AMIR Rwanda

Today, the CEO Winter School 2026 officially started in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, bringing together leaders and key stakeholders from the microfinance sector across the region.

Rwanda is proudly represented by AMIR, RIM Plc, Goshen Finance Plc, and Orion Systems and Design Ltd, a FinTech company.

Building on the success of the previous CEO Winter School held in Kigali, Rwanda, the gathering in Victoria Falls provides another valuable opportunity to learn, share experiences, strengthen partnerships, and collectively shape a stronger, more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable African microfinance sector.

Under the theme “Microfinance 2.0: Sustainably Leveraging Regional Experiences,” participants will discuss key issues shaping the future of microfinance, including digital transformation and artificial intelligence, technology and ICT integration, green and climate finance, leadership and governance, strategic partnerships and investment opportunities, as well as financial inclusion and sustainable growth.

The CEO Winter School 2026 is jointly organized by AMIR, ZAMFI, AMIZ, and MAMN, serving as a premier regional platform for CEOs, board leaders, regulators, policymakers, development partners, financial experts, and innovators to exchange experiences and explore practical solutions to challenges facing the microfinance sector.

From 10–14 August 2026 at Dereva Hotel Rwamagana, AMIR staff under the , together with the Human Resource Manager, successfully completed a Training of Trainers (ToT) covering the following modules:

Loan Appraisal and MSME Financing
Risk and Compliance Management
Digital Financial Services and Innovation

The training included technical mastery, practical exercises, micro-teaching sessions, peer feedback, assessment design, and post-training action planning.

The trainees appreciated the training, noting that the knowledge and skills gained will contribute positively to their daily work as they engage with financial sector professionals and experts.

From 3 to 5 August 2026, AMIR staff under the SERVE Project conducted a series of planning workshops in Musanze, Kayonza, and Huye, bringing together Heads of Credit, Credit Analysts, and Loan Officers from participating District SACCOs and MFIs across nine districts.
The workshops aimed to review the pilot phase findings, assess the performance of the youth-tailored agricultural financial products, and prepare participating Financial Service Providers for the upcoming product roll-out.

The sessions focused on product uptake, implementation experiences, challenges, and practical strategies to increase awareness and utilization of the tailored agricultural financial products among youth-led MSEs.
Participants also reviewed the product features, roll-out strategy and timeline, the roles of participating Financial Service Providers, and reporting requirements, including the online roll-out tracking tool.

The workshops strengthened the readiness of participating institutions to implement the product roll-out.

AMIR CEO Jackson Kwikiriza concluded the July 2026 Member Outreach Programme with visits to Irembo SACCO Nyagatare and Ibakwe SACCO Gatsibo. Discussions focused on the progress of the KATAZA Program, which is expanding access to finance for young people by addressing collateral and affordability challenges.
The CEO also commended both SACCOs for their strong performance and encouraged them to continue driving innovation and financial inclusion in their communities. 🤝🇷🇼

The CEO of AMIR, Jackson Kwikiriza, conducted a member outreach visit to Intwali SACCO Gicumbi, the district SACCO serving Gicumbi District. He was warmly received by Mr. Cyimana Gaspard, Chairperson of the Board, Ms. Kamwezi Capitoline, Managing Director, and other senior staff members.

During the discussions, the AMIR CEO commended the SACCO’s continued dedication to serving its members and contributing to Rwanda’s socio-economic development. Recognising that Gicumbi is one of the largest districts in Rwanda in terms of geographical coverage and the number of sector branches, many of which are located in rural areas, he encouraged the institution to develop and expand financial products tailored to low-income populations. This, he noted, would help increase access to and uptake of financial services among underserved communities.

The CEO also listened to and documented the key challenges and recommendations raised by the institution. These issues will inform AMIR’s advocacy efforts with the relevant stakeholders to strengthen the microfinance sector and better support its members.

AMIR CEO Jackson Kwikiriza continued the Association’s member outreach programme with visits to Intsinzi SACCO Rulindo and COOPEC Ikirenga.
The visits focused on strengthening partnerships, promoting digital transformation, and supporting financial inclusion.
AMIR also commended COOPEC Ikirenga’s progress in adopting E-Cash, mobile banking, and other digital financial services under the SERVE Project.
The outreach continues in Gicumbi, Nyagatare, and Gatsibo. 🤝🇷🇼

AMIR successfully hosted the MDs’ Breakfast Meeting 2026 at M Hotel, Kigali, bringing together Managing Directors of District and Non-District SACCOs, alongside the National Bank of Rwanda.
Participants received updates on AMIR’s progress, the ZOSE Shared Agency Banking System, and discussed key regulatory priorities and the future of Rwanda’s microfinance sector.

AMIR successfully hosted the CEOs’ Breakfast Meeting 2026 at M Hotel, Kigali, bringing together CEOs of Microfinance Institutions and the National Bank of Rwanda.
The meeting highlighted AMIR’s progress, updates on the ZOSE Shared Agency Banking System, and strategic discussions on digital transformation, innovation, compliance, and inclusive finance to strengthen Rwanda’s microfinance sector.

DigitalFinance Rwanda Leadership

Today AMIR CEO Kwikiriza Jackson , welcomed AGRA ’s delegation led by Andrews Ahiaku, Head of Inclusive Finance, to discuss strengthening collaboration on inclusive finance.
They also explored how the & are creating decent jobs in agriculture.

AMIR CEO Jackson Kwikiriza paid courtesy visits to Umutanguha Finance Company PLC and Trust Capital KIRA Microfinance PLC to strengthen collaboration and discuss the growth of Rwanda’s microfinance sector.

At Umutanguha Finance Company PLC, discussions focused on the institution’s impressive journey, its innovative financial products supporting rural communities especially farmers and key sector challenges that AMIR will advocate for.

At Trust Capital KIRA Microfinance PLC, the CEO highlighted AMIR’s role in advancing the microfinance sector and encouraged innovation, resilience, and inclusive finance. The institution also expressed its commitment to joining AMIR and collaborating with other industry players.

Together, we continue to build a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient microfinance sector in Rwanda.