African Centre of Excellence in Data Science
{{Short description|University of Rwanda and World Bank funded centre of excellence in data science}}
{{Infobox university
| name = African Centre of Excellence in Data Science
| image =
| type = Public
| established = 2018
| parent = University of Rwanda
| accreditation = Higher Education Council, Data Science Council of America
| country = Rwanda
| language = English
| logo =
| website = {{URL|https://aceds.ur.ac.rw/}}
}}
The African Centre of Excellence in Data Science (ACE-DS) is a Rwandan educational institution focusing on data science. It is situated at the University of Rwanda,{{Cite web |title=How ACE-DS aims to develop more African data scientists |url=https://www.builtinafrica.io/videos/african-center-of-excellence |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=builtinafrica.io |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=University of Rwanda First Institution in Africa to Join World Data Science Initiative |url=https://www.worlddatascience.org/newsroom/university-of-rwanda-first-institution-in-africa-to-join-world-data-science-initiative |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=worlddatascience.org}} and was established in 2018 under the funding of the World Bank's Africa Centres of Excellence II Project.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-27 |title=FEATURED - African Centre of Excellence in Data Science (ACE-DS): Achievements and planned activities |url=https://www.africa-press.net/rwanda/economy/featured-african-centre-of-excellence-in-data-science-ace-ds-achievements-and-planned-activities |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=africa-press.net |language=en-US}}
History
The ACE-DS was founded as part of the World Bank's Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) II Project, initiated in recognition of the need to strengthen selected Eastern and Southern African higher education institutions.{{Cite web |title=Eastern and Southern African Centres of Excellence (ACE II) Project |url=https://www.mineduc.gov.rw/fileadmin/user_upload/Mineduc/SPIU_Documents/Eastern_and_Southern_African_Centres_of_Excellence.pdf}}{{Cite web |title=Investing in Higher Education for Development: Quality Post-graduate Education through the Eastern & Southern Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence |url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2020/12/14/investing-in-excellence-in-higher-education-for-development-delivering-quality-post-graduate-education-through-the-eastern-southern-africa-higher-education-centers-of-excellence-aceii |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=World Bank |language=en}} Launched in 2018, ACE-DS is one of 24 Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence supported by the World Bank's ACE II Project. The World Bank allocated 4.5 million dollars for the project over a period of 7 years.{{Cite web |title=Commercialisation: Centers of Excellence face difficulties |url=https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20230524185114400 |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=University World News}}{{Cite web |title=African Centres of Excellence want to secure their longevity |url=https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=2022060813434745 |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=University World News}} The primary objective of the ACE II Project is to strengthen selected higher education institutions across the region.{{Cite web |title=EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE PROJECT (ACE II) PROJECT OPERATIONAL MANUAL |url=https://aceiot.ur.ac.rw/IMG/pdf/3._ace_ii_project_operational_manual_pom_.pdf}}{{Cite web |title=ACE II PROJECT INFORMATION DOCUMENT (PID) |url=https://ewsdata.rightsindevelopment.org/files/documents/47/WB-P151847_JWo0GwA.pdf}}
Academic programs
ACE-DS offers Masters and PhD in data sciences,{{Cite web |last=Nkurunziza |first=Michel |date=2022-07-08 |title=Why professional courses offered by the African Centre of Excellence in Data Science are essential |url=https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/201097/Events/why-professional-courses-offered-by-the-african-centre-of-excellence-in-data-science-are-essential |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=The New Times |language=en}} and specialisations that include Actuarial Science, Demography, Biostatistics, Econometrics, and Data Mining.{{Cite web |last=Nzabonimpa |first=Patrick |date=2023-01-26 |title=FEATURED: Cenfri, UR move to build data-talent pipeline |url=https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/4538/news/featured/featured-cenfri-ur-move-to-build-data-talent-pipeline |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=The New Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=On a mission to develop more African data scientists |url=https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20201027124754701 |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=University World News}}
In collaboration with Data Science Council of America (DASCA), ACE-DS offers certification programs for professionals in data-related roles.{{Cite web |title=The African Centre of Excellence in Data Science {{!}} DASCA |url=https://universityofrwanda.dasca.org/ |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=universityofrwanda.dasca.org}}