Minister of State for Education, Claudette Irere joins participants at the closing of the Sixth Edition of the Monetary Policy Challenge, celebrating university students who demonstrated excellence in analysing real economic developments and proposing policy responses.

Organised under the BNR Engage programme, the challenge immerses third- and fourth-year economics students in a simulation of the Monetary Policy Committee, where they assess macroeconomic trends and recommend an appropriate Central Bank Rate.

From over 1,000 applicants, 48 finalists advanced to the grand finale, presenting MPC-style recommendations to a jury of senior economists from the National Bank of Rwanda.

Speaking at the event,  Claudette Irere, Minister of State for Education emphasized the importance of practical, future-ready learning in shaping Rwanda’s next generation of economic leaders:

“This challenge aligns with our national priorities of equipping students with practical, future-ready skills. By providing university students with the opportunity to analyse and engage with real economic developments and recommend policy responses, the Monetary Policy Challenge bridges theory and practice. It strengthens critical thinking, analytical capacity, teamwork, and communication. Initiatives like this prepare our young people not only for the job market, but to contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s economic