I&M Bank Rwanda takes diaspora engagement to Poland and Côte d’Ivoire

The Bank’s strategic partnerships, including its exclusive partnership with RCA Canada, and upcoming engagements in Poland and Côte d’Ivoire underscore its commitment to connecting Rwandans abroad with banking and investment opportunities at home.

Thursday, October 29, 2026
I&M Bank CEO Benjamin Mutimura during the signing ceremony of an MoU with Rwandan Community Association in Canada. I&M Bank Rwanda’s diaspora strategy is a commitment to making banking more accessible and convenient.

I&M Bank Rwanda Plc is strengthening its commitment to the Rwandan diaspora through strategic partnerships and international engagements aimed at improving access to financial services, facilitating investment, and supporting the diaspora’s contribution to Rwanda’s economic development.

Recognising the important role Rwandans living abroad play in the country’s growth, the Bank continues to expand its engagement across international markets, offering tailored financial solutions that enable diaspora customers to maintain strong connections and financial ties with Rwanda.

Following its recent engagement in Canada, I&M Bank Rwanda is preparing to participate in two key diaspora gatherings: the Rwandan Diaspora Europe Retreat 2026 in Poland on October 30 and 31, and the Rwanda Unity and Resilience Forum 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on October 31.

I&M Bank Rwanda’s diaspora strategy is a commitment to making banking more accessible and convenient for customers living abroad.

Strengthening ties through an exclusive partnership in Canada

I&M Bank Rwanda recently engaged with the Rwandan community in Canada through its exclusive partnership with the Rwandan Community Abroad (RCA) Canada, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding during the Rwanda Convention Canada in Ottawa on October 10, 2026.

The partnership reflects the Bank’s commitment to building lasting relationships with diaspora communities and expanding access to financial services that support their aspirations to save, invest, and build assets in Rwanda while living abroad.

Through this collaboration, I&M Bank Rwanda seeks to strengthen financial inclusion, facilitate engagement with the Rwandan community, and create greater awareness of the banking and investment opportunities available in Rwanda.

The Bank’s participation in the Canadian convention also provided an opportunity to engage directly with community members, understand their financial needs, and demonstrate how tailored banking solutions can help them remain connected to home.

I&M Bank Rwanda's official interacts with Rwandans in diaspora during Rwanda Convention in Canada in 2026.

Banking solutions designed around diaspora needs

At the centre of I&M Bank Rwanda’s diaspora strategy is a commitment to making banking more accessible and convenient for customers living abroad.

The Bank offers a range of solutions, including remote account opening, savings and fixed-term deposit products, digital banking services, and financing options for eligible customers seeking to invest in property and other opportunities in Rwanda.

These services are designed to help diaspora customers manage their finances, support their families, build savings, and pursue long-term investment goals without necessarily needing to be physically present in Rwanda.

Yves Kayihura, Head of Retail Banking at I&M Bank Rwanda Plc. speaks during Rwanda convention in USA. File

Commenting on the Bank’s commitment to diaspora banking, Yves Kayihura, Head of Retail Banking at I&M Bank Rwanda Plc, said:

"At I&M Bank Rwanda, we are committed to making banking more accessible and convenient for Rwandans living abroad through tailored financial solutions that enable them to save, invest, and build assets back home. Through dedicated diaspora banking support, remote account opening, digital banking services, and financing options, we aim to help our customers manage their finances and pursue long-term investment goals while remaining connected to Rwanda.”

"For us, diaspora banking goes beyond transactions; it is about building lasting relationships and turning our customers’ aspirations for home into meaningful financial opportunities.”

I&M Bank staff gives details of the bank's services to Rwandans in diaspora at Soiree Teranga Rwandaise 2025 in Senegal. Courtesy

The Bank recognises the diaspora as an important partner in Rwanda’s development, contributing through investments, entrepreneurship, knowledge, and connections with international markets.

For more information about I&M Bank Rwanda’s Diaspora Banking services, contact diasporabanking@imbank.co.rw.