Rwanda Bankers Association is pleased to announce a call for papers for Research for its inaugural Rwanda Bankers’ Association Annual Research Conference scheduled for May 2024. The theme of the Conference is: “The Financial Technology, Innovation and Sustainability Interplay in Rwanda – Emerging Opportunities and Risks.”. A detailed Conference Concept Note is available at: https://www.rba.rw/research-center/concept-note-01

The Conference will put a spotlight on how the market responds to the interplay between three aspects that are often given distinct consideration.

  • First is the issue of how financial technology is shaping market practice.
  • Second is the inevitability of innovation on the back of emerging opportunities.
  • Third is the aspect of sustainability that recognises need for adaptive business models fortified with Environmental, social and Governance (ESG)

The thrust of the Conference papers will be to steer the conversation on how dynamics in the financial sector, based on the treatment of these three aspects in a linked manner, will foster the positioning of finance at the centre of the developmental aspirations of Rwanda. That will entail the showcasing of emerging knowledge in three areas:

  1. Financial technology, especially mobile technology, has enabled the provision of financial services by prudentially regulated institutions as well as non‑regulated agencies that include financial technology companies. Whether or not efficiency gains and opportunities to new products translate to opportunities for profitability than the promise of more inclusive finance is an open question.
  2. The dynamics around expectations of consumers of financial services in the context of cost and access on the back of new market competition dynamics and risks as financial technology is germane to the understanding of market behavioural changes.
  3. Beyond aspiration, there are opportunities for commercial lenders in key sectors such as housing, agriculture and industry that are not being fully realised. Its key that the opportunities and constraints are mapped out for the full realisation of the potential, cognisant that these key sectors are adjusting to the demands of addressing to environmental/climate related risks.

The emphasis of the Conference will be on high quality papers with a clear balance between theory and application, and policy and/or business relevance of the research findings.

An honorarium will be paid for each paper selected for the conference. Further, all conference papers will be reviewed and published as Working Papers by the Rwanda Bankers Association Research Centre.

Requirements

  1. Full paper (not more than 8,000 words) or a concept paper (not more than 2,500 words). The submission must be strongly aligned to the above motivated theme.
  2. The concept paper/full paper should focus on either one of the areas outline or bring out dimensions of linkages to other areas in the theme line.
  3. The concept paper/full paper should have a 300‑word abstract.
  4. A brief biography of the author(s) that includes professional qualifications and research experience. The biography should not be more than one pages.
// Useful informations
  • 26th January 2024
     Deadline to submit research proposal
  • 31st January 2024
     Selection of papers and notification of authors
  • 29th March 2024
    In the case of concept papers, full papers completed by the authors and submitted to Rwanda Bankers Association Research Centre
  • April 2024
    Technical Review Workshop
  • May 2024
    Inaugural RBA Annual Research Conference
// Download the Concept note

// Submission Form

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PAPER SUBMISSION

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FINANCIAL INSTITUTION ANALYSIS THROUGH BANK SIMULATION (B@NKSIM)

PROPOSED DURATION: • 5 DAYS

Learning objectives:

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the main methods used by external observers to analyse financial institutions.
  • Explain the major decisions currently taken in the banking sector and their implications.
  • Analyse how different areas of the banking business interact to influence overall business and financial performance.
  • Interpret the overall strategy of their financial institution and its key drivers.
  • Apply knowledge from the simulation game to connect and synthesise the topics covered during the four previous modules.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND FINTECH

PROPOSED DURATION: • 4 DAYS

Learning objectives:

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

  • Assess the main transformation drivers impacting their institution and translate them into clear priorities.
  • Map a priority customer journey and identify concrete opportunities to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
  • Compare key digital banking business models (platforms, partnerships, BaaS, embedded finance) and select relevant options for their context.
  • Select and justify high-value digital/AI/data/cloud use cases, including value, feasibility, and key risks.
  • Define a pragmatic transformation roadmap (quick wins + mid-term initiatives) with governance, KPIs and change/adoption actions.
  • Present a concise “transformation blueprint” to stakeholders (structure, rationale, and expected outcomes).

LEADERSHIP AND PEOPLE MANAGEMENT: Leading as a Manager Coach

PROPOSED DURATION: • 4 DAYS

Learning objectives:

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

  • Reflect on their personal leadership style and managerial role.
  • Adopt a coaching mindset to empower and develop their team members.
  • Manage performance effectively while maintaining motivation and engagement.
  • Identify and develop future talents within their organization.
  • Balance team care with self-care for sustainable leadership.

SUSTAINABLE FINANCE AND ESG

PROPOSED DURATION: • 2 DAYS

Learning objectives:

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

  • Map ESG priorities to their bank’s strategic objectives and identify 2–3 concrete areas for integration (e.g., lending policies, product design, client segmentation). 
  • Design governance arrangements by defining clear roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes for ESG within their organization. 
  • Embed ESG factors into existing risk management frameworks, including credit, market, and operational risk assessment practices. 
  • Interpret and apply relevant ESG regulations and reporting standards to their bank’s context, identifying immediate compliance gaps and actions. 
  • Develop a practical, step-by-step action plan to implement ESG initiatives in their own bank, including quick wins and longer-term priorities.

STRATEGY, GOVERNANCE, & INTERNAL CONTROL

PROPOSED DURATION: • 5 DAYS

Learning objectives:

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

  • Define and monitor long-term strategies in alignment with the Mission, Values, and Risk Appetite set by the Board of Directors.
  • Translate the fundamental principles of corporate governance into robust and effective organisational practices.
  • Apply the Fit and Proper requirements at both Non-Executive and Executive levels.
  • Identify and explain the expected contributions of Commercial, Support, and Control functions within a sound risk management framework.
  • Describe the positioning, purpose, and functioning of the Risk Management, Compliance, and Internal Audit functions.
  • Distinguish between the main financial and non-financial risk categories to which a financial institution is exposed and outline the associated risk management tactics and mitigating measures.
  • Explain the risk management cycle and analyse the interrelationships across risk categories, including the cause-and-effect domino dynamics between them.