At ESC Pau Business School in France, a Rwandan researcher has been awarded the Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) with highest honors for her groundbreaking thesis on the role of economic diplomacy in advancing Rwanda’s national brands.
The thesis, entitled “The Role of Economic Diplomacy in Promoting the Made in Rwanda and Visit Rwanda Brands and Enhancing Territorial Attractiveness: Strategies and Perspectives for Sustainable Development,” explores how strategic diplomacy can strengthen national branding, attract investment, and foster sustainable development. The jury congratulated her on the quality and relevance of her work.
In her remarks, she emphasized that her research demonstrates how economic diplomacy, when closely aligned with national branding and sustainability strategies, can become a powerful tool for inclusive growth. She stressed that the findings could be particularly valuable for policy makers seeking to craft strategies that boost Rwanda’s global visibility, attract foreign investment, and promote long-term economic development.
She expressed her gratitude to her Thesis Director, Prof. Mohammed Amine Balambo, and jury members Prof. Bertrand Auge, Prof. Frédéric Dosquet, and Prof. Loïc Harriett, as well as her mentors, colleagues, and family for their support throughout her academic journey. She also thanked the leadership of Rwanda for the opportunities and trust that enabled her research.
“This milestone is not an end, but a new beginning,” she said. “It is a renewed commitment to advancing innovative and sustainable African economic diplomacy, proudly inspired by the Rwandan experience.”
Experts note that her research provides actionable insights for government officials, trade diplomats, and policy makers, offering strategies to align Rwanda’s economic diplomacy with national branding efforts and international investment promotion, potentially shaping the country’s economic trajectory in the years to come.
