Bank of Kigali on December 12 held a Business Breakfast Meeting at the BK Arena Lounge, bringing together companies from key sectors to discuss market trends, business needs, and service improvements. The session was designed to deepen engagement between the bank and the businesses it serves, allowing clients to share feedback on lending, foreign exchange, digital banking, and advisory services. The meeting also focused on how the bank can offer stronger support beyond routine transactions, especially for exporters, manufacturers, and growing enterprises that require timely financing and market intelligence. ALSO READ: Bank of Kigali hosts ‘NextGen’ mentorship for emerging African innovators According to the Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Kigali, Diane Karusisi, the bank is committed to expanding the value it brings to businesses, not just through regular products but by understanding the real challenges companies face. She noted that meaningful progress requires clear communication between the bank and its clients, especially during demanding periods. Her message focused on BK’s responsibility to remain responsive and proactive. “We want to keep growing alongside you, and that means listening more, improving what needs to be improved, and creating solutions that match the realities you deal with every day,” she said. “As we evolve, we want our clients to feel supported, understood, and able to move forward with confidence.” She added that the bank aims to foster stronger collaboration among business leaders, encouraging them to exchange ideas and build networks that can create future opportunities. Karusisi highlighted that the coming year will demand adaptability and shared insight, and she believes BK can play a central role in enabling that progress. ALSO READ: Nine-month results show solid growth momentum for Bank of Kigali Jacob Mpyisi, the Head of Corporate Banking, pointed out that holding discussions outside the usual office environment helps the bank understand how businesses actually experience its services. He said these sessions reveal operational issues that are not always visible from within the bank, allowing the team to adjust its internal processes and respond faster to client needs. “These meetings give us real, unfiltered feedback,” he said. “Clients tell us what works, what doesn’t, and what must be fixed. That information guides how we refine our services and how we shape products that truly support their operations.” He also explained that BK plans to organize these engagements more frequently to track improvements and maintain continuous communication. According to him, consistency in these interactions will help the bank deliver more tailored solutions and remain aligned with the realities of Rwanda’s business landscape. One of the clients, Angelique Karekezi from RWASHOSCO, said that her company’s work with thousands of coffee farmers depends heavily on reliable financial support and clear guidance from the bank. She noted that BK’s involvement has helped her team access services and training needed to strengthen production and meet export standards. “It matters when a bank calls us to sit down and speak openly,” she said. “We get the chance to share our challenges, learn new information, and understand services that can help us support our farmers better.” She emphasized that regular business–bank dialogue would make operations more efficient, especially for exporters who rely on timely foreign exchange and smooth international transfers. For her, consistent engagement ensures that both sides stay informed and can work together to improve the entire value chain. Theoneste Kabayija, the Managing Director of Rabsco Ltd, explained that his company’s recent expansion project required strong financial backing, and BK played a crucial role in enabling the construction of its new warehouse. He said the bank’s support has helped them operate with more confidence as they grow their business. “We appreciate that BK takes the time to meet us and understand where we want to go,” he said. “It shows they are willing to adjust and pay attention to the areas where we need more effort from them.” He added that business owners are looking for conditions that make lending more manageable, arguing that fairer financing would benefit both sides. Kabayija believes that open conversations like this make it easier for entrepreneurs to express their expectations and for the bank to build solutions that match long-term business goals.
