Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation Practices on Performance of Rwanda Digital Acceleration Project at Development Bank of Rwanda

Nadine Dukuze and Richard Kabanda
University of Kigali
Email: dukuzenadine@gmail.com

Abstract: This study examined the performance of the Rwanda Digital Acceleration Project (RDAP) of the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) with respect to Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) processes. Its primary focus was on monitoring planning, stakeholder interaction, data quality management, and assessment and feedback mechanisms. The Theory of Change, Systems Theory, Stakeholder Theory, and Results-Based Management Theory served as the foundation for the study’s mixed-methods research approach. Stratified sampling was used to choose 95 out of 100 RDAP employees in the target demographic, resulting in a 95% response rate. Quantitative data was assessed using SPSS using multiple regression analysis, correlation, and descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was collected through interviews with project managers and M&E authorities. The Strong favorable correlations between M&E practices and project performance were found. Performance was most strongly impacted by data quality management (β = 0.442, p < 0.001), followed by stakeholder participation (β = 0.245, p < 0.001) and monitoring planning (β = 0.294, p = 0.001). The effect of evaluation and feedback systems was positive but not statistically significant (β = 0.055, p = 0.292). 91.7% of the variation in project performance was explained by the model (Adjusted R2 = 0.917). In order to increase timely project implementation and goal achievement, the study suggests enhancing data quality, stakeholder engagement, monitoring schedules, and evaluation feedback mechanisms. It finds that effective M&E techniques greatly improve RDAP success.