Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR)

Happy Liberation Day, #Rwanda! On this special day, we honor the heroes whose courage and sacrifice laid the foundation for a united and peaceful nation. As we commemorate 32 years since the beginning of a new chapter of unity, resilience, and prosperity, may we continue to uphold their legacy by working together to build an even brighter future for generations to come. #Kwibohora32 🇷🇼

On 16 June 2026, the Central Bank of Somalia received a delegation from the FSD Network on a stock-taking mission regarding the implementation of the EAC Payment Systems Master Plan. Led by Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, former Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, the mission discussed Somalia’s progress toward regional payment systems integration and the next steps for advancing secure, interoperable, and inclusive payment systems to support trade and economic growth. @AFRwanda , @FSDKe, @TanzaniaFsd and @fsduganda

#Rwanda's financial sector has female leaders, but path to the top remains uneven Read more: newtimes.co.rw/article/36594/…

Women hold 39% of board seats, 39% of CEO/managing director positions, and 35% of executive committee roles, compared to global averages of 28%, 9%, and 23%, respectively. However, the study also emphasizes the need to strengthen the leadership pipeline, as women’s representation declines from 56% at the non-managerial level to 43% in middle management, 36% in senior management, and 35% at the executive committee level. 📖 Read the full report: tinyurl.com/4p7w7ttz #WomenInFinance #GenderInclusion

Launched today, the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 2025 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 is the first comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of women’s participation in #Rwanda’s financial services sector. The study examines representation, career progression, and the systemic barriers and enablers shaping women’s advancement. The findings show that Rwanda is outperforming global averages in women’s representation across financial sector leadership. At the same time, the study highlights the need to strengthen the leadership pipeline, as women’s representation declines along the career pathway, underscoring the importance of sustained efforts to support women’s progression into senior leadership roles. 📖 Read the full report: tinyurl.com/4p7w7ttz #WomenInFinance #GenderInclusion #FinancialServices

The panel discussion on “𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 #𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧” explored how the sector can move beyond representation to create meaningful opportunities for women’s advancement, leadership, and influence. The conversation highlighted the importance of intentional actions, inclusive cultures, and strong institutional commitment to accelerating women’s leadership across the financial sector. #WomenInFinance

In her opening remarks, our Ag. CEO, Agnès Uwanyiligira,FIA, emphasized that the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 marks a significant milestone in advancing women’s leadership in Rwanda’s financial sector through evidence, dialogue, intentionality, and informed action. #WomenInFinance

This morning, in partnership with the @CentralBankRw and @Women_FinanceRW, we are hosting the launch of the Women in Financial Services #Rwanda 2025 Study. The study presents the first rigorous, evidence-based assessment of the state of women’s participation in Rwanda’s financial services sector. It examines representation, career progression, and the systemic barriers and enablers impacting women’s progression in financial services. #WomeninFinance

Today, the National Bank of #Rwanda, in partnership with @AFRwanda, and @Women_FinanceRW host the launch of the Women in Financial Services Rwanda 2025 Study. This launch represents the first rigorous, evidence based assessment of women’s participation, career progression, and leadership representation in Rwanda’s financial services sector, identifying actionable pathways to strengthen gender diversity and inclusion across the industry. #BNREngage #KnowYourCentralBank

We are honored to announce the speakers and panelists for the upcoming 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 2025 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 taking place on 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 15 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 2026. Bringing together regulators, industry leaders, and champions of inclusion, and informed by the study findings, the event will explore how #Rwanda can sustain and accelerate women’s leadership in the financial sector. 📍 Kigali Marriott Hotel #WomenInFinance #Rwanda

The Women in Financial Services Rwanda 2025 Study will be launched on 15 June 2026 in #Kigali. Developed in partnership with @CentralBankRw and the @Women_FinanceRW Foundation, and conducted by Oliver Wyman, the study offers an important opportunity to deepen sector understanding of women’s participation, career progression, and leadership representation. The launch will provide a platform for continued dialogue among stakeholders committed to advancing a more inclusive financial services sector in #Rwanda. #WomenInFinance

HAPPENING: More than 300 students are attending the #CapitalMarketYouthForum2026, a platform designed to boost youth knowledge of saving, investing, and }Rwanda’s capital market. The forum also offers mentorship opportunities for young participants. ||@CMARwanda @RwStockExchange @AFRwanda @rnit_Rwanda

Exciting day at the Capital Markets Youth Forum 2026 in Kigali! Together with @CMARwanda, @AFRwanda, @rnit_Rwanda, and partners, we empowered hundreds of young Rwandans with knowledge on shares, bonds, collective investment schemes, and the power of early investing. The future of Rwanda’s capital markets starts with our youth 
@CMARwanda CEO @RomeoNgarambe Ngarambe opened the forum powerfully:-“The capital market is not reserved for institutions alone. It serves as a powerful instrument for personal development, business growth, and national progress.” He urged the youth to engage early:-“Urubyiruko rukwiye kwitabira isoko ry’imari hakiri kare kugira ngo rugire uruhare mu iterambere ry’ubukungu bw’igihugu.” RSE CEO @RwabukumbaC delivered inspiring advice on consistency: “Don’t wait until you feel rich… Never underestimate the power of small actions repeated over many years.” Start exactly where you are today with what you have. Consistency > Intensity.Great wisdom for every young investor 
A standout panel discussion moderated by Dr. Manzi Rutayisire Antoine featured insightful contributions from:Andre Ndikumana,Isaac Z. Nkusi & Masantura Ruziga Emmanuel They shared practical insights on investment strategies, financial literacy, and the critical role of youth in growing Rwanda’s capital markets. 
Highlights included the University Challenge winner and vibrant discussions on savings, inflation-beating investments, and long-term wealth building. At RSE, we’re committed to creating accessible opportunities so that Rwanda’s youth can actively participate in and benefit from our growing market. 
Shoutout to all participants, speakers, and partners for making this second edition a success! The Capital Markets Youth Forum reinforces Rwanda’s Vision 2050 by building a financially literate and empowered next generation. 
Ready to start your investment journey? Visit rse.rw or follow @RwStockExchange for updates on listings, bonds, and more.Let’s build wealth together-one informed decision at a time! #CapitalMarketsYouthForum2026 #RwandaStockExchange #InvestInRwanda

#Rwanda has made remarkable progress in digital financial inclusion. Today, digital money reaches 85.3% of adult Rwandans - more than 7 million people - powered by the rapid growth of mobile money and digital payments. Yet access alone is not enough. Rural communities, women, and low-income households continue to face barriers to fully benefiting from digital financial services. Our latest blog examines the progress achieved, the gaps that remain, and what it will take to make digital finance work for everyone. ✍ Read more: tinyurl.com/mcu7jpdj #DigitalFinance #FinancialInclusion #Fintech

The EU🇪🇺 , @LUinKigali, @AFRwanda and partners convened Rwanda’s agricultural SMEs and financial actors in Kigali to unlock access to finance, boost partnerships and support climate-smart growth through the Kungahara and Kwihaza programmes.

Last week, together with @LUinKigali and @EUinRW, we hosted a technical access-to-finance workshop for agricultural SMEs in #Kigali under the Kwihaza and Kungahara projects. The workshop brought together financial institutions, government representatives, development partners, and agricultural SMEs to explore available financing opportunities, address barriers to access, and strengthen linkages between SMEs and financial service providers. The discussions also facilitated direct engagement between SMEs and financial institutions, helping to identify practical solutions to improve access to finance across #Rwanda's agricultural sector. #Accesstofinance #Agriculturefinance #SMEs

Last evening, AFR staff, Board members, partners, and stakeholders gathered for a farewell reception in honour of @jbiyacu as he concludes his tenure as CEO, in recognition of his years of dedicated service and contribution to advancing financial inclusion in #Rwanda. Having served as Director of Programs from 2014 to 2021 and subsequently as CEO, Iyacu played a significant role in advancing AFR's mission to promote an inclusive and sustainable financial sector that supports Rwanda's economic development. We extend our sincere appreciation to Iyacu for his commitment, leadership, and contributions to AFR's journey and wish him every success in the next chapter of his professional career.

Abayobozi n’abakozi b’Ikigo giharanira ko serivisi z’imari zigera kuri bose, Access to Finance Rwanda (@AFRwanda), bunamiye Abatutsi bashyinguwe mu Rwibutso rwa Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi rwa Bigogwe, baremera imiryango itishoboye yayirokotse, banayigabira inka zizayifasha kwiteza imbere. igihe.com/amakuru/u-rwan…