Equity Bank Rwanda PLC on September 13 held a customer engagement event in Gicumbi District, presenting its community-driven initiatives and the tangible impact it is making in the lives of local customers.

The event highlighted the bank's commitment to local development and financial empowerment, with a particular focus on farmers who play a major role in the country's economy.

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The meeting, which brought together over 100 potential clients aimed to explore investment and business opportunities while reinforcing the bank&039;s commitment to sustainable growth in the region.

Hannington Namara, the Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda, spoke at the event and emphasized that the bank is more than just a financial institution but also a partner in the community's progress.

"You are not just clients; you are family. Equity Bank Rwanda is dedicated to promote both your financial success and the prosperity of Gicumbi as a whole,” said Namara.

The bank’s recent opening of a branch in Gicumbi further marked its ongoing effort to be closer to customers and provide them with suitable financial solutions.

As noted, Equity Bank’s dual mission is to support commercial services alongside social development initiatives.

"We are not just a bank focused on profits. We are deeply invested in education, agribusiness, sustainability, and healthcare. Our objective is to ensure that as we grow, you grow with us,” he said.

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Expanding opportunities and services

Equity Bank established a variety of services to support local businesses, farmers, and individuals in Gicumbi. Eligible applicants with a well-designed plan can access loans of up to Rwf28 billion, provided they are ready to use the funds profitably.

Namara encouraged farmers to take advantage of the bank&039;s financial products, assuring them that the institution is ready to support agribusiness projects.

He noted: "Equity Bank originally comes from farmers, so farming is our priority. We have already provided loans amounting to over Rwf650 billion, and our goal is to ensure that at least 30 per cent of that goes to farmers.

"Agriculture is a major contributor to the country's economy, employing over 80 per cent of the population. However, less than 5 per cent of loans in the country are directed towards agriculture, which is a critical issue. Equity Bank is ready to challenge this norm."

He also hinted at plans to introduce "Equity Afya", a health service initiative that will provide healthcare to Equity Bank customers across Rwanda and beyond, thereby linking financial well-being to physical well-being.

Namara also touched on Equity Bank’s long-standing commitment to development. "Our country's growth cannot be achieved unless its citizens grow first. Equity Bank’s journey began with this belief, and today, we stand as a symbol of hope and empowerment for Rwandans," he added.

At the event, Equity Bank presented a dummy cheque to the local sports team, "Inararibonye Gicumbi Club”, as a gesture of community support. The donation will be used to purchase new jerseys, further highlighting Equity Bank’s dedication to encouraging local pride and strengthening social ties within the community.

Eliezer Niyonzima, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic and Research at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences Byumba (UTAB), praised the bank's innovative services like SchoolGear, a platform for school payments.

"We look forward to working with Equity Bank in the upcoming technology forum as we develop projects aimed at transforming Gicumbi,” said Niyonzima.

He added: "We are excited to move forward with Equity Bank as we plan to build student accommodations and accelerate our initiatives."

Equally, several Equity Bank clients shared personal stories of how the bank had transformed their businesses and lives.

Chantal Hakizimana, a local businesswoman, expressed her gratitude, noting that its inception in Gicumbi was timely and she was grateful because of the growth she's achieved through Equity Bank Rwanda.

"When they opened a branch here, they financed my commercial building, and my journey to development began from there. I am forever grateful,” she said.

Fabien Ayimana, another customer, expressed similar views, acknowledging the bank's financial support in growing his business, particularly the cross-border trade that he and his colleagues engage in within their respective regions.

"Equity Bank has been a pillar of our success. They financed our project, and we are grateful for their commitment to helping us grow.”

Emmy Nzabonimpa, the Mayor of Gicumbi District, commended Equity Bank's efforts to spur investment in the district.

Nzabonimpa pointed out numerous investment opportunities available in Gicumbi, from dairy processing to tourism, coffee production, education, and transport.

"Our government is committed to developing these sectors, and we welcome investors to explore the many prospects here. Equity Bank has been a crucial partner in this journey, and we look forward to continued collaboration,” he said.

The event concluded on a note of optimism, with Equity Bank reaffirming its dedication to being a catalyst for growth in Gicumbi and across Rwanda.

By placing people at the heart of its mission, Equity Bank Rwanda is positioning itself not just as a financial institution but as a partner in the collective progress of the nation.

Namara noted: "Together, we can build a stronger and more prosperous Gicumbi.”