Ecobank Rwanda has launched its first dedicated agricultural lending facility, a strategic initiative aimed at addressing the persistent financing gap in one of the country’s most critical sectors.

Despite contributing around 20 per cent of Rwanda's GDP and employing approximately 53 per cent of the country's workforce – according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda – the agriculture sector receives only about 1.3 per cent of total bank lending, underscoring the limited access to tailored financial solutions, as per the National Bank of Rwanda.

The new facility introduces a structured financing approach designed specifically for the realities of agricultural production. Individual enterprises can access loans of up to Rwf700 million, cooperatives and companies up to Rwf2 billion.

Repayment terms are carefully aligned with agricultural cycles, ranging from 12 months for short-term financing and up to four years for machineries/equipment, working capital and investment projects.

This flexibility ensures that farmers and agribusinesses can access funding when it is most needed, rather than being constrained by conventional banking timelines.

Ecobank’s Agriculture Financing Facility supports the full agricultural value chain, targeting cooperatives, processors, exporters, and distributors, with a focus on priority sectors such as coffee, fruits, vegetables, and consumer foods.

Beyond these key areas, the facility offers a broad range of financing solutions covering inputs, irrigation, mechanisation, storage, and processing infrastructure, while also providing working capital support to agro-processors and exporters to address cash flow challenges

"We recognise agriculture as a strategic pillar of Rwanda’s economy—powering growth, creating jobs, and sustaining livelihoods. It is also central to food security and inclusive, sustainable development. Ecobank Rwanda remains committed to delivering tailored financial solutions that support every player across the agricultural value chain,” said Dieudonne Bigirimana, Head Customer Segment at Ecobank Rwanda.

Bigirimana further emphasised the bank’s commitment to addressing liquidity challenges across the value chain: "If a processing company has supplied products under a supply contract and is waiting for a payment, we can provide working capital to sustain operations. We also finance exporters against outstanding invoices while they wait for settlement. This ensures continuity of business and prevents disruptions in the supply chain.”

To enhance accessibility, Ecobank has adopted a flexible collateral framework that moves beyond traditional security requirements. Depending on the nature of the transaction, financed machinery, agricultural land, plantations, or even outstanding invoices can be used as collateral. This innovative approach is expected to unlock financing opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses that have viable projects but lack conventional assets.

Ecobank Rwanda is part of Ecobank Group, a leading pan-African banking institution with a presence in 34 countries across Africa. Through its international footprint, which includes operations in Paris and representative offices in Beijing, London, and Dubai, the Group connects African businesses and individuals to global financial markets.

In Rwanda, Ecobank serves customers through eight branches and a network of more than 700 agents, delivering accessible, innovative, and technology-driven banking solutions nationwide.