FEATURED: Bank of Kigali Continues to Empower Communities and Businesses, Driving Financial Success in Q3 2024

Bank of Kigali’s financial performance for the nine months ending September 30, 2024, highlights its unwavering commitment to empowering communities and driving economic progress across Rwanda. Through initiatives like the Nanjye ni BK campaign, the Bank has reached close to 431,000 retail customers and more than 195,000 corporate clients. Supported by an extensive network of close to 5,000 agents, the Bank facilitated over 3.8 million transactions valued at RWF 1,134 billion, ensuring that every loan, every investment, and every partnership translates into meaningful progress for Rwandans. Speaking on the Bank’s achievements, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, Group CEO of BK Group Plc, credited the success to sound management and a supportive economic environment. “This performance is a result of our excellent management and the high growth rate of Rwanda’s economy, which recently registered a 9.8% increase over two consecutive quarters. Additionally, the government’s business-friendly policies have created an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. We are optimistic that the final quarter of the year will yield even greater results.” A critical driver of this progress has been the Bank’s targeted support for key sectors of the economy, reflecting how its financial performance directly benefits businesses, individuals, and national development. By September 2024, the Bank had given out loans worth RWF 1,436 billion to businesses and individuals, helping them grow, create jobs, and strengthen key industries. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of Rwanda’s economy, received an impressive 25.3% boost in their loan portfolio, which now totals FRW 260 billion. These loans have supported businesses in buying stock, paying for imports, and managing cash flow, allowing them to remain operational, grow, and contribute to local job creation and economic reasilience. Building on this momentum, the Bank also drove growth in retail loans, which expanded by 26.1% to FRW 256 billion. This expansion has made it easier for individuals and families to access essential services, including affordable housing, school fees financing, and salary advances. As the Bank continues to address diverse customer needs, its lending solutions for the Diaspora have also remained a priority. These loans empower Rwandans abroad to secure housing back home, with the Diaspora loan portfolio now totaling FRW 1.7 billion—a testament to the Bank’s commitment to serving this important community. The Bank’s focus on sustainable agriculture further reinforces its role in building economic resilience. It has supported farmers with essential supplies and improved food processing, resulting in an agribusiness loan portfolio that grew by 39.2% to FRW 58 billion. Loans have been extended to farmers, coffee processors, and cooperatives, driving sustainable farming practices and value addition. Complementing these efforts, the corporate lending portfolio grew by 10.1%, reaching FRW 972 billion. These funds were strategically invested in critical sectors such as infrastructure, transportation, tourism, hospitality, commerce, services, health, and education, contributing to the overall economic development of the region. Empowering women continues to be central to the Bank’s mission of promoting inclusive development. In October, the Bank launched Kataza na BK, a product offering collateral-free loans to support women entrepreneurs. This initiative equips women with the resources and training needed to grow their ventures. By removing financial barriers and fostering women’s economic participation, the Bank strengthens its commitment to national goals of gender equity and wealth creation. Bank of Kigali's CEO, Dr. Diane Karusisi, emphasized how the Bank’s services directly contribute to its profitability and client satisfaction. “Our clients have access to many new loans, generating interest income for the Bank while empowering them to succeed. Additionally, we have seen a growing number of customers due to our Nanjye ni BK campaign, which encourages all Rwandans to join BK. By offering affordable and accessible services, we have attracted many new clients, which has expanded our business and enhanced profitability.” This year’s achievements also highlight the Bank’s ability to balance financial growth with social impact. Bank of Kigali recorded a profit of RWF 67.6 billion in the first nine months of 2024, a 24.3% increase from the same period last year. Beyond the numbers, this success represents real opportunities for businesses to thrive and individuals to secure their futures. Through efficient resource management, the Bank reinvests in communities, expanding access to banking services and supporting initiatives that benefit society. Sustainability and community development remain deeply embedded in the Bank’s mission. For years, Bank of Kigali has consistently allocated 1% of its profit before tax to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives through the BK Foundation. These efforts have supported education, environmental conservation, and innovation. In 2024 alone, 464 students accessed STEM and TVET scholarships, 1,210 individuals gained financial literacy skills, and construction began on the Gateko Early Childhood Development (ECD) Center, set to benefit 120 children. Empowering women has also been central to these initiatives, with 25 women-led businesses receiving support through the BK Urumuri Initiative, turning entrepreneurial ideas into impactful ventures that boost economic activity. As Bank of Kigali approaches the final quarter of 2024, it remains focused on fostering financial inclusion through Nanjye ni BK Campaign, while empowering businesses, and driving sustainable growth. By expanding its digital platforms and introducing innovative products, the Bank is well-positioned to contribute to Rwanda’s Vision 2050, shaping a future where economic prosperity and high quality of life are shared by all.

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FEATURED: Bank of Kigali Continues to Empower Communities and Businesses, Driving Financial Success in Q3 2024