INTRODUCTION
The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) is the central agency responsible for the production and dissemination of official statistics in Rwanda, and the overall coordination of the National Statistical System NSS). As part of its mandate to promote statistical literacy and enhance public understanding of key statistics, NISR organizes an annual Infographic Competition.
This competition encourages students to creatively transform statistical reports published on the NISR website into visually engaging and informative infographics. By simplifying complex statistical information, these infographics make the data more accessible and easier for the public to understand, fostering a greater appreciation for the importance of statistics among young people.
COMPETITION TOPICS
Participants may choose ONE of the following topics:
- Water and Sanitation for All: What Do the Statistics Tell Us?
- Using Statistics to Understand Water Availability, Access, Quality, and Sustainable Development
- Data-Driven Solutions for Sustainable Water and Sanitation Services
- The Contribution of Water and Sanitation Statistics to Climate-Resilient Development
REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION
- The competition is open to undergraduate, and master's students enrolled in recognized universities and higher learning institutions in Rwanda.
- Students from all fields of study are eligible to participate.
- Students from statistics, data science, economics, mathematics, IT, journalism, communication, public relations, media studies, creative design, agriculture, and related fields are particularly encouraged to participate.
- Final-year students and female students are strongly encouraged to participate.
- Students shall participate in teams of Two (2). Team members may come from the same or different universities.
- Interdisciplinary teams combining skills in data analysis, research, visualization, communication, journalism, and storytelling are encouraged.
- Each team shall develop one data-driven product using official NISR statistics or other datasets approved by NISR.
- All submissions must be original work. Plagiarism is prohibited, and all sources must be properly acknowledged.
SUBMISSION FORMATS
Each team may develop its data story using one of the following formats:
1. Infographic
Participants may develop either a static and dynamic infographic that transforms statistical information into a clear and visually engaging data story.
The infographic should:
- Present statistics accurately;
- Highlight a clear message or finding;
- Use appropriate charts, graphics, colors, and typography;
- Present information simply and clearly; and
- Provide proper data source attribution.
2. Data Story
Participants may develop a data-driven story that interprets statistical findings and communicates them through an appropriate media format, including:
- Written or online data story;
- Audio/radio story;
- Television/video story; or
- Interactive digital story.
The story should communicate a clear central message, be supported by reliable data, and be appropriate for the intended audience.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Submissions will be assessed based on:
- Relevance: Alignment with the selected topic and competition theme.
- Data Accuracy and Interpretation: Correct use and interpretation of statistical information.
- Storyline and Key Message: Ability to communicate a clear and coherent message.
- Creativity and Originality: Innovation and originality in presenting the data.
- Clarity and Simplicity: Ability to make statistical information easy to understand.
- Visual and Communication Quality: Effective use of visuals, narrative, audio, video, or interactive elements according to the selected format.
- Audience Engagement: Ability to capture and maintain the attention of the intended audience.
- Sources and Attribution: Proper acknowledgment and use of credible data sources.
DATA SOURCES
Participants are encouraged to use official statistics published by NISR and other approved official sources. All statistics must be accurately presented, properly interpreted, and verified against the original source. All sources must be fully acknowledged.
PRIZES AND VALUE ADDITION
- Every participant will gain practical experience in data analysis, visualization, statistical communication, and storytelling.
- The top 5 teams will receive high-quality laptops for each team member.
- Students from winning teams who are in their final year of study will be eligible for professional internship opportunities after graduation, in accordance with applicable arrangements.
- Finalist teams will have an opportunity to showcase their work and demonstrate their skills in data communication and storytelling.
IMPORTANT DATES
- 25 August – 20 October 2026: Registration period.
- 20 October 2026: Registration closes.
- 31 October 2026: Submission deadline.
- December 2026: Final presentation and awards ceremony.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE COMPETITION
CONTACT
For further information regarding the competition:
Email: competition@statistics.gov.rw | Tel: 0788460189
Transform Data into Knowledge. Tell Stories that Matter.