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RURA fined MTN Rwanda on July 28, 2025, after the operator experienced a major system malfunction that disrupted several of its services, including voice calls, mobile money transactions, and other services accessed via USSD codes.

On the same day, MTN Rwanda announced through its official social media platforms that the connectivity issues affecting its customers had been resolved.

Article 26 of the Law governing Information and Communication Technology provides that any licensee who fails to comply with an enforcement decision issued by the regulator is subject to administrative penalties, including 'a fine ranging from Frw 500,000 to Frw 15 million for each day of non-compliance, starting from the date of notification of the reinforced decision.'

Speaking to IGIHE, RURA’s Head of ICT Regulation department, explained that MTN Rwanda paid fines equivalent to two days, as the company had quickly addressed the problem.

'As of today, the issue has been resolved. After we fined them, they invested significant effort, found a solution, and informed us that the problem had been fixed,' Gahungu said.

He emphasized that service providers have a duty to ensure reliable service delivery at all times.

'We are still monitoring the situation because what happened was a widespread outage. To prevent recurrence, we, as regulators, continue to monitor compliance. However, it is also the operators’ responsibility to regularly assess their systems and adopt preventive measures.

'They must align their capacity with the size of their customer base by hiring adequate staff, acquiring modern equipment, and making other necessary investments,' he added.

Gahungu noted that, based on the corrective actions taken, there is confidence that such disruptions will not happen again.

The incident was largely attributed to network congestion, as the number of users accessing MTN’s platform exceeded its system capacity, resulting in instability and degraded service quality.

MTN Rwanda’s Chief Executive Officer, Ali Monzer, who attended a consultative meeting organized by RURA with lecturers, university leaders, and students on the draft ICT law, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening its infrastructure and delivering high-quality services.

The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) has confirmed that MTN Rwanda resolved the issue that led to an administrative fine of Frw 30 million for two days of July service disruption.

IGIHE

General Lucien René Likulia, representing the public prosecutor’s office, called on the High Military Court to sentence Kabila to death for 'war crimes,' 'treason,' and 'organising an insurrectional movement.' The prosecution also requested 20 years in prison for 'glorifying war crimes' and 15 years for 'conspiracy.'

Kabila, who has been living abroad for over two years, returned briefly to eastern Congo in May, visiting Goma and Bukavu—cities under the control of the M23 group. There, he held consultations with political and civil society representatives, which he said were intended to 'contribute to the return of peace' in the country. His visits, however, were viewed by the government in Kinshasa as attempts to legitimise the rebel movement.

Eastern Congo has been plagued by conflict for over 30 years. Violence escalated early this year when M23 seized control of Goma and Bukavu, capitals of North Kivu and South Kivu. The prosecution argued that Kabila bears 'criminal and individual responsibility' for the “harm” caused by the rebel group.

According to General Likulia, Kabila allegedly planned a coup against President Félix Tshisekedi, who succeeded him in 2019 following a contested election. Prosecutors claim he intended to 'overthrow the constitutional regime by force' with support from figures such as Corneille Nangaa, former head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), before joining M23 in 2023 and heading its political branch, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC).

Prior to his May visit, Kabila released a 12-point peace proposal, calling for disbanding armed groups, national dialogue, engagement with neighbouring countries, and ending authoritarian rule. While his supporters hailed the plan as a step toward peace, authorities deemed it a threat to national stability.

The trial, which opened on July 25 in Kinshasa, marks the first time a former Congolese president has faced prosecution before a military court. Kabila is not expected to appear in person, but the hearings will continue in his absence.

A moratorium on the death penalty had been in place in the DRC since 2003 and was lifted in 2024, though no executions have occurred since.

Former DRC President Joseph Kabila is being tried in absentia for alleged complicity with the AFC/M23 rebel coalition.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation described the claims as 'sensational, baseless, and lacking evidence,' pointing out that even HRW acknowledged it had not independently verified the alleged killings of Hutu civilians said to have occurred over nearly two weeks in July.

'These salacious claims, which raise more questions than answers, are not the result of any credible investigation,' the Rwandan government said. 'Rather, they have been hastily released through media leaks in an attempt to entrench a pre-determined narrative. Only an independent investigation will shed light on these allegations.'

Rwanda accused HRW of a 'long history of implausible claims' against the country, often timed to coincide with critical political moments. The government noted that the latest report comes as parties to the conflict in eastern DRC prepare to resume negotiations and as the June 27 Washington DC Peace Agreement — which includes the neutralisation of the DRC-backed FDLR militia — is being implemented. Kigali reiterated its commitment to regional peace efforts, including the Doha process.

The Allied Forces Coalition/M23 (AFC/M23) rebel group also dismissed the HRW report recently, calling it 'fake, politically motivated, and an instrument of propaganda.'

In a statement released on Wednesday, the group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, criticised HRW’s methodology, saying it relied on 'unverified telephone testimonies and satellite imagery without on-the-ground verification.'

'The Human Rights Watch report of August 20th, 2025, is fake and a falsification of reality. Its methodology is fraudulent, its sources are corrupt, and its context is truncated,' the statement read.

AFC/M23 further accused HRW of ignoring atrocities allegedly committed by other armed groups allied with the Kinshasa government, including the FDLR, Nyatura, PARECO, and Wazalendo. The rebels maintain that the report is intended to cover up 'military failures and crimes against humanity' by government forces.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, described the claims as 'sensational, baseless, and lacking evidence.”

IGIHE

The flight departed from Ramon Airport in Israel via Karam Abu Salem crossing. To date, the UAE has evacuated 2,785 patients and their families to provide access to medical treatment since the onset of the crisis.

The latest medical evacuation flight is under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to provide medical treatment for 1,000 Palestinian children and 1,000 cancer patients throughout the nation’s hospitals. These efforts demonstrate the UAE’s leading and continuous commitment to alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza and mitigating the devastating impacts of this catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

In this regard, Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organisations and Vice Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, emphasised the UAE’s dedication to providing a rapid humanitarian response, including the urgent transport of patients and injured civilians from the Gaza Strip. These efforts demonstrate the UAE’s unwavering and deep-rooted support for the Palestinians without exemption, reflecting the nation’s humanitarian commitment to delivering immediate aid, supporting stability, and alleviating suffering caused by war and conflicts.

Al Shamsi underscored that the Emirati medical teams have transported critically wounded and injured patients to hospitals across Abu Dhabi, while other patients and their family members are accommodated at the Emirates Humanitarian City, where they will receive the necessary medical care, under the supervision of specialised medical teams.

Furthermore, Al Shamsi highlighted that the UAE provides various medical, educational, and cultural support to patients, injured, and their family members, which contribute in alleviating the dire consequences of the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting patients, children, women, and the elderly in Gaza.

Since the onset of the crisis, the UAE has continued its leading humanitarian initiatives and extensive efforts in cooperation with UN organisations and international partners to mitigate the catastrophic impacts of the ongoing crisis and alleviate the humanitarian suffering faced by the residents of the Strip. These include medical services, provision of medication, and essential medical equipment on the UAE hospital ship anchored in Egypt’s Al-Arish Port, as well as the operations of the Emirati field hospital in southern Gaza.

The continuous medical evacuation flights are part of a comprehensive and urgent humanitarian response plan to mitigate the crisis and provide relief to those most in need.

The United Arab Emirates has conducted a new medical evacuation flight, which included 155 patients and injured individuals, along with their family members from the Gaza Strip.

The flight departed from Ramon Airport in Israel via Karam Abu Salem crossing. To date, the UAE has evacuated 2,785 patients and their families to provide access to medical treatment since the onset of the crisis.

IGIHE

On August 20, 2025, investigative judges in France decided to halt the probe into Kanziga, the widow of former Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana, who was accused of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The judges explained that Kanziga did not play a role in the genocide or its preparation, but was rather affected by the April 6, 1994 attack on the plane carrying her husband.

In 2008, genocide survivors’ organizations filed a complaint demanding an investigation into Kanziga’s alleged role in crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity.

In February 2022, judges ruled to close the case, stating that there was no substantial evidence linking her to participation in the genocide.

Since Kanziga was evacuated from Rwanda on April 9, 1994, under orders from then French president François Mitterrand, the investigation into her actions only covered the first three days of the genocide.

In September 2024, the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) said the investigation was too limited in scope and time, and relied on very few witnesses. PNAT requested further inquiry into Kanziga’s activities between March 1 and April 9, 1994, and accused her of an additional crime of participating in the genocidal plan.

On May 18, 2025, the judges rejected PNAT’s request, saying no evidence supported claims that Habyarimana’s widow was involved in planning genocide. PNAT appealed, but on August 20 the judges upheld their earlier decision from three months prior, without even examining the appeal.

The ruling will be appealed

The decision pleased members of the Habyarimana family, including her son, Jean-Luc Habyarimana, and others who supported them, claiming that the investigation into Kanziga had been permanently closed.

However, on August 22, 2025, lawyer Gisagara stressed that despite some celebrating the decision—including perpetrators of genocide, deniers, hatemongers, and their allies—the case is not over.

He said: 'Do not be discouraged by the celebrations of génocidaires, deniers, hatemongers, and their supporters. This is only one step in the case. The next steps are appeal and annulment. The case cannot be declared closed until it has gone through all these stages.'

He noted that in May, PNAT had already expressed disagreement with the judges’ decision to halt the investigation into Kanziga, and therefore the organizations representing survivors are confident that an appeal will proceed.

He added: 'There is no reason why the prosecution, having already disagreed with the earlier judges, would stop this case before it reaches the appeals chamber, as the law allows.'

Why judges resist prosecuting Kanziga

François Mitterrand, who ordered Kanziga’s evacuation from Rwanda, was a close ally of Juvénal Habyarimana and a strong supporter of his government during the war with the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA).

Since her arrival in France, the now 82-year-old Kanziga has not held any known job but has lived on state support.

Through a 2008 report on France’s role in the genocide, Gen Maj (Rtd) Paul Rwarakabije said that Kanziga received financial support by France’s intelligence agency, DGSE for a long time.

Part of this money was allegedly sent to Colonel Aloys Ntiwiragabo, one of the founders of the FDLR, an armed militia opposed to the Rwandan government.

Political analyst Tite Gatabazi told IGIHE that the reluctance of French judges to prosecute Kanziga is rooted in remnants of the Mitterrand era, which continue to shield her.

He said: 'She holds secrets about France’s role in the genocide. She was evacuated by a French plane. To this day, she lives on support from the French state, apart from a little she earns elsewhere. But since she arrived there, the order from the presidency has been to offer full support.'

Gatabazi added that even though French governments have changed over the past 31 years, Kanziga still has powerful protectors.

He concluded: 'These individuals, who sometimes act beyond the official line of the sitting government, are the ones who continue to support Agathe Habyarimana.'

French prosecutors is set to appeal decision halting investigation into Agathe Kanziga.

Lawyer Richard Gisagara, who represents organizations advocating for the interests of genocide survivors seeking, has disclosed that the decision by French judges to close the investigation into Agathe Kanziga will be appealed.

Political analyst Tite Gatabazi told IGIHE that the reluctance of French judges to prosecute Kanziga is rooted in remnants of the Mitterrand era, which continue to shield her.

IGIHE

Speaking at a press conference in Goma on August 22, 2025, the group explained that its delegates in Doha were tasked only with reviewing the implementation of the ceasefire and the release of prisoners.

Freddy Kaniki Rukema, AFC/M23’s Deputy Coordinator in charge of finance and mobilisation, stated: 'None of our representatives traveled to Doha to pursue peace talks. Only two delegates went, tasked specifically with reviewing the issues of prisoner release and the ceasefire.'

He noted that this review is part of the Declaration of Principles signed on July 19 by both the DRC government and AFC/M23, under the mediation of Qatar. According to Kaniki, genuine peace talks can only follow once these initial steps are implemented.

'These are conditions included in the principles we signed. If they are respected, then we may send delegates to address the root causes of the conflict. We do not simply go there without reason,' he added.

The agreement signed in Doha had called for peace talks to begin by August 8, following the enforcement of a permanent ceasefire and the release of prisoners. A peace accord was expected by August 18, but neither milestone has been met.

AFC/M23 claims that around 700 of its members and suspected supporters remain detained by the DRC government, which it also accuses of continuing military offensives against its positions.

For its part, the Congolese government insists that releases will only occur after a peace accord is signed and accuses AFC/M23 of violating the truce.

Qatar has acknowledged setbacks in the process but said it remains in dialogue with both parties to keep the peace initiative on track despite delays.

The armed coalition AFC/M23 has clarified that its representatives currently in Qatar did not travel there to engage in peace negotiations, but rather to address two specific issues.

IGIHE

The meeting took place in Tokyo on August 21, 2025, where Minister Nduhungirehe was attending the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).

During the talks, Minister Iwaya welcomed the recent peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, stressed the importance of all parties fulfilling the commitments made, and expressed his hope for Rwanda’s role in advancing peace and stability.

Minister Nduhungirehe expressed gratitude for Japan’s longstanding cooperation through TICAD and voiced his commitment to strengthening Japan—Africa partnership while contributing to regional peace and security.

Minister Iwaya further noted Japan’s humanitarian support, including food assistance to refugees and host communities through the World Food Programme (WFP), in response to the deteriorating situation in the Great Lakes region. He emphasised that regional stability is vital for business operations in Rwanda and reiterated Japan’s support for regionally-led stabilisation efforts.

In response, Minister Nduhungirehe conveyed appreciation for Japan’s humanitarian assistance and expressed his wish to deepen cooperation, particularly in the economic field.

Rwanda’s relations with Japan began officially after its independence in 1962 and were strengthened in the early 2000s when both countries opened embassies in Tokyo and Kigali.

This partnership is built on cooperation in economic development, trade, investment, technical assistance, transport, energy, water, sanitation, agriculture, education, information technology, and meteorological services.

The meeting took place in Tokyo on August 21, 2025, where Minister Nduhungirehe was attending the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).

During the talks, Minister Iwaya welcomed the recent peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC, emphasizing the importance of all parties honoring their commitments.

IGIHE

The Nyagatare hub, established under Heifer’s Rwanda Dairy Market Systems (RDMS) Project, aims to improve smallholder farmers’ access to affordable mechanisation services.

It offers modern tractors, operator training, and a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) model that enables farmers—especially youth—to acquire tractors with a 5 percent down payment, with the balance repayable over five years from service income.

The launch brought together government officials, partners, and farmers, and featured live tractor demonstrations, equipment handovers, and farmer testimonials highlighting the benefits of mechanisation.

Verena Ruzibuka, Country Director of Heifer Rwanda, noted that since the project’s launch during agricultural seasons A and B, it has already recorded significant success.

Through catalytic financing and the deployment of 15 tractors, the project has supported over 6,000 farmers and cultivated more than 3,000 hectares.

'It is designed to address persistent challenges such as limited access to modern equipment, high labour demands, and low productivity, while promoting sustainable and climate-smart farming practices,' she said.

Ruzibuka emphasized that Heifer’s financing has improved access and availability of mechanisation services over the past seven months, proving strong demand and impact.

'Through this expansion in Nyagatare, we are moving closer to our vision of ensuring every district in Rwanda has access to affordable and reliable mechanisation services. These hubs are not only about tractors, but also about creating a new generation of rural entrepreneurs—from operators and booking agents to technicians—who can transform agriculture into a thriving business sector,' she added.

The Nyagatare hub, established under Heifer’s Rwanda Dairy Market Systems (RDMS) Project, aims to improve smallholder farmers’ access to affordable mechanisation services.

The Nyagatare mechanisation hub will provide modern tractors and implements to help farmers cultivate larger areas more efficiently, reduce reliance on manual labour, and boost productivity and incomes. It will also serve as a training and service centre for operators, booking agents, and technicians, while integrating Hello Tractor’s digital platform for transparent and convenient service access.

Stephen Gasana, Mayor of Nyagatare, highlighted the importance of the initiative. He explained that 59.3 percent of district residents are crop farmers while 39.2 percent are cattle keepers, both groups requiring these services. In the 2024/25 agricultural season, 83,190 hectares of land were cultivated, producing 261,640 tonnes of selected crops. However, only 7,654 hectares were cultivated using tractors.

'This limited mechanisation negatively impacted yields due to challenges such as incomplete land cultivation and delays in farming activities,' he said.

'We believe that bringing these services closer to farmers will help us implement government policies, including cultivating 70 percent of grazing land. This target was not achieved in time because it required a large labour force within a short period, which was difficult to manage,' he added.

The hub was launched on August 21, 2025.

Folu Okunade, Chief Operating Officer of Hello Tractor, which connects tractor owners with farmers in need of mechanisation services, stressed the scale of the challenge across Africa.

'Africa needs five million tractors to close the mechanisation gap. This represents a $122 billion opportunity that must be addressed. In Rwanda specifically, there are only 250 active tractors currently on the market,' he said.

'The country actually needs 26,000 tractors to close that gap and reach the global average, fully servicing its arable land. That represents a $700 million opportunity for Rwanda. We know there are challenges, but we are excited to help tackle them,' he added.

'This service of tractors and related machinery is very beneficial, as it creates jobs in different ways and helps people improve their livelihoods.'

While officiating the launch, Telesphore Ndabamenye, Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, said mechanisation is central to Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation.

'This launch comes at a time when our country is implementing the National Strategy for Transformation of Agriculture [PSTA 5], which seeks to advance the sector over the next five years. This strategy emphasizes agricultural modernization and the use of environmentally friendly technologies.

In particular, mechanisation plays a critical role in reducing reliance on traditional, labour-intensive methods, enabling timely cultivation of larger plots, increasing productivity, and creating rural jobs—all of which directly raise farmers’ incomes.

By establishing hubs like this, we are putting into practice one of the pillars of PSTA 5, which leverages modern technology and innovation to make agriculture inclusive and transformative,' Ndabamenye said.

'We therefore encourage youth in this district and beyond to take part in this programme, because it is a great opportunity. Since we came here to launch such a centre, we hope that farmers in Nyagatare will start using it effectively, make the most of it, and eventually extend its benefits beyond Nyagatare to other districts as well.'

Success stories from the first hub

Olivier Niyitegeka, a farmer from Kamate Village, Karangazi Sector in Nyagatare District, explained that using a tractor for cultivation is very different from relying on manual labour.

In the last agricultural season, he cultivated one hectare with a tractor and harvested approximately 7.7 tonnes, compared to his neighbour who cultivated two hectares manually and harvested only 9 tonnes.

'We pay only Frw 85,000 per hectare, which is affordable. When we use a tractor, the soil absorbs water more easily, unlike with manual cultivation, which leaves crops vulnerable to drying when the weather is too hot. That’s what affected my neighbour’s crops. Tractors are efficient and save time,' he said.

Rutayisire Jackson, a dedicated livestock farmer, shared a similar experience. Before connecting with Hello Tractor, he relied on manual labour and traditional tools to cultivate three hectares of Napier grass and two hectares of maize. Meeting the nutritional needs of his eight cows was a constant struggle, especially during dry seasons when fodder shortages were severe.

With access to reliable and timely tractor services, Rutayisire expanded his herd from eight to ten cows.

'My daily milk yield rose from 120 to 170 litres, increasing my daily income from Frw 48,000 to Frw 68,000—a 41.7 percent increase in productivity and a 74.1 percent improvement in cost-benefit ratio.

Even during dry spells, efficient fodder production has helped me maintain milk output and income, making my farm more resilient, profitable, and scalable,' he said.

The Nyagatare mechanisation hub will provide modern tractors and implements to help farmers cultivate larger areas more efficiently, reduce reliance on manual labour, and boost productivity and incomes.

The hub will also serve as a training and service centre for operators, booking agents, and technicians, while integrating Hello Tractor’s digital platform for transparent and convenient service access.

Stephen Gasana, Mayor of Nyagatare, highlighted the importance of the initiative.

Verena Ruzibuka, Country Director of Heifer Rwanda, noted that since the project’s launch during agricultural seasons A and B, it has already recorded significant success.

Folu Okunade, Chief Operating Officer of Hello Tractor, which connects tractor owners with farmers in need of mechanisation services stressed the need to close mechanisation gap.

IGIHE

A story that captured the attention of many involved a Rwandan man living in Europe who, in 2016, travelled to Kigali to buy a house in Nyarutarama. He had been assured by a friend that a local construction company could provide a fully built home, and he brought with him 80 million Rwandan francs to make the purchase.

However, the excitement of finally owning a home in his homeland quickly turned into disappointment. Soon after moving in with his family during the holidays, he discovered multiple construction flaws: poorly installed tiles, faulty plumbing, electrical issues, and other structural problems. Attempts to resolve the issues with the company were unsuccessful, leaving him facing a significant financial loss.

His story is not unique; several other diaspora Rwandans have reported being misled, defrauded, or left powerless due to the difficulty of monitoring construction from abroad.

In response to these challenges, a new digital platform dubbed StoneForge has been launched. It aims to provide Rwandans in the diaspora with a way to supervise their construction projects remotely, ensuring full transparency and control over their investments.

According to Eng. Daniel Nzasabamungu, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, StoneForge was developed in direct response to frequent complaints from diaspora members struggling with unreliable site managers, limited oversight, and a lack of accountability for their investments. The platform is designed to bridge this gap, giving users real-time updates and greater confidence as their projects progress.

The platform is designed to bridge this gap, giving users real-time updates and greater confidence as their projects progress.

'StoneForge was born from a clear need — helping busy Rwandans, especially in the diaspora, supervise their construction projects remotely with full transparency and control,' said Eng. Daniel Nzasabamungu, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder.

'Our platform brings everything into one centralised dashboard: daily updates, material tracking, costs, reports — all automated. It’s peace of mind, built into technology.'

Through its web-based system, which went live in May this year, StoneForge provides real-time project updates, daily site reports, financial tracking, and even live camera feeds from construction sites. Site supervisors upload progress photos, track inventory, and flag issues, allowing project owners to follow every step without having to make constant phone calls or travel back home.

According to the founders, what sets StoneForge apart is its all-in-one approach. While other apps scatter budgeting, planning, and updates across multiple tools, StoneForge brings them together with live visuals and automated reporting, giving owners a clear picture of their project from start to finish.

Site supervisors upload progress photos, track inventory, and flag issues, allowing project owners to follow every step without having to make constant phone calls or travel back home.

For clients like Egide Nsabimana, who is building an apartment project in Kagarama, Kicukiro, the platform has already made a difference.

'With StoneForge, I don’t need to call my site manager every day or worry about what’s happening on site. From wherever I am, I can see what’s being done, how much it costs, and even view progress with live feed of the site and reports in real time. It’s like being on site, without actually being there,' he said.

The platform is designed to bridge this gap, giving users real-time updates and greater confidence as their projects progress.

StoneForge is initially targeting Rwandans in the diaspora, but the founders say it could also benefit busy professionals and organisations managing multiple construction projects locally.

By digitising supervision and providing transparency, the platform aims to restore trust in a process that for years has left many feeling anxious and vulnerable.

For clients like Egide Nsabimana, who is building an apartment project in Kagarama, Kicukiro, the platform has already made a difference.

Through its web-based system, which went live in May this year, StoneForge provides real-time project updates, daily site reports, financial tracking, and even live camera feeds from construction sites.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Neither of them have bank accounts. It’s not that they don’t earn enough. They do. Sometimes more than salaried workers. But their income is unpredictable: some days bring in a lot, others not so much. What is predictable, however, is that commercial banks don’t seem built for them. And frankly, they don’t feel the need to walk into one.

We often frame this as a 'financial inclusion' issue. But that assumes people like Rasta, Clemence, and other creatives or gig workers aren’t already financially active. They are. They use SACCOs, mobile wallets, savings groups. And when things are tight, they turn to private lenders like 'Banque Lambert'.

So the question is: why aren’t they banking with us? Let’s be honest. Our systems weren’t built with them in mind.

Commercial banking was designed for structure: payslips, collateral, proof of address, predictable income. But the informal sector, or abanyabiraka, as they’re often called, doesn’t operate in straight lines. Their income is uneven, but it’s there.

Where we ask for forms and waiting periods, they expect speed. Where we promote 'competitive interest rates,' they’re paying 30% a month from private lenders and still coming back. Why? Because those options are fast and accessible.

The wall between banks and the informal sector

There’s a quiet standoff between commercial banks and Rwanda’s informal economy. We hesitate to serve people without formal proof of income. They, in turn, don’t see themselves in our halls.

We’ve become symbols of blazers and bureaucracy. Of waiting. Of being 'for the rich.'
So the real question isn’t just how to include them. It’s how to be relevant to them.

What can banks offer that others can’t? Let’s not sell ourselves short.

Commercial banks still bring what others can’t: scale, long-term financial tools, formal protections, financial literacy and even speed- with our digital channels.

We can help someone move from borrowing Frw 200,000 for stock to owning a salon. We can help them build capital, save for emergencies, grow credit scores, and access loans or asset financing at fairer rates.

But to matter in the informal sector, we must do more than rebrand. We must redesign.

A call to rethink banking, not just products

We need to ask tougher questions:

• Can we rethink traditional banking models to be faster, more flexible, while still managing the real risks that come with informal markets?

• Can we design credit products based on cash flow patterns, not just collateral?
• Can we create simple, processes?

• Can we invest in market education about banking, but in ways that are relatable, not just shiny brochures or well-designed PowerPoints?

• Just like we’ve built SME Centers and Institutional Banking Centers, can we create service centers designed for informal traders and gig workers, staffed by people who understand their financial models?

Consider BancoSol a commercial bank that has served informal microentrepreneurs for more than three decades. It embeds loan officers in communities, designs credit using first-hand cash-flow insights, and simplifies documentation. All while managing portfolio risk.

At Bank of Kigali, we’ve also laid the groundwork: over 5,300 BK agents, mobile banking and remote account opening. To truly bridge the gap, we must now scale with deeper personalization, stronger market education, and product design built around the realities of informal livelihoods.

So, can commercial banks work for Abanyabiraka?

Only if we’re willing to bend the frame. Only if we stop asking how they can fit into banking, and start asking how banking can fit into their lives.

Because they’re not waiting for us. They’ve already built systems that work: imperfect, but fast. Risky, but human.

The real question is: are we ready to design for the reality that already exists?

The author, Desire Rumanyika is the Chief Retail and Digital Banking Officer. The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.

Bank of Kigali maintains strong presence across the country.

Bank of Kigali has laid the groundwork for day-to-day hustlers with over 5,300 BK agents, mobile banking and remote account opening.

Desire Rumanyika