THE ASSOCIATION of micro-finance Institutions in Rwanda (Amir) has urged sector Savings and Credit Co-operatives (Umurenge Saccos) to join the association to improve their operations and deliver better services.

The call was made by Amir officials in Musanze District on Monday during a meeting with Umurenge Saccos from Burera and Musanze districts of the Northern Province.

Denyse Murebwayire, the vice-president, said Amir is on a countrywide tour aimed at sharing experiences with Saccos and sensitising them about the need to join the Microfinance body.

She said the Saccos are currently facing management challenges which she said will be addressed once they join  Amir.

‘We need to create synergies for the benefit of everyone. Saccos should not work as isolated entities,” she said, adding that among other attributes Amir helps build the capacity of MFI staff. 

She said Amir, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, will soon unveil a training centre for microfinance institutions.

Currently, Saccos in each of the 416 sectors in the country are not members of Amir.

She said the government is planning to digitalise Umurenge Saccos and that  Amir would provide training on the use of ICTs and software in financial institutions.

Amir started in 2007 and so far counts over 60 institutions as members.

Jean Damascene Hamsi, head of Cooperatives in the Northern Province, said joining Amir would be a good move because the capacity building they will get will ensure members’ funds are properly managed through use of ICT tools.

For any Umurenge Sacco to join Amir, the decision must be approved by its board members.

Gisele Umulisa, the manager of Indorerwamo Kinyababa Sacco said the use of paper and other rudimental tools affects their performance.