIMI et al., 2022). Early policy engagement benefits society (Collins et al., 2022). The results of the analysis conducted at the end of the internship period reveal that the internship in the field of data science was beneficial for fresh graduates in both their personal and professional development while creating sustainable changes at the host institutions. It was also found that insight generation and use require a combination of multisectoral skills and knowledge.
Again, during the same period, we have experienced the power of the community of practice (CoP) sessions for the in-service professionals working with their respective institutional data to start their professional journey towards becoming good data scientists who can process data until producing insights relevant to the policy change or reform for both public and private sector. The CoP members were mainly trained in different topics using a data-driven approach. The monthly CoP sessions helped professionals interact and support each other on different aspects of improved knowledge, skills and practices in generating insights for decision-making.
The above experience was paved by additional experience in performance advisory and system strengthening at the Education Development Trust and the World Bank Group through supporting national and subnational government institutions in the data and data use for decision-making with the help of Data and MIS (Management Information System) tools. As result-based oriented, continuous improvement and building from tangible evidence have been our key priorities throughout our professional journey in Measurement and Evaluation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Expert, Right To Play International, FHI360 and different consultancy assignments.
For sustainable changes in the adoption of the EIDM as the driver of all our transformational development works, we need the endorsement of the EIDM, first at the system level, by installing an enabling environment for EIDM through the political will and existence of a legal framework in support to the EIDM environment. Then, at the institutional level, every institution’s decision shall base on tangible evidence, either operational decisions or business decisions. This will require that institutions invest more in evidence generation and use, plus developing the needed capacity within their staff. Lastly comes the individual level, where everyone, individually, is invited to the EIDM practices and development of the needed capabilities for its effective use and continuous improvement. Keep updated. We can use unconventional methods to develop the capacities of EIDM in Africa based on each country's context and the needs of each territory. For example, in Rwanda, part of home-grown solutions is imihigo, which is a result-based performance contract that reinforces the EIDM practices in the Rwandan transformational journey through the sustainable development of the country. Everyone engaged in imihigo, is always keeping evidence for the evaluation day.
We can leverage different techniques from our African tradition to equip our people with the capacity to embrace the EIDM, like storytelling, oral traditions, cultural practices and education, communal values, indigenous knowledge systems, and cultural gatherings. These techniques can also be combined with modern techniques to maximize impact and available opportunities. But no one should be left behind for whatever reason. We are full of solutions to equip our people to become evidence-based-driven.
About the author: Edwin Byusa is a seasoned professional with a robust seventeen-year track record in evidence-based decision-making in the development sector. His contributions have significantly influenced different project/programme outcomes, particularly in areas such as project/programme implementation, coordination, management, M&E, data-driven policymaking, systems strengthening, training, capacity building and development, training resource or manual development, human resources management, operations and budget management. His academic qualifications, including a PhD in Science Education and certification in Project Management for Development Professionals (PMD Pro I), further enhance his expertise.
His working areas include but are not limited to economic digitalisation, financial inclusion, education, inclusive education, EGRA, EGMA, SEGRA, SEGMA, policy reform, fundraising, planning, health, SGBV, WASH, nutrition, gender equality and equity, child protection, community engagement, youth empowerment and engagement, environmental impact assessment, environmental health, and safety; Building the capacity of government staff and stakeholders, on different project cycle, results chain, M&E, and performance management; data and data use for decision making, data-driven approaches. Working relationships with other countries' programmes (in West and Francophone African countries, the Middle Eastern and North African countries, Central and Southern African countries, and Eastern African countries) and some reporting lines with regional and headquarters offices in South Africa, Canada, and the USA. Member of the Senior Management Team of three International Organizations. Signatory to the bank account of the INGO, reviewing the expenditures. Consultant to the World Bank Group, UNICEF, and the Government of Rwanda's institutions. He works with projects and programmes funded by the World Bank Group, Mastercard Foundation, USAID, UKAID/BHC/FCDO, CIDA/DFTD/GAC (Global Affairs Canada), Irish Aid, and UNICEF.
Edwin is good at networking, which significantly influences improved project/programme outcomes. He has a good command of dealing with internal and external stakeholders (client or donor), representing the country office in national and international events with client interaction, and leading a team. He has good publications in peer-reviewed, reputable and highly indexed journals. He is fluent in English, French, Kinyarwanda, and basic Swahili. He is a reviewer of SCOPUS-indexed journals. As a dedicated and results-driven professional, he has consistently contributed to achieving organisational goals. For instance, he successfully led the Capacity-building component of the MINICT (Rwandan Ministry of ICT and Innovation) programme funded by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by Cenfri, significantly enhancing the data-driven approach for public and private sector staff.
Similarly, he spearheaded the Inclusive Education Initiative for the World Bank Group. He spearheaded the Building Learning Foundations (BLF) support to MINEDUC (Rwandan Ministry of Education) in all matters related to ESSP (Education Sector Strategic Plan). MINEDUC recognised his efforts and sent an appreciation letter to BLF/ Education Development Trust in Rwanda. He also led the M&E function at FHI360 to the satisfaction of our client, USAID Rwanda. He successfully managed the interim Bugesera project in Right To Play, which improved the overall public image of Right To Play International. That achievement has been instrumental in his promotion to a senior management team member of Right To Play, where he headed the MEL department.
Acknowledgements: The author(s) is solely responsible for the content of this article, including all errors or omissions; acknowledgements do not imply endorsement of the content. The author is grateful to Charity Chisoro and Siziwe Ngcwabe for their guidance in preparing and finalising this article, as well as their editorial support.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in published blog posts, as well as any errors or omissions, are the sole responsibility of the author/s and do not represent the views of the Africa Evidence Network, its secretariat, advisory or reference groups, or its funders; nor does it imply endorsement by the afore-mentioned parties.
Suggested citation: Byusa, E (2024) Develop the Evidence-Informed Decision-Making Capabilities for All. Blog posting on 15 August 2024. Available at:
As we strive for Evidence-Informed Decision-Making (EIDM) in Africa, this is not only about using evidence; it is the whole value chain that starts from evidence generation up to the use. That process involves data collection and processing; once data is processed, it gives information; once the information is processed, it gives knowledge, and once the knowledge is processed, it gives wisdom. The insight generated at this level contributes significantly to our overall development. It is clear that the keyword here is the word "data". The processed data gives us tangible evidence for our actions. So, we need the right capabilities in Africa to navigate with data, not only artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities but also human capabilities, to have enough evidence to inform our developmental decisions on the continent. This is for everyone; the EIDM is not for particular individuals but for all of us. Previously, we have discussed how we engaged in EIDM from the day we were born without knowing it.
There are different ways, as Africans, we can support our people with the right capabilities in the EIDM as we reinforce the inner capabilities and innate capabilities to build the bright continent, the Africa We Want. However, it was observed that developing or building data and analytics skills takes work, even acquiring those talents (Gartner, 2023). Last year, the building of evidence-based decision-making capabilities was discussed during the Evidence2023 and other preparatory webinars, posters, and other promotional materials. However, the discussions could have been more exhaustive; we can keep reflecting on it and innovate based on our different contexts, indigenous knowledge and practice in gathering and using evidence and data to solve problems in our society.
From the last three years at Cenfri, we have experienced how effective it is to build evidence-based capabilities through professional internships for fresh graduates from different fields of study related to data science. The internship is beneficial in preparing participants for future productive work as it helps to create a connection of classroom activities to the real-world experience at the same time, serves as a feedback loop to schools or universities to match their programme to the market needs (HADDAD-ADAIMI et al., 2022). Early policy engagement benefits society (Collins et al., 2022). The results of the analysis conducted at the end of the internship period reveal that the internship in the field of data science was beneficial for fresh graduates in both their personal and professional development while creating sustainable changes at the host institutions. It was also found that insight generation and use require a combination of multisectoral skills and knowledge.
Again, during the same period, we have experienced the power of the community of practice (CoP) sessions for the in-service professionals working with their respective institutional data to start their professional journey towards becoming good data scientists who can process data until producing insights relevant to the policy change or reform for both public and private sector. The CoP members were mainly trained in different topics using a data-driven approach. The monthly CoP sessions helped professionals interact and support each other on different aspects of improved knowledge, skills and practices in generating insights for decision-making.
The above experience was paved by additional experience in performance advisory and system strengthening at the Education Development Trust and the World Bank Group through supporting national and subnational government institutions in the data and data use for decision-making with the help of Data and MIS (Management Information System) tools. As result-based oriented, continuous improvement and building from tangible evidence have been our key priorities throughout our professional journey in Measurement and Evaluation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Expert, Right To Play International, FHI360 and different consultancy assignments.
For sustainable changes in the adoption of the EIDM as the driver of all our transformational development works, we need the endorsement of the EIDM, first at the system level, by installing an enabling environment for EIDM through the political will and existence of a legal framework in support to the EIDM environment. Then, at the institutional level, every institution’s decision shall base on tangible evidence, either operational decisions or business decisions. This will require that institutions invest more in evidence generation and use, plus developing the needed capacity within their staff. Lastly comes the individual level, where everyone, individually, is invited to the EIDM practices and development of the needed capabilities for its effective use and continuous improvement. Keep updated. We can use unconventional methods to develop the capacities of EIDM in Africa based on each country's context and the needs of each territory. For example, in Rwanda, part of home-grown solutions is imihigo, which is a result-based performance contract that reinforces the EIDM practices in the Rwandan transformational journey through the sustainable development of the country. Everyone engaged in imihigo, is always keeping evidence for the evaluation day.
We can leverage different techniques from our African tradition to equip our people with the capacity to embrace the EIDM, like storytelling, oral traditions, cultural practices and education, communal values, indigenous knowledge systems, and cultural gatherings. These techniques can also be combined with modern techniques to maximize impact and available opportunities. But no one should be left behind for whatever reason. We are full of solutions to equip our people to become evidence-based-driven.
About the author: Edwin Byusa is a seasoned professional with a robust seventeen-year track record in evidence-based decision-making in the development sector. His contributions have significantly influenced different project/programme outcomes, particularly in areas such as project/programme implementation, coordination, management, M&E, data-driven policymaking, systems strengthening, training, capacity building and development, training resource or manual development, human resources management, operations and budget management. His academic qualifications, including a PhD in Science Education and certification in Project Management for Development Professionals (PMD Pro I), further enhance his expertise.
His working areas include but are not limited to economic digitalisation, financial inclusion, education, inclusive education, EGRA, EGMA, SEGRA, SEGMA, policy reform, fundraising, planning, health, SGBV, WASH, nutrition, gender equality and equity, child protection, community engagement, youth empowerment and engagement, environmental impact assessment, environmental health, and safety; Building the capacity of government staff and stakeholders, on different project cycle, results chain, M&E, and performance management; data and data use for decision making, data-driven approaches. Working relationships with other countries' programmes (in West and Francophone African countries, the Middle Eastern and North African countries, Central and Southern African countries, and Eastern African countries) and some reporting lines with regional and headquarters offices in South Africa, Canada, and the USA. Member of the Senior Management Team of three International Organizations. Signatory to the bank account of the INGO, reviewing the expenditures. Consultant to the World Bank Group, UNICEF, and the Government of Rwanda's institutions. He works with projects and programmes funded by the World Bank Group, Mastercard Foundation, USAID, UKAID/BHC/FCDO, CIDA/DFTD/GAC (Global Affairs Canada), Irish Aid, and UNICEF.
Edwin is good at networking, which significantly influences improved project/programme outcomes. He has a good command of dealing with internal and external stakeholders (client or donor), representing the country office in national and international events with client interaction, and leading a team. He has good publications in peer-reviewed, reputable and highly indexed journals. He is fluent in English, French, Kinyarwanda, and basic Swahili. He is a reviewer of SCOPUS-indexed journals. As a dedicated and results-driven professional, he has consistently contributed to achieving organisational goals. For instance, he successfully led the Capacity-building component of the MINICT (Rwandan Ministry of ICT and Innovation) programme funded by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by Cenfri, significantly enhancing the data-driven approach for public and private sector staff.
Similarly, he spearheaded the Inclusive Education Initiative for the World Bank Group. He spearheaded the Building Learning Foundations (BLF) support to MINEDUC (Rwandan Ministry of Education) in all matters related to ESSP (Education Sector Strategic Plan). MINEDUC recognised his efforts and sent an appreciation letter to BLF/ Education Development Trust in Rwanda. He also led the M&E function at FHI360 to the satisfaction of our client, USAID Rwanda. He successfully managed the interim Bugesera project in Right To Play, which improved the overall public image of Right To Play International. That achievement has been instrumental in his promotion to a senior management team member of Right To Play, where I headed the MEL department.
Acknowledgements: The author(s) is solely responsible for the content of this article, including all errors or omissions; acknowledgements do not imply endorsement of the content. The author is grateful to Charity Chisoro and Siziwe Ngcwabe for their guidance in preparing and finalising this article, as well as their editorial support.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in published blog posts, as well as any errors or omissions, are the sole responsibility of the author/s and do not represent the views of the Africa Evidence Network, its secretariat, advisory or reference groups, or its funders; nor does it imply endorsement by the afore-mentioned parties.
Suggested citation: Byusa, E (2024) Develop the Evidence-Informed Decision-Making Capabilities for All. Blog posting on 15 August 2024. Available at: https://www.africaevidencenetwork.org/en/learning-space/article/354/
