Eight months after merging sector-level SACCOs into Icyerekezo SACCO Nyarugenge, members are enjoying wider access to financial services and bigger loans.
Previously, clients could only borrow up to Rwf 10 million, but the merged SACCO now provides loans up to Rwf 120 million. In addition, borrowers are paying less interest, thanks to a larger pool of funds and reduced operational costs.
Members can now access services at any branch within Nyarugenge, instead of being limited to their home sector, through an upgraded digital banking system.
According to BNR’s Director of Microfinance Supervision, Clarisse Mushimirwa, district-level SACCO integrations will be finalized this fiscal year, paving the way for the national Cooperative Bank.
SACCOs have significantly boosted Rwanda’s financial sector: membership now exceeds 4 million, savings climbed from Rwf 23 billion in 2011 to Rwf 164 billion in 2025, and loans grew from Rwf 4.7 billion to Rwf 135 billion over the same period.
