University of Rwanda First Institution in Africa to Join World Data Science Initiative

11 Nov, 2020, Washington D.C.: Since the launch of the World Data Science Initiative (WDSI) in January of 2020 institutions in more than 20 countries have applied to be a part of the initiative, which is the world’s biggest ever talent development project in Data Science. The African continent can now boast its first institution to join the initiative; University of Rwanda. rnThe University of Rwanda is home to the African Center of Excellence in Data Science (ACE-DS), which received accreditation by the Data Science Council of America (DASCA) under the World Data Science Initiative. ACE-DS is the first institution in Africa to receive the prestigious DASCA accreditation. This comes as a part of the University of Rwanda’s development of leading data science education programs. As a DASCA accredited member of WDSI, ACE-DS is now poised to be leader throughout Africa in the education and development of high-quality data science professionals. The move will allow ACE-DS to leverage the global network of WDSI member institutions for adopting state-of-the-art mechanisms, systems, techniques, content and curricula of the Data Science discipline. “We are very excited to be a DASCA accredited WDSI member,” said Dr. Charles Ruranga, the ACE-DS Director. “Africa has unlimited potential for economic, social and human development. By being at the forefront of data science education, we can now better train the next wave of professionals to help to solve these development challenges,” Dr. Ruranga continued. The ACE-DS at the University of Rwanda was supported throughout the process of joining the initiative by global education leader Edvantic. WDSI has partnered with Edvantic to help make it easier for a larger number of institutions around the world to join the initiative. rnAbout University of Rwanda African Center of Excellence in Data Science The African Centre of Excellence in Data Science (ACE-DS) is one of 24 Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence in the World Bank's ACE II Project. The ACE-DS is a regional centre for which core mission is to train post-graduate students with combined expertise in statistics, economics, business, computer science, and engineering to use big data and data analytics to solve development challenges. The ACE-DS is based at the University of Rwanda in the School of Business and Economics. About WDSI World Data Science Initiative (WDSI) is the world’s biggest ever talent development project in Data Science. Our aim is to build a worldwide force of 250,000 future-ready Data Science professionals. We offer the world’s most comprehensive subsidy and grant initiative to help universities and institutions reach the highest standard in Data Science. For Media ContactrnLawrence IngerlyrnLawrence.i@worlddatascience.org