On May 6, 2025, RBA through the Rwanda Academy of Finance, in partnership with HoT-ATTF Luxembourg, launched the Advanced Banking Leadership Programme (ABLP), a nine-month programme aimed at equipping senior managers in the Rwandan Banking sector with high-level skills as the future bank executives. The ABLP aims to equip participants with knowledge to lead with confidence, drive innovation, boost performance and drive Rwanda’s position in the global financial landscape.

The launch event held in Kigali, was attended by key leaders in the financial sector, including Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda as the guest of Honor.

In his keynote remarks, Dr. Nsengiyumva highlighted the programme’s significance, stating:

“The Advanced Banking Leadership Program builds on the success of RAF 1 and RAF 2, which have already trained over 393 professionals since 2020. The ABLP is however different in the sense that, it represents a step-change, an advanced, leadership-focused programme for those who are already at the helm of institutions, setting direction, making strategic decisions, and mentoring future leaders.”

A dynamic, future-focused curriculum


Participants will learn from international experts, combining classroom lessons, real-life case studies, and hands-on simulations. These will be manifested through the following modules:

  1. Digital Transformation & Fintech: Adapting digital transformations in banking business.
  2. Leadership & People Management: Building leadership agility, and coaching excellence.
  3. Strategy, Governance & Internal Control: Mastering governance, risk and sustainable growth.
  4. Sustainable Finance & ESG: Embedding environment and social responsibility into financial strategy and leadership aspects.
  5. B@nksim-Banking Simulation: This will be the concluding and the most practical one, the participation will strictly be for those who will have successfully completed the previous modules; It will be held in Luxembourg, known for being the financial hub in Europe.

As Kigali continues its strategic journey to become a top-tier financial hub, the ABLP stands out as a transformative tool in developing the skilled, visionary leaders who will shape the future of the industry. By investing in top-level talent, the programme directly supports Rwanda’s vision of developing a resilient and globally competitive financial ecosystem.

The first course started in May 2025, and the programme runs until early 2026.