Today, the Rwanda Bankers Association (RBA), through its capacity-building arm, Rwanda Academy of Finance (RAF), successfully held the 6th RAF Graduation Ceremony, celebrating a new class of banking professionals equipped with advanced skills to support the growth of Rwanda’s financial sector.
This year’s ceremony honored graduates from four cohorts:
• RAF 1 Cohort 9
• RAF 1 Cohort 10
• RAF 2 Cohort 7
• RAF 2 Cohort 8
The event also showcased RAF’s steady growth. Since 2020, the Academy, established and overseen by the Rwanda Bankers Association (RBA), has trained 545 graduates across RAF 1 and RAF 2 programmes: 351 from RAF 1 and 194 from RAF 2. This reflects RBA’s continued commitment to strengthening professional standards and technical excellence across member banks.
In 2025, RAF also launched the Advanced Banking Leadership Programme (ABLP), admitting 21 candidates into its first-ever leadership cohort. The ABLP focuses on advanced governance, strategic banking leadership, and international financial practices. The programme will conclude next year with a bank simulation session in Luxembourg, conducted in partnership with global training institutions.
During today’s ceremony, speakers emphasized RAF’s role in shaping a highly competent, ethical, and forward-thinking generation of banking professionals equipped to respond to the evolving financial landscape.
“Today, across the banking sector—here in Rwanda and globally—we see a clear shift in how business is conducted. Young bankers are challenging existing processes and proposing digital solutions. Middle managers are testing new customer-service innovations. Senior leaders are embracing data-driven decision-making. This progress is possible because of the sector’s collective commitment to continuous learning.” Said Tony Francis Ntore, the CEO of Rwanda Bankers’ Association.
Hannington Namara, Chairman of the Rwanda Bankers’ Association, spoke on the transformative impact of RAF’s programs and how they align with Rwanda’s ambition to become a global financial hub.
“Now, let’s talk about the big picture.
Rwanda has set audacious goals to be an international financial center. Every great financial center in the world—London, New York, Singapore, Dubai—was built on the backs of skilled professionals who took pride in their work, served their clients with integrity, and continuously pushed the boundaries of what was possible. Can we achieve this? Absolutely. But not by accident. And not without you.”
Christine Baingana, Chairperson of the RAF Steering Committee, echoed this vision, reaffirming RAF’s commitment to nurturing talent that will influence not only the financial sector but Rwanda’s wider economic landscape. She emphasized the Academy’s long-term mission, stating:
“Our vision is clear – to be the engine that powers Rwanda’s financial future We want to create seamless pathways from classroom to industry […] We will proudly follow the rise of RAF alumni as they earn promotions, shape industries, and lead innovation across Rwanda and beyond – many of you here today will be among them.
We want a RAF that touches not only the financial sector – but Rwanda’s broader economic growth.”
RAF acknowledged the support of its key partners, whose collaboration continues to elevate the quality and impact of the programmes:
• The National Bank of Rwanda
• The House of Training – ATTF Luxembourg
• Member banks
• Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN)
• University of Rwanda
• Rwanda Stock Exchange
Their ongoing support ensures RAF’s curriculum meets international standards and remains responsive to industry needs.
About the Rwanda Academy of Finance (RAF)
RAF is a national training initiative dedicated to developing strong professional and leadership capacity within Rwanda’s financial sector. Through structured programmes, executive training, and international partnerships, RAF equips banking professionals with the skills and competencies required in today’s dynamic financial environment.
For media queries, please contact:
Tel: +250 252577426/ +250 780 376 509
E-mail: info@rba.rw/ scovia@rba.rw
Website: www.rba.rw