Equity Bank Rwanda on Thursday, June 4, launched a new branch in Nyamirambo, Nyarugenge District, strengthening its nationwide network as the lender seeks to expand access to finance and further support local economic growth.

Operating from Saint Joseph Building, the new branch is expected to bring banking services closer to residents and businesses in the area, according to the bank.

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It will also serve as a platform for engagement between the bank’s leadership, partners, and customers, as Equity continues to advance its vision of inclusive financial empowerment.

Stakeholders welcome the new branch

Alexis Ingagare, the District Executive Administrator of Nyarugenge District observed that the bank’s expansion aligns with government efforts to bring services closer to citizens.

He encouraged the bank to consider further expansion into other areas and to strengthen access to credit through cooperatives, particularly for small entrepreneurs and women who may lack collateral.

Sheikh Gudura Mutarogera, a customer said that previously he had to travel to town to access Equity Bank services.

"I have always wondered why there were banks in Nyamirambo but not Equity, because we used to travel just to access services. It was not very convenient for us. Now that Equity is here, it is much closer, and I simply walked in and received very good service,” he said.

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Anastasie Uwamariya, the Manager of the new branch, welcomed the opening, thanking the bank’s leadership for selecting a strategic and accessible location.

"I also appreciate our long-standing clients who have remained loyal to the bank,” she said.

She assured customers of quality service and a strong commitment to helping them achieve their financial goals.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda, Hannington Namara, thanked customers for their continued trust and support, noting that the bank’s growth has been built on strong customer relationships and collaboration with stakeholders.

He said that although Equity Bank already operates several branches in Nyarugenge, Nyamirambo had remained an important service gap, which the new branch now addresses.

Equity’s growth and expansion

Since entering the Rwandan market in 2012, Equity Bank has grown to serve more than 1.7 million customers.

"We are now the second-largest bank in the country. Today we have about 1,000 employees, 36 branches across the country, loans worth over Rwf700 billion, and customer deposits exceeding 1 trillion,” Namara said.

"These achievements demonstrate what is possible through partnership and long-term planning.”

Driving digital banking adoption

Namara also emphasised the bank’s growing shift toward digital banking, encouraging customers to increasingly use mobile and digital platforms to access services.

"We assure you of our full cooperation as we move toward a more technology-driven future. Clients should make greater use of digital services through mobile phones. We will always be available to serve you.”

He further highlighted Equity Bank’s dual focus on commercial and development banking, including support for agriculture and small businesses, as well as planned expansion into sectors such as health, education, and climate-related financing.