The bank aims to enhance collaboration with coffee exporters to drive sustainable growth.
The Bank of Kigali recently hosted a coffee exporters networking event at the Kigali Serena Hotel, bringing together key players in Rwanda’s coffee industry. The event served as a platform for stakeholders to connect, share insights, and celebrate achievements within the sector.
During the event, Bank of Kigali’s CEO, Diane Karusisi, emphasized the bank’s ongoing support for coffee exporters and its commitment to helping Rwandan coffee businesses expand and compete in global markets. The gathering provided an opportunity for exporters to engage directly with Karusisi, ask questions, and discuss strategies to further strengthen the sector.
Karusisi acknowledged the progress made in the coffee sector but highlighted that there is still work to be done to achieve long-term growth and economic impact. She stressed the importance of continued collaboration with exporters to drive sustainable development. “While significant progress has been made, our journey continues, and together, we will keep advancing toward our vision of sustainable growth and contributing to Rwanda’s economic development,” she stated.
Alex Bizimana, Head of Agribusiness at Bank of Kigali, announced plans to double the bank’s portfolio for coffee financing from Rwf36 billion to Rwf72 billion in the upcoming year. He noted that this goal is achievable through close collaboration with clients and timely assessment of financing applications to avoid seasonal delays.
“It’s critical to work closely with clients, agree on the way forward, and assess applications in a timely manner to avoid delays during the season. For the new season, we will focus on flexibility—flexibility in collateral requirements, pricing, and transaction processes—while ensuring compliance and profitability,” Bizimana added.
Since 2021, the Bank of Kigali has been actively engaging with clients to gather feedback and learn from their challenges, aiming to continuously improve agri-financing products and meet a larger share of the sector’s financing needs. One coffee exporter, Oreste Baragahorana, expressed the importance of direct engagement with the bank’s management, stating that discussions on challenges such as financing, capital, timing, and bank interest were invaluable.
“We had a chance to meet BK management and discuss the challenges we face in the coffee sector. This meeting was important for us because it gave us a good opportunity to find solutions to support the coffee sector,” Baragahorana remarked.
Looking ahead, Baragahorana emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration with the Bank of Kigali. He suggested that regular meetings, potentially twice a year, would be beneficial to prepare for the coffee season and evaluate its outcomes afterward.
The Bank of Kigali’s commitment to the coffee sector reflects its broader strategy to support agricultural development in Rwanda, which is vital for the country’s economy. By enhancing its support for coffee exporters, the bank aims to contribute to the sustainable growth of one of Rwanda’s most valuable industries.
Key Points
- Bank of Kigali hosted a networking event for coffee exporters in Kigali.
- CEO Diane Karusisi emphasized ongoing support for the coffee sector.
- The bank plans to double its coffee financing portfolio to Rwf72 billion.
- Flexibility in collateral requirements and pricing will be prioritized.
- Direct engagement with exporters is crucial for addressing sector challenges.
Sources: Bank of Kigali pledges increased support in coffee sector
