How Bank of Kigali is strengthening Rwanda’s agricultural value chains

From seed production to infrastructure development, Bank of Kigali (BK) is playing a transformative role in strengthening Rwanda’s agricultural value chains—turning formerly unproductive harvests into engines of prosperity. Through cooperative financing, infrastructure investments, and scaled-up agricultural insurance, the bank is equipping rural communities with tools to mitigate risk and access financial services that were once out of reach. On June 12, more than 300 clients gathered in Gatsibo District for an engagement session with BK CEO Dr. Diane Karusisi, who was accompanied by a multidisciplinary team of bank officials, after a 2days visit to BK customers in Gicumbi and Gatsibo. The session brought together stakeholders from departments overseeing agriculture, retail, SMEs, institutions, digital products, and BK customers. It served as a platform for dialogue on service expansion, shared challenges, and inclusive economic growth. Many farmers expressed appreciation for BK’s role in improving access to finance, particularly in remote areas. One such client, Eysee Rugwizangoga, a farmer, recounted his experience saying that, “I once incurred losses due to poor harvests, but thanks to my agricultural insurance, I was fully compensated within two weeks. It covered my entire investment, he said. This story reflects a broader trend: rural communities are increasingly turning to BK as a reliable partner for financial resilience and agricultural development. Gabiro Agro Processing Industry currently produces 30 percent of Rwanda’s seed supply, according to Major Jean Pierre Habarurema, the company’s Chief Operations Officer. “Thanks to funding from Bank of Kigali since 2015, we’ve been able to significantly reduce Rwanda’s reliance on imported seeds while generating employment for local communities,” he said. “Our goal is to produce 1,500 tonnes of seeds annually, with a focus on maize, beans, and soya.” The company specializes in the production of hybrid and Open Pollinated Varieties (OPVs) of maize, beans, and soya beans. It also imports fertilizers and operates across more than 1,000 hectares in Nyagatare and Bugesera districts. Maj. Habarurema, who oversees operations at Gabiro API, credits the bank partnership for the company's achievements. “Most of what we have accomplished so far is thanks to BK’s support,” Habarurema said, noting that the company is now working directly with farmers to process crops and facilitate market access. “This collaboration has allowed us to expand hybrid seed production and strengthen farmer outreach.” Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to deepening its partnership with agro-processing entities. “We have gained substantial knowledge in agriculture, and with your mission to feed Rwandans, we are committed to partnering with you, because our ultimate goal is to improve the lives of citizens,” she stated. Beyond seed production, Bank of Kigali supports various agricultural value chains. One of the key projects it backs is the Gatsibo Rice Processing Industry, operational since 2012, which is preparing to expand with three additional plants focused on maize flour, animal feed, and packaging. With marshland development underway, the facility estimates an annual demand of 12,000 to 15,000 tonnes of rice once at full capacity. Working alongside three cooperatives—Cooprori Ntende, Ubumwe Gatsibo, and Korimak—the plant aims to increase rice production and enter the animal feed sector. It also produces approximately 9 tonnes of eco-friendly briquettes and currently employs 84 staff, with ambitious expansion plans. The Bank’s impact extends beyond large enterprises. Francois Munyandekwe, a BK client and local farmer, recalled the challenges of accessing banking services before BK expanded to the area. “Previously, we had to travel to Rwamagana or Nyagatare to open an account,” he said. “Today, with branches in Ngarama, Muhura, and Kiziguro, livestock farmers can access loans ranging from Rwf100,000 to Rwf50 million without needing collateral. This has helped us adopt better farming techniques.” However, farmers expressed concerns over loan processing delays. One farmer explained, “When a farmer requests funds for irrigation equipment and there’s a delay, crops may be lost. We need an emergency fund for timely responses to safeguard our harvests.” Karusisi assured clients that loan approvals will be based on credit history, bank statements, and overall creditworthiness. “For urgent business needs, we are streamlining processes to ensure timely financial support. All our branch managers are ready to assist,” she emphasized. On interest rates, she added, “As the Rwandan Franc stabilizes, interest rates will gradually drop . Moreover, through government-backed programs like CDAT, we provide loans to farmers, livestock keepers, and coffee exporters at much lower rates—around 8%. We encourage our clients to take advantage of these options.” BK now offers up to Rwf50 million in collateral-free loans to cooperatives and is exploring referral-based incentives for clients. Karusisi encouraged clients to present well-researched and viable business proposals to expedite loan approvals. Eastern Province Governor Prudence Rubingisa highlighted the broader impact of BK’s financial services on the region. “Access to finance through Bank of Kigali has transformed livelihoods and created jobs,” he said. “This has been evident in the latest EICV7 survey, where Gatsibo District saw significant poverty reduction.” Bank of Kigali offers a range of tailored financial products aimed at promoting inclusion and economic empowerment. “Kungahara na BK” supports agricultural cooperatives in expanding operations, along with other loans helping women-led businesses scale with up to Rwf15 Million collateral- free funding. For salaried clients, BK QUICK+ offers loans of up to Rwf50 million within 15 hours via the BK App and Internet Banking—no collateral required. The Mortgage Loan product provides 100% financing for home ownership, while Tuza na BK offers up to Rwf500,000 to cover school fees, with a flexible three-month repayment plan. According to bank officials, these initiatives reflect BK’s enduring commitment to financial inclusion, economic resilience, and improving the quality of life for all Rwandans.

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How Bank of Kigali is strengthening Rwanda’s agricultural value chains