Bank of Kigali (BK) celebrated the graduation of the Fourth Cohort of its Entry-Level Training Program (ELTP) and the Sixth Cohort of its Management Trainee Program on December 4, 2025 marking a significant milestone in the bank’s continued investment in cultivating future leaders in the nation's financial sector. This year’s ELTP cohort includes 29 young graduates who completed a three-month curriculum covering core banking operations, customer experience, digital banking, compliance, risk management, ethical standards, leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Running in parallel, the Management Trainee Program saw 28 staff members progress through an accelerated leadership development journey, reflecting Bank of Kigali’s deliberate efforts to build a strong internal pipeline of future managers. These visionary programs championed by Mami F. Said, the Head of People at BK and Martha Mwiza Birungi, aim to equip emerging professionals with essential technical and human skills needed in modern banking. Together, they represent Bank of Kigali’s broader commitment to service excellence, digital transformation, and long-term institutional strength. The cohorts were selected through a highly competitive process, with the 29 ELTP graduates chosen from thousands of applicants across local and international universities, underscoring Bank of Kigali’s commitment to nurturing top talent. The participants bring diverse academic backgrounds, nationalities, and professional interests, further enriching the program’s impact. The ELTP curriculum equips trainees with both technical knowledge and professional skills, preparing them to excel in a variety of banking roles and contribute meaningfully to the bank’s long-term talent development strategy. Flora Nsinga, Chief People and Culture at Bank of Kigali, highlighted the importance of leadership and soft skills development, noting that both programs aim to equip participants to manage teams effectively, solve problems, and grow professionally. “We have confidence in you to take on leadership roles and continue raising the bar for the banking sector in Rwanda,” she noted. Nsinga added that the training not only enhances individual career prospects but also strengthens the bank’s ability to deliver excellence and support the broader financial sector. Bank of Kigali’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Diane Karusisi, encouraged the new graduates to embrace resilience, creativity, and strong human values, noting that intelligence alone is no longer enough in a rapidly evolving financial sector. “As technology and AI evolve, being smart will no longer be a differentiator, everyone can access the same tools. What will truly set you apart are your human qualities: kindness, resilience, and wisdom. And above all, bring your imagination. Just as our President imagined a peaceful, prosperous Rwanda, we want you to imagine BK in 5, 10, or 20 years. Imagine financial services that transform lives and leave no one behind. Challenge old ways of working and help us build the BK of the future,” she said. Karusisi emphasized that by applying these values, the graduates will contribute meaningfully to the bank’s mission of transforming financial services in Rwanda, while shaping themselves into leaders capable of driving innovation and societal impact. Graduate Reflections Hugues Denotredame shared how the Entry-Level Training Program transformed his understanding of banking, giving him both technical skills and insight into the local and global financial sector. “This program has been life-changing; I now understand banking, financial markets, and how I can contribute to elevating lives in Rwanda,” he said. He expressed excitement for his new role at Bank of Kigali, emphasizing his commitment to learning, embracing innovation, and making a meaningful impact. From the Management Trainee Program, Anne Marie Giraneza Nirere reflected on how the experience strengthened her practical leadership abilities. “We have learned to combine intelligence with kindness and resilience, applying our skills to lead effectively and make a positive impact,” she said. Nirere noted that the program empowered graduates to embrace challenges, contribute to team success, and uphold the bank’s mission of nurturing skilled, ethical, and innovative leaders.
