Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR) celebrated its 50th anniversary on Friday, August 8, marking decades of service to Rwanda’s financial sector, empowering entrepreneurs, especially women, as well as mentoring clients and driving investment. Since its establishment in 1975, BPR is now the bank with the largest network in Rwanda, as it currently operates 73 branches, 2,242 agents, 59 ATMs, and partners with over 1,000 merchants nationwide. The 50th anniversary celebrations were held at Kigali Convention Centre, under the theme “50 Forward.” The event brought together BPR’s leaders, partners, industry stakeholders, clients, and government officials. ALSO READ: BPR at 50: Bank pledges investment in cooperatives, agricultural value chains Speaking at the event, BPR’s Managing Director Patience Mutesi noted that since its establishment, BPR has worked side by side with families, entrepreneurs, farmers, and communities across Rwanda. She said the BPR’s vision focuses on building “affordable and accessible banking in every corner of Rwanda,” putting emphasis on inclusive growth. ALSO READ: BPR 50 forward: A golden legacy and a future in motion “Our network isn’t merely about numbers, it represents trust, built town by town, and village by village,” she said. BPR’s commitment is beyond offering financial services; it also participates in key projects driving socio-economic development. In 2017, the bank took the lead in financing the new Bugesera International Airport, becoming the first local bank to provide a bridge facility. This support resulted in Rwf322 million in guarantees for the airport’s contractors. “We also financed and supported Africa Improved Foods, supporting our nation’s nutrition and food security from inception until today,” Mutesi said. She also pointed at the bank’s commitment to environmental conservation by backing clean energy projects through a partnership with Gasmeth Energy, which aims to unlock methane gas from Lake Kivu. The bank’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) portfolio now exceeds Rwf145bn, with a growing focus on women-led businesses through its Ikamba Women Proposition, which combines loans, mentorship, and training. Reflecting on the 2022 merger with Kenya Commercial Bank Rwanda(KCB), Mutesi noted that it equipped BPR with stronger capital and sharper digital capabilities. She also recognised the bank’s first customer, 78-year-old Louis Nsengiyumva, who opened his account in 1975, and its longest-serving employee, Marie Grace Nyinawabayiru. “I first opened an account with BPR in 1975, at the moment when it started. I was the first person to open an account. BPR has helped me in my development, and it was also a chance for me to keep my money safe,” said Nsegiyumva. George Rubagumya, BPR’s Chairman, said the bank is committed to revolutionary banking through transforming the financial sector into a development engine. He urged for the establishment of investment advisory services to accelerate Rwanda’s economic growth. Paul Russo, KCB Group CEO, said that their move to remove the KCB brand from Rwanda and entirely dedicate BPR to the local market was strategic, noting that “we believe that local brands, built locally, would add value to KCB shareholders.” “We have not only rebranded and invested in technology, but we have deeply invested in our people to make sure that we are ready for the next 50 years,” he said. The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa commended BPR’s role in advancing Rwanda’s economic and social development, while bringing financial services closer to Rwandans and driving financial inclusion in the community. Over the past year alone, the bank's loan book reached over 666 billion Rwandan francs, marking a 6 percent year-on-year growth, which is a clear indication of its support for Rwanda's most strategic sectors, he said. “The bank mobilised close to 53 billion Rwandan francs to support small and medium enterprises, with 25 percent of this funding allocated specifically to women-led businesses, through initiatives like the Ikamba Women SME Fund,” he added. The bank’s Igire Initiative, which focuses on education and enterprise development, boasting 776 alumni (including 228 young women) and 827 jobs created, is also something that Murangwa lauded. He encouraged BPR to “continue championing initiatives, innovative finance, digital inclusion, and especially green investment.”
