Equity Bank Rwanda and Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners Rwanda Ltd (ESP Rwanda) have signed a partnership aimed at accelerating the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while advancing women’s economic empowerment through a one-year pilot programme targeting 300 women entrepreneurs across Rwanda.

The agreement was signed on April 30 at Equity Bank Rwanda headquarters in Kigali, bringing together leaders from both institutions to formalise a collaboration that combines access to finance, business development support and market opportunities for women-led enterprises.

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Speaking at the signing ceremony, Equity Bank Rwanda Managing Director Hannington Namara said the partnership reflects the bank’s commitment to delivering socio-economic transformation beyond its role as a commercial lender.

"We are looking at supporting more than 300 women entrepreneurs through integrated access to finance, business skills development and market support,” Namara said.

He pointed out that the entrepreneurs selected for the pilot have already completed six months of training and are now entering a phase where access to funding and financial management support will be critical to scaling their businesses.

"Our role will focus on financial literacy, loan readiness, loan management and financial management. This is where our work converges with that of ESP Rwanda,” he said.

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Namara described the initiative as a pilot with significant potential for expansion, noting that the partnership could be scaled up after the initial cohort.

"As much as we are registered as a commercial bank, we are impact makers. We recognise that we do not have a monopoly of knowledge and resources, which is why partnerships like this are essential,” he added.

ESP Rwanda Managing Director Charity Kabango Lowe said the cooperation is designed to address persistent barriers facing rural women entrepreneurs, particularly access to finance and technical support.

"This partnership brings together the best of ESP Rwanda and the best of Equity in service to women entrepreneurs,” she said.

"We are excited for the pilot, but already looking beyond it to what can happen a year from now when we scale this across districts and regions to support many more women entrepreneurs.”

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Lowe stated the programme is intended to help entrepreneurs move from ideas and aspirations to building sustainable businesses capable of supporting families and communities.

Under the partnership, Equity Bank Rwanda will provide tailored financial products including working capital loans, MSME financing, savings solutions and digital banking services, alongside financial literacy training and entrepreneurship coaching.

ESP Rwanda will identify and prepare credit-ready women entrepreneurs through its Grow to Scale programme, while also providing entrepreneurship training, leadership development and market linkages.

The initiative is expected to strengthen financial inclusion, improve business competitiveness and contribute to job creation by equipping women-led enterprises with both financial and non-financial tools needed for growth.