Rwandan investors in different sectors are set to benefit from $150 million in finance availed by the East African Development Bank (EADB) in 2026. ALSO READ: BRD, EADB sign $15 million credit line to support the private sector The bank supports private and public sector enterprises through loans, guarantees, equity participation, and other financial instruments to promote regional integration among member states. Herbert Asiimwe, the Head of the Financial Sector at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, said the bank’s financing targets key productive sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, transport, real estate, housing, and SMEs. “This has stimulated economic activity and improved livelihoods across the country. These investments directly contribute to Rwanda’s national priorities by supporting income-generating activities, agricultural value chains, and private sector development,” he said. The focus areas from 2024 to 2028 are derived from a combination of the national strategic priorities of East African member states and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. ALSO READ: Rwanda presents progress on SDGs He said the investments advance several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). “There is also a strong focus on inclusion, particularly the significant participation of women, which aligns with SDG 5 on Gender Equality and SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities. Improved incomes and living standards further contribute to SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being. The collaborative approach also reflects SDG 17 on Partnerships for Development. These outcomes are fully aligned with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, which promotes inclusive, sustainable, and private-sector-led growth,” he noted. Asiimwe encouraged the bank to consider establishing an affordable, long-term private sector financing facility that provides single-digit, long-term financing for high-impact projects in industrialisation, manufacturing, agricultural value chains, and other key sectors. ALSO READ: How will Rwanda meet 5.5m housing units demand? “Rwanda has a very ambitious private sector, but access to affordable long-term finance remains a major need. Addressing this gap would significantly accelerate economic growth.” Bernard Mono, Acting Director General of EADB, said that the $150 million available for Rwandan investors next year does not exclude the affordable housing sector. “Previously, disbursements were lower because we focused more on SME financing through partner institutions. Regarding the housing sector, we are looking to work with developers and promoters,” he said. EADB will support a broad range of focus areas designed to promote sustainable and inclusive development across the region. These include industrialisation and manufacturing, with an emphasis on industrial parks and private sector–led manufacturing. Support will also extend to infrastructure development, covering ICT, power, roads, fibre railways, ports, and logistics. In agriculture and agri-processing, EADB will prioritise value-chain improvements and targeted support to micro and small-scale farmers and enterprises. Social services will be strengthened through investments in education, health, affordable housing, water and sanitation, hotels, and tourism. In addition, EADB will advance climate change mitigation and environmental management by promoting renewable and green energy solutions such as wind, hydro, and solar power. “For example, if someone wants to establish a manufacturing enterprise, we can finance it. For infrastructure projects, we work with governments, and increasingly through public-private partnerships,” Mono said. $36 million disbursed for Rwandan SMEs In July 2024, the bank launched its Rwanda SME programme valued at $36 million to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country. The initiative was a partnership with four financial institutions, namely the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), Duterimbere IMF Plc, AB Rwanda Plc, and Letshego Rwanda. The initiative, through the partner banks, provides loan facilities to over 500 SMEs in various sectors across the country.
