• CYURINYANA EMERTHE
• Dr. Malgit Amos Akims PhD
• Mr. Jubilee Leonard Kakwezi

Abstract This study aimed at analyzing the effect of monitoring and evaluation factors on the performance of ICT sectoral development project in Rwanda. Specifically, this study explores the effects of monitoring and evaluation planning, team competency, and stakeholder participation to the performance of ICT sector development projects in Rwanda. Results may serve project managers, development practitioners, scholars as well as students involved in project monitoring and evaluation attempts. Results from this study serve as; helpful for Rwandan Information Society Authority, pertinent source of data for project management academicians, researcher’s scholars, public policy makers, public and private institutions who may necessitate to deepen the level of understanding in the role of monitoring and evaluation factors. This study was underpinned by stakeholder theory, logical framework model, contingence theory and theory of change. The researcher employed a descriptive and correlation research designs using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The target population and sample of this was 206 and 135 respectively. The researcher used purposive sampling technique to choose respondents and key informants. Data was collected from 129 respondents involved in various ICT projects under the supervision of Rwanda information Authority, with a focus on their perceptions of M&E practices, team skills, and stakeholder engagement. Both primary and secondary data were collected data using questionnaire and interview guide. The researcher utilized statistical product and service solution version 26.0 to generate descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to test the research null hypothesis that monitoring and evaluation factors influence project performance. The results show that monitoring and evaluation plays a crucial role in project effectiveness. A significant portion of respondents (44.9%) agreed that stakeholder involvement in M&E formulation promotes cost-effectiveness, indicating that a structured M&E approach enhances project outcomes. Additionally, the presence of baselines for monitoring activities was identified by 33.3% of respondents as a critical factor for tracking progress and ensuring accountability. The project team competency also emerged as a significant predictor of ICT sector development project performance. Respondents felt the role of skilled teams in executing monitoring and evaluation tasks, with majority affirming that team competence directly influences the project valuation quality and accuracy. Results reveal that well-trained teams were well equipped to analyze data and take informed decisions, thus improving the overall performance of ICT sector projects. Stakeholder participation was found to have a high positive correlation (r = 0.838) with project performance, suggesting that active stakeholder involvement, especially in identifying and tracking indicators, significantly enhances project performance. Respondents highlighted the influence of stakeholders’ knowledge of monitoring and evaluation practices, with 42.6% agreeing that such engagement influences the implementation of monitoring and evaluation strategies effectively. This study concludes that the integration of effective monitoring and evaluation planning, a competent project team, and active stakeholder participation significantly contributes to the performance of ICT sector development projects. For optimal outcomes, ICT projects in Rwanda should prioritize these factors, ensuring a robust framework for monitoring progress, enhancing team capabilities, and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle. Key words: Monitoring & Evaluation, Factors, Performance and ICT Projects

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"Monitoring and Evaluation Factors and Performance of ICT Sector Development Projects in Rwanda. A Case of ICT Projects under Rwanda Information Society Authority.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 7, page no.g226-g254, July-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2507636.pdf

"Monitoring and Evaluation Factors and Performance of ICT Sector Development Projects in Rwanda. A Case of ICT Projects under Rwanda Information Society Authority.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 7, page no. ppg226-g254, July-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2507636.pdf