BPR Bank Rwanda Plc has celebrated a new cohort of graduates from its flagship skills and entrepreneurship programmes, spotlighting their transformation into job creators while unveiling a new scholarship initiative aimed at expanding opportunities for young people.

The graduation ceremony, held on March 26, brought together government officials, development partners, and private sector players to recognise the impact of the bank’s Igire and Women Economic Empowerment (WEE Ikamba) programmes—initiatives that are equipping youth and women with practical skills, business knowledge, and the confidence to build sustainable livelihoods.

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The graduates were recognised for completing a six-month journey of vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and mentorship, as the bank reaffirmed its commitment to job creation and inclusive growth.

The ceremony brought together government officials, development partners, and private sector players to celebrate what BPR described as "transformation of lives, communities, and futures,” while also awarding top-performing business projects with startup capital.

Under the Igire Program, which focuses on equipping youth with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills, participants underwent hands-on training in fields such as culinary arts, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and electronic repair and maintenance.

Speaking at the event, BPR Bank Rwanda Plc Managing Director Patience Mutesi said the graduates embody "the power of skills, determination, and opportunity.”

"This ceremony is more than an achievement. It’s a testament to what can be accomplished when vision, partnership, and commitment converge to create a lasting impact,” she said.

She noted that through Igire, hundreds of young people have been trained, jobs created, and small businesses supported, adding that the bank aims to expand its reach even further.

"Our target is to more than double the number of young people we support because the need out there is even greater,” Mutesi said.

Top projects awarded

Out of 90 participants who completed the training and developed business plans in 30 groups, five outstanding projects were selected and each awarded Rwf3 million in startup capital.

Among the winners was La Promesse Premise Shop, a welding and fabrication business based in Ruhango, which seeks to address limited access to construction materials and services while creating employment for skilled youth.

Also recognised was Sanpro Hub Solutions, a plumbing enterprise expected to supply sanitation materials and offer installation services, starting in Bugesera.

"We studied plumbing because we want to provide solutions to different problems,” said Cecile Nyiranshimiyimana, a member of the group. "People in rural areas struggle to access sanitation materials. We want to bring these services closer and promote hygiene.”

Her teammate, Mushaidi Turatsinze, said "through Igire trainings, we gained knowledge and entrepreneurship skills... we are skilled and ready to serve.”

Other awarded projects included Smart Eco Catering Restaurant, Jamuk Electronica Hub Limited, and Electrical Solution Shop, all aimed at addressing community needs while creating jobs.

Angel Uwingabire, whose electronics repair project was among the winners, said the programme helped her gain a clearer sense of direction.

"Before joining, I had just finished secondary school and was at home without direction. Now I have gained knowledge and confidence,” she said.

Graduates already seeing programme impact

Dieudonne Niyonsaba Mupenzi, a graduate in electrical engineering, said he started getting job opportunities even before completing the training.

"People in my community saw my skills... and they paid me. We are going to continue supporting the community and also create jobs for our colleagues,” he said.

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Women entrepreneurs empowered

The event also celebrated graduates of the WEE Ikamba programme, which supports women-led small and medium enterprises through training, coaching, and mentorship.

A total of 215 women entrepreneurs completed the programme, gaining skills in financial management and business growth.

"Today, we celebrate not just participation, but real progress, women who are now more confident, more structured, and better prepared to grow and scale their enterprises,” Mutesi said.

Claudine Dushimimana, a mechanic and founder of C&D Smart Garage, credited the programme for transforming her career.

"I am so grateful to BPR Bank Plc for supporting me to elevate my career. Through the trainings and financial support, I have found myself and established my business,” she said.

She expressed hope that similar opportunities could be extended to more women in need.

Brave Ngabo, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Arts, commended BPR and its partners for aligning with national priorities on job creation.

"When we see a partner who helps to provide skills needed on the market, that’s good news and something to celebrate,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of combining technical skills with financial literacy and entrepreneurship to drive sustainable development.

"To our mothers under the Ikamba programme, when a woman is developing, the family is developing, and so is the country,” he added.

The programme is implemented in partnership with institutions including Rwanda Polytechnic, Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Rwanda, and development partners such as GIZ.

New scholarship programme unveiled

During the event, the Managing Director of KCB Foundation, Margaret Mende Njonjo, unveiled a new education initiative dubbed the BPR Scholars Programme, set to launch later this year.

The scholarship programme will support bright and deserving young people by providing access to education and opportunities to shape their future.

"Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transformation,” Njonjo said. "Through this initiative, we aim to complement our existing programmes by investing even earlier in the journey of young people.”

She added that across the region, similar programmes have empowered thousands of youth and women entrepreneurs to start businesses, access finance, and create jobs.