Zigama Credit and Saving Bank has announced several initiatives aimed at bringing services closer to its members.

The bank serves active and retired members and families of the Armed Forces.

The initiatives include partnering with Umwalimu Sacco and Bank of Kigali to start offering long term loans of up to 15 years and open new branches across the country.

The initiatives were announced on Thursday during the bank’s general assembly.

Dr James Ndahiro, the chairman board of directors ZCSB, said the partnership will enable members access to bank services.

"Our members are scattered across the country and some are in rural areas where they cannot easily reach our branches. The partnership with Umwalimu Sacco and Bank of Kigali will enable them access bank services from wherever they might be,” Dr Ndahiro said.

He said three new branches will be opened next year in Nyamagabe, Nyarugenge and Nyabihu districts to complement the already existing 28 branches. Ten ATM machines will also be introduced.

Brig. Gen. Albert Murasira, the chief executive of ZCSB, said improving members’ social welfare is in line with the institution’s  sustainability.

"We need to embrace  technological innovation, and have competent workers. Technology has come, people are moving with their accounts in pockets, and we need to take advantage of this to ensure a strong ZCSB in the future,” he added.

During the assembly, Zigama CSS presented a Rwf136 billion budget for the next fiscal year.

Zigama Credit and Saving Bank was established in 1997 as Zigama Credit & Savings Society (ZCSS), also referred to as Zigama CSS, with a major aim of  serving Rwanda’s military families.

 In 2011, the institution received a commercial banking license and rebranded to its current name, Zigama Credit and Saving Bank (ZCSB).

Since its formation, the cooperative bank has accepted membership from Rwanda National Police and Rwanda Correctional Services.