Development Bank of Rwanda has rolled out a new financing initiative aimed at boosting agriculture, livestock farming, tourism, and youth entrepreneurship through SACCO cooperatives.
The initiative was officially launched in Nyamagabe District at Ishema SACCO, one of the country’s largest SACCOs with over 180,000 members.
The program introduces low-interest loans including “Kataza,” which supports young entrepreneurs under 35 years old involved in farming, livestock, tourism, and hospitality. The loans carry an interest rate below 9%, with women and youth making up the majority of intended beneficiaries.
Another loan package, “Iganze Muhinzi Mworozi,” is designed for farmers and livestock keepers seeking affordable financing and flexible repayment plans.
Beneficiary Mukayiranga Josiane, a 25-year-old farmer from Nyamagabe, said the funding helped her expand operations dramatically. She increased her workforce from three to 17 employees and boosted wheat seed production twentyfold.
Meanwhile, another beneficiary, Munyanziza Frodouard from Tare Sector, plans to use his loan to cultivate potatoes on seven hectares and launch an organic fertilizer factory using animal waste.
Speaking at the event, BRD CEO Stella Rusine Nteziryayo said the partnership with SACCOs will bring affordable financial services closer to rural communities and help accelerate economic growth.
