In its pursuit of advancing digital financial transformation, I&M Bank Rwanda Plc showcased its array of digital products while engaging with numerous existing customers to facilitate transactions at the recently concluded Annual International Trade Fair, Expo 2023.
This year, the Expo held from July 31 to August 15, attracting over 300,000 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Pakistan, Egypt, Djibouti, and others.
I&M Bank has been among the main sponsor of Expo Rwanda over the past years, taking pride in its contribution to the country's economic growth and the cultivation of trade relationships between domestic and international businesses.
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Olivier Gakuba, Director of Business Development at I&M Bank, highlighted the significance of their participation in the exhibition, stating that their presence has allowed them to establish closer connections with clients who attended as exhibitors or buyers, enabling seamless transactions such as withdrawals or deposits.
"For individuals who relied solely on their cards and encountered challenges with vendor billing machines, our booth provided convenient solutions. We provided the ability and convenient access to funds through our different digital platforms, exemplifying our dedication to fostering a cashless ecosystem."
Besides that, Gakuba said this platform provided an opportunity to reach and pitch to new potential clients on different products that the Bank offers with the contribution of the digital experience team and direct sales team on the ground.
The Bank has been on a progressive digital adoption journey that can be traced to 2018, when the lender revamped its digital offering, introducing I-Click that allowed clients to access a range of services including international funds transfers without needing to walk into a banking hall.
It also partners with SPENN Technologies, a financial technology firm to avail a payment method built on blockchain technology, which introduced a new savings product in the local market in a bid to drive up savings as well as 14-day interest-free loans.
According to the Acting Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation, Jeanne Francoise Mubiligi, this year’s exhibition featured 291 local exhibitors and more than 100 international exhibitors.
"This year, new sectors were able to showcase their products and services such as telecommunication, ICT, construction, housing, banking, insurance, agriculture, culture with tourism items, handcraft products, furniture, and leverages, among others.”
She appreciated those who participated and expressed hopes for their continuous participation in the next expo.
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Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, Minister of Trade and Industry, called on more companies that provide different services to participate in the exhibition to create awareness and scale up their activities while commending the majority participation of youth entrepreneurs.
"We are proud of the progress we have made and will continue to put more effort to make this exhibition even more successful. We are growing and we need a bigger space, but PSF can&039;t do it alone, we need more partners to create a bigger space that can accommodate more exhibitors."