Bank of Kigali Plc (BK) has been acknowledged for its sponsorship of the 17th Rwanda National Agriculture Show.

The accolade recognises BK’s dedication to deliver agriculture finance products as part of its commitment to financing the growth and modernisation of Rwanda’s agriculture.

The show, which ran from July 31 to August 9 at the Mulindi showground in Kigali, drew more than 400 local exhibitors (farmers) and an average 4,000 visitors per day, with BK as one of the key sponsors.

Agriculture remains the backbone of Rwanda’s economy, employing over 60 per cent of the population. However, financing in this sector has traditionally been seen as high-risk, with many agribusinesses struggling to secure loans. Despite these challenges, BK has stepped up, offering various financial products designed to meet the needs of farmers and agribusiness owners.

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During the event’s closing ceremony, presided over by Ildephonse Musafiri, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, various exhibitors including BK’s partners were recognised for their contributions to the sector.

Awards were given in categories such as agro-processing, irrigation and mechanisation, research, input supply, and special categories for youth and women particularly, for the innovative and creative services and products.

It is worth noting that BK’s efforts to engage with the agricultural community extended beyond sponsorship. The bank used the event to showcase its range of agricultural finance products, attracting more than 100 new clients, according to Theophile Hakorimana, the Agribusiness Manager at BK. During the event, he emphasised the bank’s ongoing commitment to providing financial solutions that support the growth and sustainability of the sector.

He noted: "BK was among the key sponsors of this agri show, and we achieved our target. The event attracted over 400 exhibitors and averaged 4,000 visitors per day. This provided us with an excellent opportunity to spotlight our financing products, which can help boost agricultural productivity for everyone involved in the food chain system.”

Hakorimana highlighted that during the 10-day event, BK introduced farmers to a loan specifically designed for farmers’ cooperatives, particularly those in rice, milk production and more. This loan can go up to Rwf50,000,000 and does not require collateral.

He added that the ‘Kataza na BK’ programme, which provides loans to women without requiring collateral, was also featured. BK encourages women to take advantage of these interest-free loans, which can reach up to Rwf15 million per person. The programme aims to empower women by supporting their investment in various projects, including small and medium businesses.

Other special products introduced include financing options for coffee farmers as they approach the new season, loans for farmers needing to purchase new distribution vehicles, and more. Overall, BK aims to successfully meet the financial needs of over 100,000 clients in the agriculture sector, from planting through to the harvest season.

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Minister Musafiri commended those contributing to the food supply chain and urged farmers to take advantage of available financing options to boost their businesses, highlighting the role of financial institutions like BK in fostering agricultural development.

"Agricultural Season A, 2025, is a few days ahead. After this event, let’s work hard. I hope everyone will be ready. Let’s make full use of the available land and multiply our efforts. However, it’s crucial to ensure that your properties are insured. This is essential, and the country is counting on you,” he said.

He added: "MINAGRI will continue to support you in every aspect including on the financial side. However, we need to increase agricultural production and focus on commercial crops for export, such as avocados, vegetables, fruits, flowers, and others.”