Bank of Kigali (BK) has introduced its latest offerings designed specifically for the agribusiness sector, aiming to empower women entrepreneurs and assist them in expanding their ventures.

In collaboration with USAID/Feed the Future Hanga Akazi and the Private Sector Federation (PSF), BK unveiled its newly developed financial products on March 28, dedicated to raising awareness about opportunities within the agribusiness sector.

These offerings include stock finance options designed with women in mind along the agribusiness value chain, as well as solutions for traders within the same sector.

Alexis Bizimana, Head of Agriculture Business at BK, emphasised the significance of the event, highlighting BK's commitment to supporting women in the agribusiness sector.

"This value proposition will help these women in agribusiness to access financing to acquire stock at flexible terms and conditions,” he stated, expressing gratitude to USAID/Feed the Future Hanga Akazi and PSF for their collaboration in making the event successful.

Looking ahead, Bizimana outlined agribusiness finance as a key strategic initiative for BK, with a range of products and services tailored to the needs of agribusiness customers.

"The bank has revealed its offering to women in the sector to mark the importance of women in our economic development. We aim to reach more customers in agribusiness under the scheme,” he added, urging people to join the BK community.

Timothy Shumaker, Chief of Party USAID Feed the Future Hanga Akazi, expressed delight in the strong relationship between the Feed the Future Hanga Akazi project and BK, aiming to promote access to affordable financial products for businesswomen across Rwanda.

He emphasised the importance of recognising women-owned businesses as valuable clients, essential for economic growth and job creation, aligning with Vision 2050.

Shumaker highlighted the objective of the initiative to make finance more accessible to small and medium enterprises, the backbone of economic growth. He underscored the partnership's role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and increasing the wealth and prosperity of Rwanda.

"This is the beginning of an exciting journey, and I'm very excited to see more innovation that comes as a result of what we're starting here today, "he concluded.