Equity Bank Rwanda Plc has been recognised for its leadership in advancing women’s financial inclusion during the closing of the Inclusive FinTech Forum 2026 in Kigali, on March 12. The recognition – referred to as Women’s Financial Inclusion Champion – Banks at the Financial Inclusion Awards 2026 – was presented by Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, who commended the bank’s role in expanding financial access and economic opportunities for women across the country. The award was received by the Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda Plc, Hannington Namara, who described the recognition as an affirmation of the bank’s continued commitment to women’s economic empowerment. It was unveiled through an initiative by Women’s World Banking in partnership with the National Bank of Rwanda, aimed at celebrating financial institutions that are making significant contributions to advancing financial inclusion for women and youth in Rwanda. ALSO READ: Equity Group champions Africa’s digital finance future at Kigali breakfast Speaking after receiving the recognition, Namara explained that the award was both encouraging and humbling, noting that the bank’s work to promote women’s economic empowerment has always been driven by impact rather than the pursuit of recognition. Namara also noted that the institution was grateful for the acknowledgement, adding that the bank has focused on supporting women entrepreneurs and expanding financial access as part of its broader mission. “This is to say a big thank you for the recognition for doing what we are supposed to be doing,” he said. He emphasised that the recognition was particularly meaningful because the bank had not initially expected its work to attract such attention. “We didn’t know that anybody was watching what we were doing, but it is fulfilling that the world is watching.” ALSO READ: Equity Bank, partners launch drive to advance women’s leadership, financial inclusion The bank’s greater commitment to funding women’s progress Namara emphasised that the bank views women’s economic empowerment as a long-term commitment rather than a symbolic effort. “What we do in women’s economic empowerment is not just a box-ticking exercise but a commitment to humanity and continuity,” he said. He added that empowering women has a wider impact on communities and national development. “When we empower women, we empower the nation and we empower families.” Namara also called for collaboration across the financial ecosystem to strengthen women’s financial inclusion, noting that meaningful change requires collective effort. “We know we can’t change the world alone, and I would like to invite other institutions to work together so that future recognition reflects the contributions of the broader ecosystem,” he added.
