When Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR) was born 50 years ago, it was from a bold and beautiful vision: to create a financial institution that truly belonged to the people—one that was close, that listened, served, and stood side by side with every Rwandan. From those humble beginnings, created by Rwandans for Rwandans, what began as a saving and credit scheme or cooperative movement has grown into BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, one of the country’s most trusted, innovative and transformative banks. ALSO READ: The story of BPR Bank’s brand transformation This year, as we mark our Golden Jubilee, we honor every mind, hand and heart that shaped this journey. From the visionary founders and partners to the customers who placed their trust in us, from the staff who walked every step with passion, dedication and integrity, to our partners, regulators, and the Government of Rwanda—this milestone belongs to all of us. ALSO READ: BPR at 50: New loan products unveiled, commitment to financial inclusion reaffirmed Earlier this week, in a discussion with a former regulator, I got to hear first-hand the heartfelt story of one of many partners that have journeyed with BPR. He said “I recall a meeting in Murambi/Muhanga District convincing the Chairpersons of the former savings and credit cooperatives to unite and form one BPR. I told them that I made calculations showing that in a few years, the newly formed BPR would stand as the biggest bank in Rwanda. These dreams are achievable now, particularly with the merger with KCB. The new bank has the management capacity for my dream to come true.” I want to acknowledge the many similar personal stories of people far and wide that have dreamed of the BPR that we envision today. At every stage of our transformation—from the early cooperative days, to becoming a commercial bank in 2007, and through the strategic 2021 acquisition by KCB Group followed by the 2022 merger between KCB Rwanda and BPR — we have upheld the values of trust, innovation, inclusion, and purpose. We strive daily to live by our core values, closer “striving to know each other and our customers beyond surface interactions”, connected “drawing inspiration from diverse best practices”, and courageous “encouraging purposeful, heartfelt action guided by both head and heart”. These values have enabled us to remain grounded in the communities we serve while building resilience to navigate a fast-changing financial landscape. Today, BPR Bank stands tall. We are not just looking back in gratitude; we are looking 50 Forward with enthusiasm. In our 50th year, we are privileged to be witnessing the results of prudent leadership and bold ambition. Over the last 20 years alone, our loans to Rwandan businesses and individuals and deposits have increased 40-fold. In the three-year period since the KCB-BPR merger, we have leaped forward by growing our loans to Rwf748 billion from Rwf363 billion reflecting our commitment towards being a front-runner in the financing of Rwanda’s private-sector led growth. Our deposits have grown from Rwf518 billion during the merger to Rwf963 billion to date, a reflection of the trust that our customers have placed in us. Capital adequacy has grown to 20.8% and our liquidity coverage is at 237%, a reflection of the bank’s financial health and ability to withstand shocks during turbulent times. For the first time since becoming a commercial bank, we declared a cash dividend of 13.7% of the bank’s 2024 Profit after Tax, approved by shareholders in May 2025. These are not just numbers, they are proof that sustainable growth and governance are core to continuing BPR’s legacy of resilience. In keeping true to our mission of financial inclusion, we remain near our customers while continuously investing in digitization. BPR maintains the largest network of branches in Rwanda, at 73, with 2,242 agents, over 1,000 merchants, and 59 ATMs across Rwanda. We have expanded our mobile banking and Internet banking platforms to enable our customers to access our services wherever they are. Beyond that, as part of the largest banking group across East Africa, we provide unparalleled financial access to our customers through our diversified footprint that cuts across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi and DR Congo. To us, sustainable banking means growth with impact. As a purpose-led bank, we have invested Rwf525 million in youth vocational training through our Foundation, directly leading to the creation of businesses, and over 966 jobs in Rwanda. This is more than CSR—it’s nation-building. Whether it’s through financial inclusion, job creation, or green financing, our role is to build not just wealth, but also dignity and opportunity. As we celebrate our golden milestone, we remain grateful for the continued support from our parent company, KCB Group, and hundreds of thousands of local shareholders that hold our promise. Your trust and guidance have helped us reimagine our future. To the BPR Board and Management team, - your vision, dedication, and execution are valued. To the staff of BPR, your service is the heartbeat of our bank as you carry forward the BPR legacy every day. I am proud that governance continues to be our north star. In the years ahead, our priorities are clear: to put our customers first while strengthening digital resilience, deepening our partnerships, and integrating environmental and social considerations in every lending decision. 50 Forward is a call to action. It reminds us that while we celebrate the past, we must be deliberate about the future. Rwanda’s economy is evolving. Customers’ needs are shifting. Climate challenges are growing. Innovation is accelerating. The next 50 years will require us to be more agile, more inclusive, and more sustainable than ever before. That’s why we are not resting on our legacy but building on it. Our next chapter is about scaling up solutions that matter, creating financial products that are smarter, greener, and more accessible, and ensuring that every Rwandan—no matter where they are—feels seen, heard, and served. A shining example of this commitment is Ikamba, our recently launched financial solution tailored specifically for women-led and women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises. Ikamba—which means “crown”—embodies our belief in the strength, resilience, and leadership of Rwandan women entrepreneurs. By offering tailored loans up to Rwf100 million, reduced fees, dedicated service desks, and exclusive capacity-building programs, Ikamba is more than a product; it is a partnership designed to empower women to grow their businesses and lead Rwanda forward. At a personal level, being a part of this 50-year milestone is deeply humbling. The transformation of BPR since 1975 has been a testament to its strength and resilience, which reinforces my commitment to continue building on this legacy and positioning BPR Bank for the future. A future that generations after us will be proud of. As we stand at this golden junction, we do not just carry a legacy — we carry a promise. A promise to be even more agile, more inclusive, more sustainable. A promise to innovate for tomorrow, while staying rooted in the values that have defined us for half a century. This is the beginning of our next chapter. This is 50 Forward. The author is the Managing Director of BPR Bank.
