There is need to equip small-and-medium enterprise (SME) operators with basic financial and management skills to be able run their businesses better and profitably, Robin Bairstow, the I&M Bank Rwanda managing director, has said.

He was speaking during a three-day training workshop on financial and business management skills that attracted more than 20 SME operators in Kigali on Friday. The training was organised by I&M Bank Rwanda and European Investment Bank.

Bairstow said such trainings help create a strong and sustainable SME sector, adding that could help reduce the level of non-performing loans among SMEs. The sector is a key player in the economy, forming the biggest part of the total private sector businesses, at over 98 per cent. Bairstow, however, challenged sector players to be innovative and provide services and products that meet customer needs.

Callixte Nyilindekwe, the I&M Bank Rwanda head of business banking, said SMEs require knowledge and skills, including how to prepare bankable business projects, to access credit and also ensure good governance in the sector.

One of the trainees, Augustin Mugirangabo, an accountant at Quick Master Supply, said he learnt new skills that he hopes will help ease his work.

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