Bank of Africa (BOA) has marked 10 years of operations in Rwanda with the inauguration of a new Head Office located in Kigali, underscoring both its decade-long growth and enduring commitment to the country’s economic transformation, according to its management. The milestone also highlights the Bank’s renewed focus on supporting and boosting locally made products and the manufacturing sector, reducing reliance on imports, and promoting national production. The inauguration event on February 10 brought together distinguished guests, including the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Deputy Governor of BNR, who was the guest of honor, the Bank of Africa Group CEO, the chairperson board of Directors of BOA RWANDA, and top management from BOA Group, alongside government officials, members of the Board of Directors, clients, and partners. The presence of such high-level guests underscored Rwanda’s strategic role within the Group’s Pan-African network. HAPPENING: @BankOfAfricaRw has unveiled its new Head Office in Kigali, marking 10 years of operations. The ceremony brought together senior govt officials, Board members, clients, partners and Group leadership, highlighting Rwanda’s strategic role in BOA’s Pan-African network. pic.twitter.com/FgsrMjzO4R — The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) February 10, 2026 Located in Nyarugenge District in the city center, the modern Head Office reflects BOA Rwanda’s ambition and expansion plans. The facility is designed to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen governance standards, and improve customer experience. A dedicated Business Center has been established within the new Head office for business clients offering them tailored services, providing faster response times and personalized support in a premium environment, reinforcing the Bank’s focus on entrepreneurs and corporate partners. Speaking at the event, Serge Atikossie, the Managing Director of BOA Rwanda, said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the Bank’s journey and renew its commitment to national development. He stated that 10 years ago, the Bank began its journey in Rwanda with a clear ambition of building a strong, reliable financial institution that supports national development and empowers individuals and businesses. “This new Head Office is more than a relocation but a symbol of the trust we have earned and our commitment to the future,” he said. Jean Havugimana, Executive Head of Business at BOA, attributed the Bank’s growth to client trust and shareholder confidence in Rwanda’s economic prospects. “Over the past decade, we have been keen to understand what our clients demand, staying responsive and attuned to their expectations. With BOA Group operating in more than 20 African countries, we have significant lending capacity and can provide solutions quickly, supporting both individuals and enterprises to achieve their ambitions. BOA currently operates in 14 branches across Rwanda, including 8 in Kigali and 6 in all provinces, providing services to individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises, corporates, and institutions. Supporting inclusive growth, boosting efficiency in financial services Officials said the opening of the new Head Office reaffirms the Group’s confidence in Rwanda’s economic potential and strengthens the Bank’s role in supporting inclusive growth and regional integration. “We have over 25,000 clients. We are going to reduce the time it takes to get a loan, consultations, advice, and partnerships as we continue supporting sectors such as education, agriculture, and manufacturing, where we have provided over Rwf80 billion in loans,” Havugimana said. “We look forward to supporting the government in achieving its goals of promoting locally made products. We want to focus on manufacturing and help produce surplus goods without relying on imports. Machinery and specialized products have already been designed, and within just a week, the response will be available at an affordable interest rate” he added. Hamza Ssesimba, Head of Finance at Abacus Rwanda – a pharmaceuticals firm – said that since beginning operations in Rwanda in 2002, the Bank has supported their growth by financing the business with an overdraft, which in turn helped meet their capital needs. “We want to thank the management of BOA for walking this journey with us. As ABACUS Pharma Rwanda, we commit to continue working with them and ensure that we support them as well as they support our business,” he said. Nick Barigye, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda who graced the ceremony as guest of honor stated that Bank of Africa has demonstrated growth, resilience, strategic focus as well as trust of customers and stakeholders over a decade and that it is viewed as a journey walked positively. “It shows how a financial institution can successfully integrate in our market while contributing meaningfully to the development of the financial sector. Underscoring the role of banks in Rwanda, he said they play a broader role than just providing financial services. “Banks are partners in development, they support development, they support investment, they enable entrepreneurs, they promote savings and they facilitate trade,” he noted, adding “they help translate a national vision into an economic reality.” “As you enter your second decade, I encourage the Bank to deepen its impact, leverage technology and strengthen partnerships with both public and private sectors,” he told Bank of Africa leaders.
