I&M Bank (Rwanda) PLC on March 26, 2026, announced its financial results for full-year 2025 financial results, marking a landmark year of strong growth, resilience, and continued market momentum. The Bank closed the year on an impressive trajectory, driven by solid earnings performance and sustained business expansion. Financial performance The Bank achieved a significant milestone in 2025, with total assets reaching Rwf1.1 trillion, reflecting a 33 per cent growth compared to the previous year. This reflects the resilience of the Bank’s business model and its growing contribution to Rwanda’s economic development. Profitability remained solid, with return on equity at 21.23 per cent and return on assets at 2.38 per cent, which are clear indicators of the Bank’s ability to convert balance sheet growth into sustainable value for shareholders, it observed in its 2025 financial year earnings release. Its profit after tax grew by 24 per cent year-on-year to Rwf23.1 billion in 2025, while its net operating income expanded to Rwf72.3 billion, marking an 18 per cent rise. In recognition of this strong performance, the Board of Directors has proposed a dividend of Rwf3.44 dividend per share for the year 2025, up from Rwf2.46 in the previous year, subject to approval at the Annual Shareholders General Meeting in May 2026. ALSO READ: Press release: I&M Bank Rwanda clinches double honours at Global Banking and Finance Review Awards 2025 Lending growth and balance sheet expansion The Bank’s balance sheet expansion was driven by strong growth in lending across segments. The loan book (net loans) grew by 37 per cent to Rwf488 billion, supported by robust credit demand and the Bank’s deliberate focus on financing productive sectors of the economy, the financial institution indicated. This performance was further enabled by strengthened sales force effectiveness, targeted sector lending initiatives, increased branch-driven sales particularly outside Kigali and the rollout of innovative financial solutions tailored to evolving customer needs. Deposit growth and funding strength On the funding front, deposits recorded strong momentum, increasing by 36 per cent, reflecting the Bank’s continued emphasis on deepening customer engagement and expanding its customer base. Operating income continued to strengthen, supported by higher business volumes, deeper customer engagement, and steady progress in the Bank’s ecosystem banking strategy. Growth in interest earning assets and disciplined balance sheet management contributed to a 38 per cent increase in net interest income, reflecting the expansion of the loan book. ALSO READ: I&M Bank to empower womenpreneurs through Berwa’s business advisory, RWF 400m loans Investments and operational efficiency Operating expenses grew by 14 per cent, driven by intentional investments in talent, technology, and infrastructure to position the Bank for long-term growth. Key priorities included enhanced staff development and capacity building programmes, alongside increased investments in digital platforms and service delivery improvements across both branch and digital channels. Despite these forward-looking investments, operational efficiency continued to improve. The cost to income ratio strengthened to 47.62 per cent, demonstrating strong cost discipline, positive operating leverage, and the benefits of sustained revenue momentum. Driving inclusive growth and social impact Beyond its financial performance, the Bank continued to deliver meaningful impact through initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth and strengthening ecosystem partnerships. During the year, the Bank’s ecosystem financing programmes disbursed Rwf29.1 billion, supporting businesses and entrepreneurs across priority sectors of the economy. Through these initiatives and strategic collaborations, the Bank positively impacted 1.1 million people and contributed to environmental sustainability by planting 10,000 trees since the start of its 2024 – 2026 strategy. The programmes span key areas including financial inclusion, job creation, community welfare, social development, agriculture, and food security. According to the Bank’s management, this commitment to long‑term societal impact keeps the institution on track to achieve its target of improving 2 million lives by the end of 2026. Customer focus and industry recognition Customer engagement remained a central focus of the Bank’s strategy during the year, with strong improvements recorded across key service indicators, while the Bank simultaneously continued to strengthen its risk governance and control environment to support sustainable growth and operational resilience. The Bank’s performance and continued focus on customer-centric innovation received international recognition during the year, when it was named Best SME Bank in Rwanda and Best Retail Bank in Rwanda at the Global Banking & Finance Review Awards 2025. These accolades reflect the Bank’s leadership in providing innovative financial solutions and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises across the country. Leadership perspective and outlook Commenting on the results, Benjamin Mutimura, Chief Executive Officer of I&M Bank Rwanda Plc, said “2025 has been a defining year for I&M Bank Rwanda as we surpassed the Rwf1 trillion asset milestone and delivered another year of strong and sustainable financial performance. These results reflect the continued confidence our customers place in us, the dedication of our employees, and the disciplined execution of our strategy.” He remarked that the Bank’s focus on building strong financial ecosystems, deepening customer relationships, and investing in digital capabilities continues to position it for long-term growth. “We remain committed to supporting Rwanda’s economic transformation by expanding access to financial services and empowering businesses and individuals across the country. Looking ahead, we are confident that the momentum we have built will enable us to continue delivering sustainable growth while creating long-term value for all our stakeholders.” Going forward, he said, the Bank will continue to execute its strategy centered on ecosystem partnerships, digital innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centric growth. “These priorities will support the Bank’s ambition to further strengthen its market position while contributing meaningfully to the continued development of Rwanda’s financial sector and the broader economy,” he said. About I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc Incorporated in 1963, I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc holds the distinction of being the oldest bank in Rwanda. Over the decades, it has grown to become one of the industry’s prominent players, boasting a strong presence across the nation. With a comprehensive portfolio of personal, business, institutional, and corporate banking products available at its various locations, I&M Bank Rwanda caters to a diverse range of customer needs. The Bank is a subsidiary of I&M Group PLC, a leading regional financial services group in Eastern Africa with a presence in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda and a joint venture with CIEL Group (Bank One) in Mauritius. I&M Group has a long history in banking and has established a wide network of correspondent banks across the globe and enjoys a strong relationship with leading international Development Financial Institutions.
