Jede Umulisa

Jeanne (Jede) d’Arc Umulisa is a social economist consultant with eight years of experience working in the development field both for government and international organizations. She is a World Economic Global Shaper and a member of the “Africa50,” a pool of 50 African Global Shapers selected to attend the World Economic Forum 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda, and contribute to WEF Africa’s Agenda.

Jede has worked in various subjects in the development field; she has expertise in public policy, research and analysis in job creation, urbanization, green growth, gender equality and social inclusion. She has participated in the elaboration of different policies, strategies and programs designed toward an inclusive economic transformation while working in the prime minister’s office as the economic researcher and the director of planning in the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion.

She also worked for Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) as a Social Inclusion and Development consultant as part of GGGI’s model of economic growth known as “green growth”—which targets key aspects of economic performance such as poverty reduction, job creation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability—to develop the Rwanda National Roadmap for Green Secondary City Development for the six identified secondary cities. Jede is currently running a program called Academy of Women Entrepreneurs in which 30 young women are enrolled to be equipped and mentored to rise as successful entrepreneurs.

Jede received her master’s degree in 2012 in public policy and economic development (major) in economic policy from KDI School of Public Policy in Seoul, South Korea. She believes that women, currently marginalized, have the strength that stems from within to set the tone and orchestrate change that benefits all, and that society deserves to use all of its instruments especially those as key as its women. Jede also strongly believes that the future of Africa will only be brighter if women come on board, not only to fill the gender gaps in organizations or positions, but to lead and drive the change in the Rwanda/Africa we want to see.