Lack of sufficient Information Technology infrastructure has hampered Banques Populaire Du Rwanda’s move to link all its branches across the country on one network. Ben Kalkaman, CEO of BPR noted in an interview that IT infrastructure is a challenge to harmonising their branches. Out of 188 branches of BPR, 60 branches are not computerised and have no electricity connection. Last year, Rabobank acquired a minority 35 percent stake in BPR to shore up and shape the long-term cooperation by means of management and support. “There is no infrastructure, no network, but our dream is to have BPR operating as one bank with one book keeping and at one network. we anticipate this by the end of next year,” Kalkaman said. The bank has so far spent €4m in network implementation, human resource development, and building capacity in different fields like credit procedures, customer care and risk management. In a phone interview, the Governor of the Central Bank François Kanimba, said that BPR is among the strongest banks in the country with operating capital of Rwf16billion. The governor is optimistic that the partnership with Rabobank will bring in new innovations in terms of quality services and professionalism because the two banks share background to operate as cooperatives/ peoples’ bank. “Transformation is a process, it cannot be done over night, but I am optimistic that soon the bank will operate as a full commercial bank and with all branches connected,” Kanimba said. Ends
