The management of Bank of Africa (BOA) is not only committed to providing financial services, but also support vulnerable members of the communities in which they serve.

It is in line with that philosophy that on Friday BOA donated a milling machine worth Rwf3 million to Genocide widows in Gasabo District as part of the bank’s activities to mark the 23rd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The beneficiaries are members of Abarikumwe Association, which brings together widows of the Genocide in Nyagasozi Cell of Bumbogo Sector.

The bank staff paid tribute to the Tutsi victims buried at Gishaka Genocide Memorial, home to 5896 victims, before handing the miller to the 24-member association.

Phoebe Tuyishimire, the Genocide survivors’ Advocacy Officer at the National Commission of the fight against Genocide (CNLG), told association members to make good use of the milling machine.

"Now that you have the machine, spare no effort to make use of it to ensure it changes your families’ livelihoods. You should not waste this opportunity,” she said.

Abderahmanne Belbashir, the Managing Director of Bank of Africa, said that what happened in Rwanda is a tragedy that the world should not allow to happen anywhere again.

"We recognise the hardship you went through to survive. Your resilience and courage are remarkable and that is why you deserve our respect and admiration,” he said.

"The bank will continue to provide technical assistance and advice to the association to ensure the success of the project.”

Beatrice Kagwera, the president of the association, welcomed the bank’s support, saying it will bring positive economic impact on the association members and their families.

About Bank of Africa

BANK OF AFRICA Rwanda LTD is a Private Commercial Bank operating in Rwanda serving corporate and retail customers. BANK OF AFRICA in Rwanda, itself, began operations in Rwanda in October 2015 after acquiring AGASEKE Bank which had been operating in Rwanda since November 2003.

The major shareholder of the bank is BANK OF AFRICA GROUP and a local investor.

In Rwanda the Bank has now a total of 11 branches and 2 outlets, with 6 branches and 2 outlets in Kigali and the other 5 in the regions of Muhanga, Huye, Musanze, Rubavu and Rusizi.