The certificates were handed over to graduates on Friday 2nd December 2022 during a ceremony held at Kigali Convention Center (KCC).

The bankers have been undergoing two programs known as RAF 1 for employees’ level and RAF 2 for middle management level offered by the academy for six months.

RAF contains modules developed by Senior professionals in banking industry in partnership with ATTF/House of Training (HoT) from Luxembourg and Belgian Bankers’ Academy.

Besides, preparations for RAF 3 designed for the senior management level are ongoing.

Throughout their six-month training, these bank employees were taken through various courses aimed at honing their professionalism in different aspects of banks’ management, accounting and loans’ disbursement among others.

The ceremony was attended by senior bank managers including the CEO of Bank of Kigali, Dr. Diane Karusisi; the CEO of Development Bank of Rwanda, Kampeta Pitchette Sayinzoga; CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda,Robin Bairstow; Tony Francis Ntore, CEO of the Rwanda Banking Association (RBA) which runs the RAF, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Luxembourg in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and various partners.

Lionel Higaniro, an employee of BPR Bank Plc said that the training is helpful as it gives them a deep insight into best practices while discharging their duties to provide top notch services.

Hirwa Sandrine another employee from Access Bank said that the knowledge they have acquired through the training will lead to better services at the financial institution.

He also expressed delight to have been given this certificate related to stock markets operations.

Ben Lyon, the Director of Banking and Finance at House of Training in Luxembourg said that all the graduates are expected to significantly contribute to the growth of respective financial institutions they serve.

"The knowledge these bankers have acquired will help their banks increase productivity through the services they will provide and contribute to the country’s economic growth,” he noted.

He went on to say that the world is moving very fast in terms of technology where bankers need the skills to provide good services.

The CEO of the Rwanda Bankers’ Association (RBA), Tony Francis Ntore said that the idea of this training center for bankers came after identifying gaps among university graduates who needed further trainings to enhance their professionalism.

The CEO of I&M Bank, Robin Bairstow, who also serves as the Chairman of
RBA congratulated the graduates and expressed optimism that acquired knowledge will be applied appropriately to solve challenges facing the banking sector.

He reiterated RBA’s commitment to continue offering trainings RBA and prioritize the Innovation and best practices in the banking sector.

The CEO of I&M Bank, Robin Bairstow, who also serves as the Chairman of RBA reiterated commitment to prioritize the Innovation and best practices in the banking sector.

The CEO of the Rwanda Bankers’ Association, Tony Francis Ntore urged graduates to apply acquired knowledge appropriately for the banking sector to flourish.

RAF has been commended for up-skilling bankers.

Graduates in a group photo with senior bank managers and partners.

Diplomats also attended the event.

The graduation ceremony took place on Friday 2nd December 2022.

Graduates have been undergoing six-month training.