The Rwanda Bankers’ Association (RBA) brought together leaders from across the country’s financial sector this Friday for the annual Bankers’ Gala Dinner, an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, collaboration, and the continued growth of Rwanda’s banking industry.
The event convened CEOs, senior executives, policymakers, and stakeholders who have been instrumental in strengthening the sector. The Gala Dinner served not only as a celebration of this year’s milestones but also as a platform to reinforce shared commitments toward financial inclusion, innovation, and the advancement of Rwanda’s financial ecosystem.
In his opening remarks, RBA Chairman, Hannington Namara, applauded the resilience and collective achievements of Rwanda’s banks over the past year. He highlighted the industry’s continued progress in digital transformation, capacity building, and service delivery, key drivers of Rwanda’s ambition to position itself as a competitive financial hub in the region.
“As I reflect on this year, I’m reminded of an important truth: we are stronger together than we could ever be apart,” he said. “This year has brought meaningful progress. We have expanded capacity-building initiatives, enhanced regulatory dialogue, and deepened engagement with key stakeholders. We have seen innovation flourish, digital transformation accelerate, and financial inclusion reach more Rwandans than ever before.”
In her keynote address, Soraya M. Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, highlighted the central role of banks in the country’s socio-economic transformation.
“As we celebrate achievements made in the banking sector, it is important to recognize that the banking sector is more than a facilitator of financial transactions. Banks provide direct employment and are key drivers of Rwanda’s economic transformation. They mobilize capital, channel investment into productive sectors, and create opportunities that stimulate entrepreneurship and generate jobs,” she said.
She further commended RBA’s leadership in advancing sector-wide knowledge and supporting evidence-based policy.
“Beyond supporting the growth of the financial sector, the Rwanda Bankers’ Association continued to make significant contributions to the sector through expanded research and analysis, producing studies on credit trends, financial inclusion, and the impact of digital transformation to support data-driven decision-making.”
The evening included moments of recognition for institutions and individuals whose contributions significantly shaped the sector’s performance this year. Attendees also enjoyed live entertainment, networking, and reflections on transformative initiatives championed by RBA, including the growth of the Rwanda Academy of Finance (RAF), digital innovation efforts, and sector-wide collaborations.
RBA extends gratitude to all banking professionals, partners, and stakeholders who made the night memorable. Together, we continue to shape a stronger financial future for Rwanda.
