MoU - CSO and NISR

Memorandum of Understanding between the Central Statistics Office and the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda

Article 1. Preamble

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is entered into by and between:

The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), a public institution established by the law N ^O 53 bis/2013 of 28/06/2013 whose mission is to assume the leading role in improving the capacity to use information for evidence-based decision-making by coordinating national efforts to collect and archive reliable data, and to analyse, document and disseminate data within an integrated and sustainable framework, having its registered office at KN 2 Av 36,&; Village: INGENZI, Cell: KABEZA, Sector: Muhima, District: Nyarugenge, Kigali City, Rwanda, hereafter referred to as "NISR",

And

The Central Statistics Office, is Ireland's national statistical institute whose role is to provide independent statistics about society, economy, and the environment, which are freely available to everyone and supports evidence-based decision making, it is located at Skehard Road, Cork T12 XOOE, hereinafter referred to as "CSO".

Whereas, both Parties desire to collaborate to strengthen the use of administrative data to improve the production of official statistics and enhance evidence-based policy making;

Therefore, CSO and NISR agree to collaborate as set out in this MOU.

Article 2. Purpose of the MOU

The purpose of this MOU is to establish a framework of collaboration between the two Parties aiming to strengthen the use of administrative data for evidence-based and policy development and evaluation in the Rwanda data ecosystem. In particular, the Parties desire to exchange experiences and learnings on the following areas but not limited to:

• Support the development of frameworks, standards, and tools to improve the quality, integration, and use of administrative data.
• Establishing a national data infrastructure.
• Facilitate joint activities that contribute to more timely, granular, and reliable official statistics.
• Improving data quality and standards and ensuring its implementation across the system.
• Improving data accessibility to allow more granular analysis by policy.
• Strengthening capacity in the governance, use, and integration of administrative data.
• Promote mutual learning and exchange of best practices.

Article 3. Scope of Cooperation.

A. Responsibilities of NISR:

To implement this MOU, the NISR will:

• Develop and lead the coordination and governance of administrative data frameworks and standards within Rwanda.
• Establish the Rwanda National data infrastructure and ensure its sustainability.
• Enforce the implementation of data quality standards across sectors and monitor compliance.
• Develop the capacity in the governance, use and integration of administrative data sources.
• Promote the use of data and statistics by structuring datasets into databases with multi access levels, including open data, linked datasets, and restricted access.
• Disseminate statistical outputs and ensure micro-level data is accessible in line with data protection rules.
• Develop NISR data catalogue for a proper and secure governance.
• Implement the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM) and process mapping.
• Avail of subject matter experts to share and exchange best practices, lessons learned, and innovations to improve the data ecosystem.

B. Responsibilities of CSO:

To implement this MOU, the CSO will:

• Provide strategic advice and technical expertise, as appropriate, to maximize the full potential of administrative data for delivering timely, granular, and frequent evidence and insights, including input from subject matter experts across the CSO.

• Provide technical expertise in developing frameworks, standards, and tools for data integration, anonymisation and quality assurance.
• Advise on the design and operationalisation of the Rwanda National Data Infrastructure.
• Assist in developing NISR data inventory and promoting data and statistics use.
• Offer training, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing to strengthen NISR's capacity in data governance and inter-agencies data linkage and analytics.
• Offer guidance on improving data interoperability between government institutions.
• Contribute to joint activities and pilot data projects that produce timely, granular, and reliable official statistics.
• Share best practices, lessons learned, and innovations from other contexts to improve Rwanda's data ecosystem.
• Assisting in the implementation of the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM) and process mapping.

Article 4. Financial arrangements

Both parties understand that all financial contributions and contributions in kind will have to be negotiated and agreed upon with due regard to the availability of funds and other resources.

Article 5. Confidentiality

The Parties agree that, unless otherwise provided herein, all information, communications, documentation, and data that may be transferred, exchanged, acquired or shared among the Parties in connection with any project or activity conducted pursuant to this MOU, shall be kept confidential at all times, unless the information, communications, documentation, or data was already in the public domain before it was so transferred, exchanged, acquired or shared.

Article 6. Renewal, termination and amendment

This MOU becomes effective for up to 3 years from the day the representatives of both parties affix their signatures.

Either party may terminate this agreement by providing the other one 1 month of written notice.

The termination or expiry of this MOU shall not affect any ongoing project in relation to its implementation until such project is concluded. 

This MOU may be revised through the mutual agreement of both parties. All modifications to this MOU must be in writing and signed by both Parties.

Article 7. E Governing law

This MOU and the interpretation of any of provision thereof shall be governed by the relevant Laws of the Republic of Rwanda and Ireland.

Article 8. Dispute settlement

Any misunderstanding or disagreement arising out of this MOU shall be settled through mutual discussion and amicable settlement. In the event that the dispute cannot be amicably settled, any party shall be at liberty to terminate the MOU with a written notice.

Article 9. Miscellaneous

This MOU is not legally binding and does not constitute a legal contract. It reflects the intention of the parties to collaborate in good faith.

In Witness Whereof, the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have, on behalf of the Parties hereto, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the dates indicated below:

For The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR)

Mr. Ivan MURENZI

Director General

Date: March 2026

For the Central Statistics Office (CSO)

Jennifer Banim

Director General

Date: March 2026