Bank of Kigali (BK) has inaugurated a new branch in Rubavu town, bringing banking services closer to traders and businesses in one of Rwanda's busiest commercial hubs as it seeks to support trade, investment and local economic growth.
Located in the heart of Rubavu's business district, the facility brings key banking services closer to the public, according to Bank of Kigali Chief Executive Officer Dr. Diane Karusisi.
"We are delighted to launch this new branch to stay close to our clients. We have hundreds of businesspeople operating out of the new Rubavu market (RICO), and our goal is to be right beside them to facilitate their banking and growth needs," Karusisi said at the inauguration on November 6, 2026.
The event coincided with the bank's executive tour of BK-financed developments in the area, part of an annual customer engagement initiative designed to review service delivery and assess local economic impact.
ALSO READ: BK Group profit grows 8.6% as strong income offsets smaller loan book
Karusisi emphasised that BK remains committed to backing impactful ventures in the border region and nationwide.
"We take pride in seeing so many successful projects in Rubavu that were financed by Bank of Kigali. We remain the partner of choice for local business owners and stand ready to support new investments," she said.
ALSO READ: BK Group posts Rwf27bn profit in Q1 2026, to scale up SME and agribusiness lending
Speaking at the event, Olivier Ruhamyambuga, the Executive Secretary and Acting Mayor of Rubavu District, commended the bank&039;s expansion and urged financial institutions to play an active role in driving local economic inclusion.
"Rubavu continues to position itself as a commercial hub second only to Kigali. We encourage BK and other financial institutions to deepen their outreach, support financial literacy, and ensure accessible credit for our residents," Ruhamyambuga noted.
Local businesses also welcomed the new branch and the direct interaction with executive leadership.
Antoine Habarurema, owner of La Briella Hotel and Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) in Rubavu, highlighted the role of institutional finance in sustaining growth across secondary cities.
"Welcoming the CEO and engaging directly with top management provides a great opportunity to discuss streamlining loan access for local traders," said Habarurema, a BK client for ten years now. "Running a successful business without a strong banking partner is nearly impossible. It remains essential to bringing commercial projects to life."