Kigali, Rwanda – June 19, 2026 – The Rwanda Bankers Association (RBA), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), officially launched the RBA ESG e-Learning Platform, a sector-wide digitals learning hub designed to strengthen Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) knowledge and sustainable finance practices across Rwanda’s banking industry, marking a significant milestone in Rwanda’s sustainable finance journey by providing banking professionals with continuous, accessible and locally relevant training on ESG principles and their practical application within the financial sector.
The platform offers structured learning modules covering ESG fundamentals, climate risk management, sustainable finance, governance, ESG disclosure, financial inclusion, nature finance, and environmental and social risk management. It is designed to support the adoption and integration of ESG practices across Rwanda’s banking sector and equip financial institutions with the skills required to respond to evolving regulatory, market and sustainability expectations.
Speaking during the launch, Rwanda Bankers Association Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tony Francis Ntore, noted that sustainability has become an integral component of modern banking and financial risk management:
“Around the world, climate change, social inequality and governance challenges are reshaping financial risk. Rwanda has led this shift through its Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy, its Nationally Determined Contributions, and the Green Taxonomy. As a sector, we knew we also had to evolve, starting with the ESG Awareness Guidelines for Banks, then the ESG Community of Practice with member banks, which has grown into a space where banks, regulators, and development partners share what they’re learning.”
“The platform’s value goes beyond training. It strengthens risk management, supports stronger Environmental and Social Management Systems, improves readiness for new regulations, and helps finance Rwanda’s sustainable development goals more effectively”
The launch was officiated by the Minister of Environment, Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye who emphasized the critical role of the financial sector in mobilizing private capital to support Rwanda’s transition towards a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy:
“Every day, banks make decisions that shape the future of our economy. The projects you finance, the risks you assess, and the clients you support can accelerate our transition to a greener and more competitive economy, or expose businesses and financial institutions to growing environmental and climate-related risks.
This is why today’s launch matters.”
“The prosperity of our country and the health of our environment are not competing objectives. They are mutually reinforcing. Countries and businesses that manage natural resources responsibly, invest in resilience and embrace sustainability are increasingly proving to be more competitive, more attractive to investors and better prepared for future shocks.“
In her remarks at the launch, IFC Resident Representative Ms. Jiyeon Janice Ryu spoke about the importance of strengthening the capacity of Rwanda’s banking sector to identify, assess and finance sustainable investments. She noted that as Rwanda advances its climate, development and economic transformation ambitions, financial institutions will play an increasingly important role in channelling capital towards projects that deliver both financial and sustainability outcomes. She further said that achieving these objectives will require continued collaboration among financial institutions, regulators, development partners, policymakers and the private sector to build a more resilient and sustainable economy.
As Rwanda continues to strengthen its sustainable finance architecture, the RBA ESG e-Learning Platform is expected to serve as a key resource in building the skills and capabilities necessary to translate sustainability ambitions into meaningful action across the financial sector.
About the Rwanda Bankers Association (RBA)
The Rwanda Bankers Association is the umbrella body for licensed banks operating in Rwanda. The Association promotes collaboration within the banking industry, supports sector development, and advances initiatives that contribute to a stable, innovative and inclusive financial sector.
Media Contact
Rwanda Bankers Association
Email: info@rba.rw
Website: www.rba.rw