The Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR) contributes to the evidence base available to policy-makers by conducting and commissioning timely, relevant, high-quality and policy-oriented analysis and research, and by building a documentation centre to manage the knowledge that already exists but is often hard to find.

IPAR also works to develop the skills of the policy community by offering targeted capacity development and training in policy analysis and research to external institutions, including ministries, universities and development partners. The organisation also promotes a culture of debate and dialogue by hosting public events, workshops, seminars, conferences and other discussion forums.

Major achievements

1. The establishment of a local think tank that is respected for its research and policy analysis evidenced by the requests we have had to carry out research for official development partners, international NGOs and the Government of Rwanda.
2. The carrying out of research and policy analysis in line with the strategic objectives and the publication of the findings in reports, policy briefs, posters and newspaper articles.
3. Evidence that the findings from a number of research projects are influencing government thinking and policy.
4. The organisation of a number of workshops, roundtables, panel discussions and deliberative forums that have attracted significant interest.
5. The establishment of an Economic Policy Research Network.
6. The development of partnerships with a number of international organisations for collaborative research and/or capacity building.
7. Providing training for academics, government officials, university students and NGOs in research and policy analysis.
8. Diversifying funding by securing a number of funded research projects and consultancies from government, official development partners, international NGOs and European research funding.
9. Developing a communications and outreach strategy, a web site and a monthly email update distributed to stakeholders via email.
10. Completing the organisational structure for professional support, research related and other staff.
11. Building internal systems and processes.
12. Gained the confidence and trust from core funders and government.
13. Ranked among the best emerging think tank worldwide in  2010 by the Global Think Tank Index.

 Notable research projects

The MDG 2010 Country Update Report

This report was commissioned by UNDP and provided the first analysis of inequalities with respect to the MDGs as well as an evaluation of the potential for Rwanda to achieve the targets by 2015. The findings were influential in President Paul Kagame being invited to co-chair one of the committees at the MDG Summit in 2010. This report included an analysis of the impact of the economic downturn and climate change on Rwanda.

Household enterprises

This research was commissioned by the World Bank. The findings have led to the government rethinking its definition of enterprises and recognising the need to explicitly incorporate household enterprises in its private sector development. The development of household enterprises will be essential if the estimated 125,000 new labour market entrants each year are to be absorbed into productive work. Government has considered this in The Economic Development and Poverty Reduction 2 (EDPR2).

East African Taxation Project: Rwanda Case Study.

This project was commissioned by Action Aid Rwanda, and considered the role of tax incentives in supporting Rwanda achieve its development goals. As a result of the findings and recommendations the government is debating its policy on tax incentives and the investment code is being revised.