I&M Bank Rwanda and the United Nations, on May 23, signed a partnership agreement that seeks to accelerate the country’s universal health coverage through new financing instruments. The five-year agreement will see UN Rwanda establish a de-risking mechanism to unlock private sector lending, while I&M Bank will provide tailored, affordable loan products to health post operators. This financing will be complemented by comprehensive capacity-building in financial literacy and business management, aimed at strengthening the long-term stability and impact of these health facilities. The officials noted that this is a transformative step in addressing critical gaps in Rwanda's healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas, where health posts in these communities serve as lifelines, delivering essential primary care services that directly support national health priorities. The initiative empowers nurse entrepreneurs operating the health posts, recognising them not only as healthcare providers but also as entrepreneurs, community leaders, and agents of change. Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda, said this partnership reflects the lender’s belief that sustainable health outcomes require innovative financing solutions and deep collaboration. “We are proud to play a catalytic role in enabling health post operators to thrive and reach the communities that need them most. Through this partnership, we are empowering youth and women who lead health posts across the country,” he noted, adding that these operators are not just healthcare operators but entrepreneurs and community leaders. Mutimura said that scaling this initiative to support 1,000 health posts nationwide will not only strengthen Rwanda’s healthcare infrastructure but also foster economic empowerment and inclusion, especially for women and youth. Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, said this collaboration exemplifies how the UN and the private sector can work hand in hand to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage, leaving no one behind. Rwandans deserve access to quality healthcare, irrespective of where they are. These investments allow us, using the health facilities that the government has constructed in many parts of the country, to support operators to buy equipment in the hospitals, running them at commercial rates but in ways that allow affordable healthcare to people and provide them with a return on investment.” He added that there are many areas of partnership including digital health and many other services. This partnership is part of execution of “A Thousand Health Posts in the Land of a Thousand Hills,” a UN program implemented in collaboration with the Bank, led by UNFPA, and supported by UNCDF as implementing agents. This partnership supports the implementation of “A Thousand Health Posts in the Land of a Thousand Hills,” a United Nations program led by UNFPA and supported by UNCDF as implementing agents, in collaboration with the Bank. The initiative aligns with the Bank’s Sustainability Plan, which aims to transcend financial services by positively impacting over two million lives by 2026 advancing Rwanda’s vision for inclusive, people-centered development. Furthermore, it contributes to Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST-2) and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The signing ceremony of the agreement was attended by different representatives of UN agencies in the country including Dr Adelakin Olugbemiga, UNFPA Representative, Kawtar Zeroualu, UNCDF Representative, Fatimata Loveta Sessay, UNDP Representative, Lieke Van De Wiel, UNICEF Representative, Dr Brian Chirombo, WHO Representative, and Jennet Kem, UN Women Representative.
