Bank of Kigali (BK) has set up a fully functional branch at this year’s Rwanda International Trade Fair, taking place at the expo grounds in Gikondo from July 29 to August 17.

The bank is offering a wide range of services directly at the expo, including account opening, cash withdrawals, loan support, and demonstrations of BK’s digital platforms.

The setup is designed to serve both existing clients and new customers on the spot, with staff helping people access real-time services without needing to visit a regular branch.

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According to Maureen Kabatesi, one of the BK staff representatives, the goal was simple: to make banking services easy and accessible for everyone, adding that the bank is helping clients access loans quickly, including credit deals for people looking to buy things like vehicles during the fair.

"We have tellers, an ATM, and we’re helping customers withdraw money, open accounts, and connect their accounts to mobile banking. We&039;re assisting clients with applying for loans on the spot, and there’s one that can be approved in five minutes, and others—like our Rwf 50 million credit line can be processed in under 15 hours,” she said.

She also added that their purpose is to make sure no one is left behind. If a customer needs anything, they can go to their stand in expo and have access to any service they might need.

Another BK staff at the expo, Junior Kayigamba, said his role focuses on helping clients access different types of loans from personal and housing loans to business and agriculture-related financing.

"We’re offering various credit products here, including loans for small businesses and agriculture, but one of the main ones is the BK Quick Plus loan, where a customer can get up to Rwf 50 million within 15 hours,” he said.

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Kayigamba explained that many visitors to the fair have come looking for information about loan requirements and application processes, and the expo setting has made it easier to walk them through the details in person.

"Being here at the expo helps us reach more people than we would from the office. It’s easier to explain the loan options face-to-face, and people are engaging more.”

Customer’s experience

Ildephonse Nzumviramana, one of the visitors at the trade fair, said he was happy to find a BK stand when he needed to access money.

"I came to the expo just to see what was happening, and when I saw the BK stand, I decided to withdraw money so I could buy some things. Another thing is that most banks in Kigali close early on Saturdays around 1 p.m., so having BK open here was really helpful, ”he said.

Tony King Muvandimwe, who is working at the expo, said having a BK branch nearby has made his work easier.

"I’m working at the ROBA stand, and I came here to deposit dollars from sales,” he said. "Sometimes customers buy expensive items, so it’s really convenient to be able to deposit the money right away. It saves time.”

He also mentioned that the BK digital tools have made banking smoother:

"I like BK’s app. It makes everything easier.”

Annick Uwase said she needed to exchange dollars for Rwandan francs and was relieved she could do it without leaving the expo grounds.

"Imagine if BK wasn’t here, I would have had to go outside the expo just to find someone to exchange money, even for any transaction I need to do, I can do it right here. I’m lucky they’re here,” she said.