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2026 Data Storytelling Competition

The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) organizes the Data Storytelling Competition to strengthen the ability of journalism students to use official statistics to produce accurate, engaging, and impactful stories for the public.

The competition challenges journalism students to transform statistical information into clear, evidence-based, and compelling stories that help the public understand important development issues in Rwanda. Through the competition, participants will develop practical skills in data analysis, data interpretation, investigative journalism, storytelling, media production, and statistical communication.

COMPETITION TOPICS

Participants may choose ONE of the following topics:

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION

  • The competition is open to journalism and media students enrolled in recognized universities and higher learning institutions in Rwanda.
  • Students may participate from journalism, communication, media studies, and related programmes.
  • Students shall participate in teams of Two (2). Team members may come from the same or different institutions.
  • Each team shall produce one data-driven journalistic story based on official NISR statistics 
  • Stories must be original, factual, and supported by reliable statistical evidence.
  • All data sources must be properly acknowledged.

DATA STORYTELLING FORMAT

Each team shall develop a data-driven journalistic story that uses statistics to investigate an issue, explain a trend, reveal a gap, or highlight an important development challenge.

Stories may be produced in one of the following formats:

  • Written/Online Data Story
  • Radio/Audio Data Story
  • Television/Video Data Story

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Accuracy and Data Interpretation: Correct use, presentation, and interpretation of official statistics. 
  • Clarity of Key Message: Clear communication of the main finding or message. 
  • Story Quality and Relevance: A meaningful, compelling, and relevant story developed from the data. 
  • Storytelling and Audience Engagement: Ability to present data through an engaging and interesting narrative. 
  • Communication and Media Quality: Effective use of the selected media format to communicate the story. 
  • Evidence and Sources: Use of credible data, interviews, expert views, and other supporting evidence. 
  • Originality and Ethics: Originality, proper attribution, responsible journalism, and avoidance of misleading or sensationalized information. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

PRIZES AND VALUE ADDITION

  • Participants will gain practical experience in data journalism, statistical interpretation, research, and storytelling.
  • The top 2 teams will receive high-quality laptops for each team member.
  • Finalist teams will have an opportunity to showcase their work and interact with professionals in statistics and journalism.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • 25 August – 5th October 2026: Open for registration Period
  • 31 October 2026: Submission deadline (The link for submission will be uploaded on the NISR website 10 days before the deadline). 
  • 15 November 2026: Notification for the results from the evaluation
  • 21–29 November 2026: Infographics technical mentorship & skills development and final presentation. 
  • The awards ceremony will be communicated in December 2026.

📞 CONTACT

For further information about the competition, please contact:

📱 Tel: 0788 460 189

 

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