The bank highlighted its role during its annual engagement with customers in Musanze, where management and clients discussed progress made and challenges affecting access to financial services.

Private-sector representatives said BPR Bank has played a significant role in Musanze’s ongoing urban redevelopment, contributing to about 40% of more than 75 buildings completed so far.

Tugengwenayo Theonas, Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation in Northern Province and the Musanze City Redevelopment Committee, said improved access to larger loans and faster processing had made a difference.

“We appreciate the increase in the size of loans and the reduction in the time it takes for a businessperson to access them. We estimate that the bank has contributed about 40% to the more than 75 buildings that have been completed,” he said.

He said the third phase of the redevelopment programme includes 60 projects expected to be completed by 2029, calling for continued support from financial institutions.

Musanze is also seeking investment in modern private schools, entertainment facilities, agricultural projects and parking infrastructure. Business owners also welcomed a decline in reliance on informal high-interest lending.

BPR Bank Rwanda Executive Director of Commercial Businesses Shema Mugisha said the bank's services are shaped by feedback from its customers.

“Our goal is that the customer comes first. We are celebrating what has been achieved while also listening to you so that you can advise us, because we cannot perform well without you,” he said.

Shema said the bank had also changed how it values property used as collateral following concerns raised by customers in Musanze.

“Last year, you told us that when we took land or other property here in Musanze as collateral, we valued it at a low rate. We have now corrected that, and it is valued at 70%, instead of the 30% that was previously used,” he said.

BPR Bank Rwanda Chief Executive Officer Mutesi Patience said the bank regards businesses as partners and has increased its lending capacity in response to their needs.

She said the maximum lending capacity for an individual has risen to Rwf52 billion from Rwf25 billion in 2023.

“We see ourselves as partners of members of the private sector in the development journey. Along this journey, you have given us many ideas that have helped us,” Mutesi said.

She said the bank would continue improving its services to shorten the time customers spend seeking financing, including through digital platforms that allow some customers to access lending services using their phones.

Musanze District Mayor Nsengimana Claudien urged businesses involved in the city’s redevelopment to work with financial institutions to secure the financing needed to complete their projects.

“No one has enough money in their pocket to immediately complete a modern building project. Improve your investment projects aimed at transforming the appearance of Musanze and approach the bank for support,” he said.

He also encouraged businesses to pursue complementary projects capable of creating jobs for local residents.

Northern Province Governor Mugabowagahunde Maurice commended BPR Bank for responding to concerns raised by its customers.

He said Musanze aims to strengthen its position as a tourism centre and agricultural hub while making better use of its land.

“We want Musanze to continue being a city of opportunity and a hub for tourism. We also want it to remain an agricultural hub that makes efficient use of limited land while enabling its residents to earn a living,” he said.

Mugabowagahunde also credited improved access to bank financing with reducing reliance on an informal form of high-interest borrowing that has previously exposed some residents to financial difficulties.

He said delays in accessing formal loans had previously pushed people with urgent financial needs towards such lenders.

BPR Bank Rwanda says its regular engagement with customers enables it to identify challenges affecting them and improve its services in response.