Rwanda Academy of Finance (RAF) on Monday, December 1, held its sixth graduation ceremony in Kigali, celebrating graduates from four cohorts: RAF-1, cohorts 9 and 10, and RAF-2, cohorts 7 and 8. ALSO READ: Rwanda's banking industry grew five-fold in 10 years - new report Established by the Rwanda Bankers Association (RBA), RAF has steadily expanded as the sector prioritises stronger technical skills and standardised professional training. Since 2020, the academy has produced 545 graduates, 351 from RAF-1, which trains entry-level staff, and 194 from RAF-2, designed for middle-management roles. In its broader mandate, RAF serves as a national platform for building professional and leadership capacity across Rwanda’s financial industry through structured training and strategic international partnerships. ALSO READ: Why existing banking system is not tailored for young entrepreneurs This year, the academy deepened its academic portfolio with the launch of the Advanced Banking Leadership Programme (ABLP), which admitted 21 senior professionals into its first cohort. The programme emphasises governance, strategic leadership, and global financial practices, and is set to conclude next year with a high-level banking simulation in Luxembourg. ALSO READ: Bankers speak out on language issues in loan contracts, call for vigilance Speaking at the ceremony, sector leaders highlighted RAF’s growing role in strengthening competency, innovation, and leadership across the country’s banking ecosystem. Tony Francis Ntore, Chief Executive Officer of RBA, said the transformation seen in the sector is inseparable from continuous capacity-building. “Today, across the banking sector here in Rwanda and globally, we see a clear shift in how business is conducted,” he said. “Young bankers are challenging existing processes and proposing digital solutions. Middle managers are testing new customer-service innovations. Senior leaders are embracing data-driven decision-making. This progress is possible because of the sector’s collective commitment to continuous learning.” ALSO READ: Rwanda Bankers’ Association launches State of the Banking Industry Report RAF’s programmes follow a structured, three-phase model that blends classroom instruction, a contextualised e-learning platform, and rigorous examinations supervised by independent international experts. Certification is recognised across the sector and endorsed by key institutions, including the central bank. The newly introduced ABLP caters to senior managers and department heads. It includes in-person leadership modules in Kigali, a virtual component on sustainable finance and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards. It will culminate in a five-day global banking simulation in Luxembourg. ALSO READ: Rwanda bankers embrace tech at research summit RBA chairperson Hannington Namara reminded graduates that their responsibilities extend beyond personal achievements. “Rwanda has set audacious goals to be an international financial centre,” he said. “Every great financial centre—London, New York, Singapore, Dubai—was built on the backs of skilled professionals who took pride in their work, served their clients with integrity, and pushed the boundaries of what was possible. Can we achieve this? Absolutely. But not by accident. And not without you.” He further emphasised, “RAF will play a key role in positioning Rwanda as a regional financial hub. Together, we are driving this transformation by developing the technical capability, ethical standards, and leadership needed across the financial systems.” ALSO READ: Banking compliance no longer about control, but advisory – Afreximbank’s Idrissa Diop Christine Baingana, the chairperson of RAF’s Steering Committee, stressed that the academy is committed to aligning training with industry needs. “Our vision is clear – to be the engine that powers Rwanda’s financial future. We want to create seamless pathways from classroom to industry,” she said. “We will proudly follow the rise of RAF alumni as they earn promotions, shape industries, and lead innovation across Rwanda and beyond. Many of you here today will be among them. We want a RAF that touches not only the financial sector, but Rwanda’s broader economic growth.” ALSO READ: Rwanda Bankers’ Association convenes National Dialogue on Credit Market Dynamics at 2025 Research Conference During the ceremony, RAF also acknowledged the support of its institutional partners, including the National Bank of Rwanda, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, the University of Rwanda, Rwanda Stock Exchange, the House of Training Luxembourg, and member banks, whose collaboration ensures that the curriculum remains relevant, internationally benchmarked, and responsive to evolving market needs.
