In an age where community cohesion, sportsmanship, and sustainability are progressively becoming critical factors for social development, BPR Bank has stepped up to the tee to showcase their commitment to a greener, connected future.

Historically, the bank has invested its resources toward support of philanthropic community development activities, however a new integrated focus is taking shape through involvement in socially driven sports activities by sponsoring local and regional golf tournaments.

This dedication however, goes beyond greens and fairways; it extends to nurturing a connected community while fostering a sustainable environment.

BPR Bank has been a driving force in the ecosystem of golf in Rwanda, nurturing local talent and promoting the sport's growth. Consistent investment in golf is a testament to the bank’s belief in the power of sports bringing people together.

For People, For Better, the bank’s new brand purpose has seen the organisation invest in community related sports beyond golf; like motorsports where BPR Bank was a partner in the highly acclaimed Mountain Gorilla Rally, a circuit in the Africa Rally Championship.

It’s the ethos of this institution to treat sports as more than just a game; we see it as a bridge connecting multiple communities. The positive impact of sports on society is immeasurable.

These activities will foster unity, discipline, and productive endeavor.

Our vision is to create multiple hubs for social interaction, while promoting a sense of belonging among diverse individuals. The bank recognizes the profound benefits of a close and connected group of people and we are committed to nurturing this journey.

Within this strategy to partner with the Rwandan community is a vision for a sustainable future.

Sports and sustainability may seem like an unlikely duo, but they in fact share a symbiotic relationship.

We understand this connection unreservedly, which is why we're embarking on a remarkable journey to promote sports in the backdrop of a green environment.

The bank has pledged to plant 5,000 trees annually for the foreseeable future, joining Rwanda and several other nation’s ambitious efforts to achieve a carbon-neutral position by 2050. The positive effects of this initiative will ripple through our local communities and country as a whole.

A concerted effort to plant trees will combat climate change, improve air quality, and provide a healthy habitat for wildlife. The scenery around the Kigali Golf Resort and Villa’s is an example of a vision that isn't just about aesthetics, but a commitment to a greener, more sustainable world for future generations.

On Saturday, October 21, BPR Bank and KCB Group will host 200 golfers at the Kigali Golf Resort & Villas for the ongoing East African Golf Tour. The Tour is an 8-month-long event, comprising an 18-leg amateur series, traversing six countries in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi.

Events of this nature must take into account environmental impacts, from energy usage to waste management. BPR Bank employees will be partnering with the golf fraternity to boost greenery around the golf course in addition to provision of digital payment services through point of sale devices, as well as credit and debit cards.

The outcome will be a reduction of Rwanda’s carbon footprint, further demonstrating a vision for a sustainable future, orchestrated by a union of sports and environmental stewardship.

Beyond environmental initiatives, golf tournaments of this nature provide an opportunity for local caddies and ground staff to increase their daily income with an expanded group of golfers available to play - the cascading effect is additional resources for families and dependents.

BPR Bank is a steward of youth employment with the aim to drive economic development. Through the BPR Foundation, the bank has invested $250,000 to upskill 850 Rwandan youth while providing $85,000 in seed capital to 30 new businesses.

This showcases a conscious need to actively foster entrepreneurship and cultivate a skilled workforce, which will translate into tangible social impact, as these endeavors have led to the creation of 261 jobs, contributing to economic empowerment and sustainable development in the East African region.

As we look forward to yet another congregation of golf enthusiasts this weekend, several of whom will be demonstrating their various athletic abilities; remember to repair damaged ground divots, dispose of waste responsibly and car pool as we make our way to the Kigali Golf Resort & Villa’s for this year’s biggest golf tournament. See you there!

The writer is Head of Marketing, Corporate Affairs and Citizenship at BPR Bank Rwanda PLC