Bank of Kigali launches "BK Open API" at IFF, opening doors to fintech collaboration

On March 10, at the Inclusive FinTech Forum, Bank of Kigali became the first bank in Rwanda to launch an Open API platform, marking a bold step toward a more connected and collaborative financial ecosystem, according to its leaders. The BK Open API enables fintechs, developers, and businesses to integrate banking services directly into the digital platforms they already use, the bank stated. The launch was highlighted during a panel discussion featuring Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali, Désiré Rumanyika, Chief Digital and Retail Banking Officer at the bank, and Tafara Makaza, Chief Product Officer at Fixa, an HR-fintech platform. The panel explored how collaboration between banks and innovators is shaping the future of financial services in Rwanda. BK Open API acts as a secure bridge between the bank and external platforms, allowing systems to communicate safely while granting access to selected banking services. Through this integration, businesses and fintechs can embed payments, account management, bill payments, and other financial services directly into their own platforms, reducing friction, lowering costs, and expanding access- especially for underserved communities. Traditionally, banking services were accessible only via branches, mobile apps, internet banking, or USSD. With BK Open API, trusted partners can now integrate these services directly into their platforms, allowing users to receive payments, pay bills, or check balances without leaving the apps they already use. ALSO READ: Bank of Kigali empowers agents to drive financial inclusion Underscoring the vision behind platform, Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali, said that by opening the bank’s infrastructure through BK Open API, innovators can build directly on the platform, enabling more tailored and scalable financial services across Rwanda. “As a bank, we know we cannot create the best solutions for everyone [separately]. What we are doing instead is opening up our infrastructure so innovators out there can integrate and build on top of it,” she said. Her remarks signal a strategic shift in Rwanda’s financial sector, from banks as sole financial service providers to banks as enablers of a collaborative ecosystem where innovation thrives. By opening its infrastructure, Bank of Kigali is inviting fintechs, developers, and businesses to co-create solutions and embed banking services into their existing platforms. ALSO READ: Bank of Kigali CEO promotes financial inclusion, accessibility The Chief Digital and Retail Officer at Bank of Kigali, Désiré Rumanyika, underscored the practical impact of API on digital service and accessibility. “BK Open API connects banking services directly to the platforms people already use, making finance more accessible which reduces frictions and lowers costs for the customers or any customers looking for any financial services,” he noted. Rumanyika also added the Open API offers practical solutions for scaling digital financial services efficiently bringing banking closer to every user. ALSO READ: Bank of Kigali in new drive to deepen financial inclusion The vision is already coming to life. Tafara Makaza shared how Fixa has integrated with the BK Open API, allowing their platform to streamline payments and embed financial tools directly within their app. Integrating with BK Open API allows Fixa to embed financial services directly into our platform, making payments simpler and faster,” he said. This partnership illustrates how open banking infrastructure can transform services from concept to everyday use, enhancing operational efficiency while providing seamless access to financial services for end-users. With the launch of BK Open API, Bank of Kigali is leading Rwanda’s financial sector into a new era of innovation and collaboration, building an ecosystem where banks provide secure infrastructure and fintechs deliver agile, customer-focused solutions.

News

Bank of Kigali launches "BK Open API" at IFF, opening doors to fintech collaboration