Abstract: Researcher established an ideal on E-payment and performance of transaction of goods and services in rice growers’ cooperative. A case study of Cooproriz Ntende in Gatsibo District, Rwanda. The study targeted a population of 3,867 beneficiaries, with a sample size consisting of 362 respondents. A combination of descriptive and inferential statistical methods was utilized for data analysis, which was conducted using SPSS software version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were employed to generate frequency tables, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while inferential statistics facilitated the use of Pearson correlation and a multiple regression model to examine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The findings demonstrated significant relationships between e-payment prospects, e-payment promotion efficiency, and the performance of goods and services transactions, with correlation coefficients of 0.701, 0.584, and 0.679, respectively. Statistical analysis confirmed that e-payment prospects (p-value = 0.000) and e-payment promotion efficiency (p-value = 0.000) were significant predictors of performance. However, the relationship between the prospects and challenges of e-payment adoption and performance was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.084). The study concluded that e-payment significantly influences the performance of goods and services transactions in the rice growers’ cooperative. It recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) should provide ongoing professional guidance to farmers to enhance farming practices and encourage active participation in e-payment systems, thereby supporting economic growth and improving their financial well-being.

Abstract: This paper systematically advocates the determinants influencing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania, specifically on potential business ecosystem elements which include Accessibility to Finance (AF), Market accessibility and Competition (MAC), Entrepreneurial Skills and Management (ESMC) capacity, as well as Regulatory requirements (RR). The study used a mixed study design and employed Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and Partial Least Squares (PLS) to analyze data collected from 125 random samples from SME owners in Mwanza and Arusha City. Smart PLS software was used to analyze data from a structured questionnaire to realize the study’s objective. The results highlight Access to Finance as the most substantial determinant of SME growth, followed by Market Access and Competition. Entrepreneurship skills and the ability to manage an enterprise have a positive influence but possess a relatively weak association, whereas Regulatory Requirements demonstrated modest effects. The proposed mechanisms to ensure the expansion and scaleability of SMEs in Tanzania are directed to laws and policymakers, as well as other development partners to intervene in all analyzed, construct to smooth financial inclusiveness, invest in research to discover market opportunities, adjust SMEs’ legal structure to provide conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as establishment of entrepreneurship development programs to upgrade creativity, innovation and management capacity for SMEs growth and Sustainability.

Abstract: The general objective of this study is to assess the effect of smart city practices on sustainable urban development in Nyarugenge District, Rwanda. This study focused on 322 participants from Nyarugenge District. Using Slovin’s formula, a sample size of 178 respondents ensured accurate representation. The study used simple random sampling. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and documentation reviews, with analysis conducted through SPSS version 25 to generate descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and regression models. The coefficient of Smart Technology Adoption is 0.457, indicating that sustainable urban development in Nyarugenge District increases by 0.457 units for every one-unit increase in smart technology adoption. The significance value (p = 0.000) confirms this effect is statistically significant. The coefficient of Smart Public Transport is 0.343 indicates a one-unit increase in smart public transport is associated with an increase of 0.343 units in sustainable urban development in Nyarugenge District. The significance value (p = 0.000) indicates a statistically significant relationship. The coefficient of Smart Utility Management is 0.163, suggesting a one-unit increase in smart utility management is associated with a 0.163-unit increase in sustainable urban development in Nyarugenge District. However, the significance value (p = 0.029) indicates this relationship is statistically significant at the 0.05 level. Substantial evidence demonstrates that smart technology adoption, smart public transport, and smart utility management each significantly influence sustainable urban development in Nyarugenge District. Nyarugenge District, in partnership with telecommunications companies and community organizations, should continue to invest in infrastructure to improve internet access in underserved areas further.

Abstract: This study examines the effect of the Rwanda National Agriculture Policy (NAP) on the livelihoods of small-scale maize farmers in Nyagatare District, with a specific focus on the impact of agricultural commercialization strategies. A descriptive research design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population comprised 424 individuals from five cooperatives, with a sample size of 206 selected using the Yamane formula. Data were collected through surveys and interviews and analyzed using SPSS software version 25, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between agricultural commercialization strategies and improved livelihoods, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.796, suggesting that commercialization plays a critical role in enhancing smallholder maize farmers’ economic outcomes. Regression analysis further indicated that agricultural commercialization strategies are a strong predictor of improved livelihoods, with a standardized beta coefficient of 0.562. These findings were statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.000. The study concluded that agricultural commercialization positively influences income, food security, and overall livelihood improvements for small-scale maize farmers in Nyagatare. However, challenges such as limited market access, insufficient agricultural infrastructure, and climate variability were identified as barriers to full commercialization potential. The study recommends enhancing access to markets, investing in rural infrastructure, providing farmer training programs, and improving financial support systems to ensure the sustainability of agricultural commercialization in the region.

Abstract: The study was about effect of non-performing loans on financial performance of selected commercial banks in Rwanda stock exchange within the period of 2019-2023. The level of financial performance every year was high and regression analysis revealed that Non-Performing Loans ratio has a positive coefficient of estimate which was significant (β= 0.319, p˂0.05). On the other side regression analysis shows that cash reserve ratio has a positive coefficient of estimate which was significant (β= 0.287, p˂0.05). This implies that a unit increase in Cash coverage ratio would lead to increase in performance of Equity Bank, BK, I&M Bank Rwanda Ltd and KCB Bank Rwanda Ltd by a factor of 0.287. Regression analysis shows that Non-Performing Loans coverage ratio has positive coefficient of estimate which was significant (β= 0.245, p˂0.05). Therefore, it is from these factors researchers concluded that there is a significant effect of Non-Performing Loans ratio on financial performance of listed commercial banks in RSE. It was also confirmed that cash reserve ratio has positive and significant relationship on financial performance of listed commercial banks in RSE. Researcher also concluded that there is a positive and significant relationship between Non-Performing Loans coverage ratio and financial performance of listed commercial banks in RSE.

Abstract: This study investigated the contribution of stakeholder salience on the sustainability of development projects implemented by Compassion International Rwanda. It used a descriptive research design, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. The target population consisted of 363 individuals, with a sample of 190 respondents selected using Slovin’s formula, including staff from Compassion International Rwanda, local government authorities, NGO partners, educational institutions, and beneficiaries (heads of families). A total of 185 questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 97%. Inferential analysis, conducted using SPSS software (version 21), revealed a statistically significant relationship between stakeholder salience and project sustainability, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.786, indicating a strong positive relationship. Regression analysis further supported this, with a standardized beta coefficient of 0.870, demonstrating that stakeholder salience was a major predictor of project sustainability. The p-value of 0.000 signified the statistical significance of this relationship, suggesting that the effect of stakeholder salience on project sustainability was highly unlikely to have occurred by chance. The study concluded that stakeholder salience played a crucial role in the sustainability of projects at Compassion International Rwanda, with higher levels of stakeholder involvement contributing to more sustainable outcomes. Based on these findings, it was recommended that Compassion International Rwanda strengthen stakeholder engagement at every stage of project implementation. By actively involving stakeholders, particularly those with high salience, the organization could better align project goals with stakeholder needs, minimize conflicts, and enhance long-term project sustainability.

Abstract: Financial literacy has been highlighted as a key driver for the growth of small and medium enterprises. However, there is a dearth of empirical research on this study in Rwanda, and specifically in Kigali city. The study examined the effect of financial literacy on the growth of SMEs in Nyarugenge District. The study is underpinned by the hypotheses that budgeting literacy, book keeping literacy and financial access literacy have no significant effect on the growth of selected SMEs. The target population was 2,489 SMEs from which a sample size of 345 managers were randomly selected. However, data was collected from 269 managers using the questionnaire. Data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential analyses. The finding for H01 shows that Budgeting literacy has no significant effect on the growth of selected SMEs in Kigali city, Nyarugenge District (β=.507; p<.05). Therefore, the first hypothesis is rejected. However, for H02, findings show that Book-keeping literacy has no significant effect on the growth of selected SMEs in Kigali city, Nyarugenge District (β=.058; p>.05). Therefore, the second hypothesis is accepted. For H03, Financial access literacy has no significant effect on the growth of selected SMEs in Kigali city, Nyarugenge District (β=.495; p<.05). Therefore, the third hypothesis is rejected. These findings hold relevance for policymakers, financial institutions, and business support organizations striving to enhance SME success. The recommendations include enhancing financial resource allocation skills, prioritizing effective financial reconciliation with bank records, improving banking literacy among business owners, seeking training for better financial decision-making, and staying updated on available funding opportunities.

Abstract: This study investigates the effect of digitalization on the performance of financial institutions in Rwanda, focusing on the Bank of Kigali and SACCOs in Musanze District. Findings from the study show that the adoption of mobile banking and online banking significantly improves profitability, liquidity, and capital adequacy. Mobile banking, with its broad accessibility, is particularly influential in increasing transaction volumes, leading to higher profitability. Online banking and digital payment systems contribute to enhanced customer engagement and satisfaction, with customers reporting ease of use and reliability. Investment in cybersecurity has improved the financial stability of institutions by reducing risks of data breaches and fraud, thereby positively impacting capital adequacy ratios and overall financial security. Furthermore, operational efficiency has markedly improved, with significant reductions in transaction processing times and operational costs. Cybersecurity measures have enhanced risk management capabilities, reducing the likelihood of fraud and improving institutional risk resilience. The study concludes that digitalization plays a critical role in enhancing the financial performance of institutions in Rwanda. Based on these findings, it is recommended that financial institutions continue to invest in digital technologies, with a particular emphasis on enhancing cybersecurity frameworks to protect against emerging risks. Institutions should also focus on improving customer experience by investing in user-friendly digital platforms that cater to customer preferences.

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of Rwanda’s National Urbanization Strategies on sustainable urban development in Kigali, with particular emphasis on the implementation of the Coordination Strategy and the Kigali Master Plan. Grounded in governance and systems theory, the research employed a descriptive design and integrated both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 312 respondents including urban planners, government officials, and policy experts—were selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed using SPSS Version 21 through descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses. Findings revealed a strong positive correlation between the coordination strategy (r = 0.742) and sustainable urban development outcomes, underscoring the pivotal role of effective governance and institutional coordination in promoting urban sustainability. Regression analysis further confirmed institutional coordination as a significant predictor of sustainable urban development (β = 0.534, p = 0.000). The study underscores the importance of reinforcing coordination mechanisms across urban planning institutions to ensure coherent policy implementation. Based on these findings, the study recommends that urban planners, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders enhance collaboration and communication by institutionalizing regular coordination meetings, joint planning sessions, and the alignment of strategic objectives. These measures will strengthen decision-making processes and contribute to the development of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable human settlements.

Abstract: Storytelling activities are very important to pre-primary school learners because they contribute to the development of language skills among children and shapes levels of self-confidence in reading, writing and speaking and listening skills. However, in Ndia Division, acquisition of language skills among pre-primary school learners is a challenge. Thus, this study sought to examine the influence music activities on development of language skills among learners in public pre-primary schools. The study was guided by the social development theory and language acquisition theory. The study adopted mixed methodology and applied concurrent triangualtion research design. Target population totaled 850 respondents comprising of 50 pre-primary school teachers and 800 pre-primary school learners from which a sample of 272 respondents was sampled using Yamane’s Formula. This comprised 40 pre-primary school teachers and 232 pre-primary school learners. Data analysis began by identifying common themes. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically along the objectives and presented in narrative forms. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages and inferentially using linear regression analysis in Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS 25) and presented using tables. The study established that reading, writing and speaking skills among pre-primary school learners are below average despite the fact that they participate in different storytelling activities. Thus, the study recommends that teachers need to adopt storytelling sessions as a teaching method to enhance their language skills. Teachers and key stakeholders need to provide a conducive environment where music and play activities are designed to promote the acquisition of reading, writing and listening skills.