As the world grapples with the global pandemic of coronavirus, governments are banking on different players both in public and private sector to ensure the virus is contained from further spreading.

In Rwanda, government close to a week ago imposed a countrywide lockdown of all activities, apart from essential services.

Despite the fact that banks were considered among the essential services, many players in the sector believe this is an opportunity for the banking sector to think outside the box and get innovative ways to minimize human interaction.

Now more than ever, Robin Bairstow, the Chairman of the Rwandan Bankers Association (RBA), believes that it’s the best time to promote the use of alternative channels.

"As a  collective, we really have to look at this as an opportunity to alter the face and the ways of banking in the country, especially given the fact that all of the banks are encouraging their customers to use alternative channels,” said Bairstow, who is also the Managing Director of I&M Bank.

He said that the move has been boosted by the fact that mobile phone operators have stepped in and remove charges for those alternative channels’ transactions.

Different banks in Rwanda have availed additional services that were previously required human interaction both online or via USSD code for people who do not have internet at home.

For example, with Equity Bank, one can easily open an account with a phone, a process that previously required filling forms at the bank’s halls and signing endless pages.

Among other services, at KCB Rwanda, internet banking that required one to head to the bank in person for subscription, it can now be made via their call center according to Albert Akimanzi the bank’s Head of marketing and corporate communications.

For others such as the I&M Bank, they have availed all forms for loans, internet banking, ATM cards to name a few, that can be filled and sent to their support email to be served.

Mobile network operators have also eased the process for those who don’t have internet by availing services at different USSD codes for all mobile phone operators in the country.

According to Rwanda Utilities and Regulatory Authority (RURA)’s report in the last quarter of 2018, Rwandans who use the internet have reached 52.1% of the population; which is 6.1 million.

On the other hand, according to Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) report, 46% of Rwandan adults have access to digital financing services.