A new dawn in Rwanda's financial sector: Rwanda Bankers’ Association launches research centre
Thursday, November 02, 2023

Rwanda Bankers’ Association (RBA) was formally established in 2009, to serve as an advocate for the banking sector in Rwanda. Its membership consists of all banks duly licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda pursuant to Chapter II, Article 5 of the Law. The Association’s main objectives, among others, are to be the Bankers’ voice on non-competitive issues and promoting standards of professional competence. While the National Bank of Rwanda is not a member of RBA, its representatives are often invited to any of the Association’s meetings or activities, whenever there is a need.

Pioneering a research centre sets sail to transform the banking landscape

In a remarkable stride towards shaping the future of Rwanda's banking industry, the Rwanda Bankers’ Association (RBA) has officially launched its research centre. This momentous occasion marks a pivotal step towards creating a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable banking sector in the heart of Africa.

Harnessing the power of data

At the core of the RBA Research Centre's mission lies a commitment to harness the transformative power of data. With the vision of driving sustainable change, this new research centre is set to be a dynamic force, influencing the direction of the Rwandan banking sector. Data, often called the lifeblood of the modern economy, is primed to be the engine driving innovation, policy formulation, and informed decision-making.

The launch of the research centre is a testament to RBA's dedication to adopting a forward-thinking approach to transform the Rwandan financial landscape. With the support of key industry stakeholders and the National Bank of Rwanda, the research centre is poised to elevate Rwanda's banking industry to unprecedented heights.

Fostering collaboration

One of the cornerstones of the research centre's philosophy is collaboration. RBA envisions a sector where all stakeholders, from government bodies and policy regulators of financial institutions and the National Bank of Rwanda, come together in a unified quest for excellence.

The centre will become a hub of intellectual engagement and dialogue between scholars, practitioners, and policymakers in the financial market. It will spark debates and influence policies that drive the sector towards greater resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Join the journey

It's a momentous time for Rwanda's banking sector, and we invite all stakeholders, industry experts, policymakers, and visionaries to embark on this exciting journey with RBA. The research centre's journey has just begun, but the destination is a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous financial sector for Rwanda.

Stay tuned for updates on the groundbreaking research, policy advocacy, and impactful initiatives that will define the future of banking in Rwanda.

Special Acknowledgment: We are immensely grateful to Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) for funding the setting- up of the RBA Research Unit.