For some women entrepreneurs in Rwanda, access to finance has long been a barrier to growing their businesses. Now, I&M Bank’s new Berwa loan product is changing that, offering women up to Rwf400 million, flexible repayment plans, and expert mentorship, according to the bank. I&M Bank Rwanda launched the product on March 5 in Kigali, under the slogan “Ufite Banki Igushyira Imbere,” a campaign aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs through tailored financial and non-financial services designed to help them grow their businesses. Speaking at the launch, bank officials said the product is among many solutions for women entrepreneurs, mainly to simplify processes, and go beyond providing financial services to become a trusted partner in their growth. HAPPENING: @imbankrw is launching the “Berwa” product under the theme “Ufite Banki Igushyira Imbere”, a campaign aimed at supporting women in business with tailored financial and non-financial services. The product offers loans of up to Rwf400 million, including collateral-free... pic.twitter.com/r9BXK4nVSS — The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) March 5, 2026 Christian Abijuru, Head of Business Banking at I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, explained that the product offers loans of up to Rwf400 million, including collateral-free financing and other loan facilities with interest rates starting from 8 per cent, depending on the sector. “The product provides flexible repayment structures aligned with business cash flows, simplified eligibility criteria, transaction-based lending approaches, a 24-hour response commitment, up to 100 per cent asset financing, and dedicated relationship management and advisory support through I&M business centers,” he said. The bank has also recognised that business growth requires more than just financing. Berwa also provides non-financial support, including Women Café sessions for networking and knowledge-sharing, as well as coaching and mentorship programmes delivered in partnership with Business Development Service providers. “These programmes cover financial management, governance, business growth, and market linkages, ensuring women entrepreneurs receive both the financial tools and guidance needed to scale their businesses successfully,” he added. https://x.com/i/status/2029643957978759224 Women entrepreneurs already working with the bank also showcased their products at the event, highlighting the institution’s partnership with women-led businesses and its belief that true economic transformation comes through strong partnerships. Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, said that they have been engaging with various women in business, from those running small enterprises to others managing large businesses or entire ecosystems. Their findings were surprising after they observed resilience, enthusiasm, and vision among women entrepreneurs. During their studies, certain challenges consistently emerged. Pricing remains a key issue for women-led businesses, collateral requirements can be a barrier for startups, and cash flow planning is still difficult for some. Despite these challenges, there is a strong willingness to grow. “As a bank, we took some steps behind and reflected on these challenges. Tonight, we'll be telling you what we can do about the aforementioned challenges,” he noted. “It’s a promise that we are giving to you women who are joining us tonight. A promise that I&M Bank will design solutions. A promise that we'll reduce friction in the processes. A promise that we'll not only deliver financial services, but we'll be your trusted partner. True economic transformation comes by partnership,” he explained. https://x.com/i/status/2029627674629656969 Mutimura added that the bank is grateful to partners such as CIDA and Access to Finance, who have provided portfolio guarantees that allow the bank to offer up to 80 per cent coverage for women-led businesses without requiring any collateral. “We want to give you assurance. We have made a promise to be on your side. We will continue innovating, creating spaces that feel like home, and growing alongside you,” he said. ALSO READ: I&M Bank opens Gacuriro branch, upgrades Kigali Heights facility to boost efficiency Women entrepreneurs commend I&M Bank support for business growth Nick Barigye, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, noted the remarkable progress Rwanda has made in financial inclusion, to which 92 per cent of the population now has access to financial services. However, he pointed out a critical gap that only 5.8 per cent of women-owned businesses can access formal bank credit. “As a country, we made very big progress with 92 per cent of people accessing financial services, but only 5.8 per cent of women-owned businesses can access formal bank credit, which is extremely worrying. I am therefore pleased to see I&M Bank taking leadership in addressing this gap,” Barigye said. He said that there’s still the implications of this gap for women entrepreneurs. With limited access to bank financing, many women rely on informal channels such as family, friends, or peer networks to fund their businesses. Barigye illustrated the economic potential, noting that if financial institutions like I&M Bank increase lending to women-led businesses, Rwanda could unlock an estimated $700 million in GDP growth which means that supporting women entrepreneurs is not just a social imperative but an economic opportunity. “National Bank of Rwanda together with finance institutions and partners, we make a pledge to you. We’re going to create a regulatory environment, continue to mobilise partners to see that we can increase from that 5.8 per cent to a much bigger number. We strongly believe that it’s not a market niche that we are reaching but a macroeconomic reality, it’s that $700 million,” he added. Sonia Iraguha, the co-owner and CEO of Bicu Lounge in Kimihurura, which combines Swahili and continental cuisine, said I&M Bank brought a relief and has been “an amazing partner” who understood her business and acted at the time she needed the help. “Time is everything and faith in one's business is everything. That's what sets them apart and we love the commitment they put into it. I'm very impressed with today's product. It's an amazing start and understanding of the biggest hindrances to women accessing finance (collateral and processing time, information and more). They've found a solution for them which is very rare,” she said. Odette Kabatesi, a businesswoman and CEO of Ever Green and Supply Ltd, works with farmers as aggregators to reduce post-harvest losses and quickly track market opportunities, benefiting both the farmers and the entire cereal-product ecosystem. “Our business required enough capital, and we were fortunate to have sufficient support. I&M Bank assisted us women regardless of our collateral. Initially, we bought only 500 tonnes, but now we purchase over 1,000 tonnes. They understood our business. We’re also ready with Berwa,” she said.
