Bank of Kigali celebrated the graduation of the Fourth Cohort of its Entry-Level Training Program (ELTP), a flagship BK Academy initiative designed to train Rwanda’s next generation of banking professionals, on December 4. This year’s 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. The training ran alongside the bank’s Management Trainee Program, through which 30 staff members are undergoing accelerated leadership development that is part of BK’s effort to build a strong internal pipeline of future leaders. The ELTP aims to equip emerging professionals with essential technical and soft skills needed in modern banking, supporting Bank of Kigali’s broader commitment to service excellence, digital transformation, and operational strength. ALSO READ: Bank of Kigali launches first cohort of BK Academy Bank of Kigali’s Chief Executive Officer, Diane Karusisi, encouraged the new graduates to approach their careers with resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of humanity, emphasizing that intelligence alone is not enough to succeed in the evolving banking sector. “We want you to act with resilience, combine intelligence with kindness and soft skills, and that is what we call diversity. You need to bring your own imagination to challenge old ways of working,” she said. Karusisi underscored that by applying these values, the graduates can contribute meaningfully to the bank’s mission of transforming financial services in Rwanda while shaping themselves into future leaders who will drive innovation and elevate communities. Mami F.Said, the Human Resource Manager at Bank of Kigali, highlighted the competitive selection process and the diversity of the fourth cohort, noting that the 29 graduates were chosen from thousands of applicants across local and regional universities, reflecting the bank’s commitment to nurturing top talent. “These graduates come from different fields and countries, and the program is designed to train them into skilled bankers ready to contribute to our team and the vision of the team,” she stated. Said underlined that the ELTP provides participants with both technical and professional skills, preparing them to excel in various banking roles and support Bank of Kigali’s long-term vision for talent development. ALSO READ:25 trainees enrolled in second cohort of BK Academy’s entry-level programme Flora Nsinga, chief of people and culture at the Bank of Kigali, emphasises the importance of leadership and soft skills development, noting that the program equips participants to manage teams effectively and solve problems while fostering professional growth. “We have confidence in you to take on leadership roles and continue raising the bar for the banking sector in Rwanda by delivering excellence,” she noted. Nsinga also stressed that the training not only enhances individual career prospects but also contributes to the bank’s mission of delivering excellence and supporting the broader financial sector in Rwanda. Key takeaway from graduates Hugues Denotredame shared how the Entry-Level Training Program transformed his understanding of banking, providing him with both technical knowledge and insight into the financial sector, both locally and internationally. “This program has been life-changing; I now understand banking, financial markets, and how I can contribute to elevating lives in Rwanda,” he said. Denotredame expressed enthusiasm for applying his skills in his new role at Bank of Kigali, emphasizing his commitment to learning, embracing innovation, and making a meaningful impact on the bank and the community. A management Trainee from the 6th cohort, Anne Marie Giraneza Nirere, reflected on the program's value in developing practical leadership skills, enabling participants to apply what they learned while managing real teams. “We have learned to combine intelligence with kindness and resilience, applying our skills to lead effectively and make a positive impact,” she said. Nirere emphasized that the program equips graduates to embrace challenges, contribute to team success, and uphold the bank’s vision of nurturing skilled, ethical, and innovative leaders
