In a statement issued on Thursday, the government described the decision as a strategic reform designed to consolidate institutional strengths and improve service delivery. The integration brings together BDF's grassroots reach and specialised support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with BRD's financial muscle, sectoral expertise, and large-scale lending capacity.
According to the statement, the unified institution will be better positioned to deliver targeted financing solutions, reduce credit processing times, and expand outreach through digital platforms and local presence.
The reform aligns with national priorities under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) and Vision 2050, which seek to foster a dynamic, inclusive, and resilient private sector.
The integration is expected to yield several benefits for Rwandan businesses. Entrepreneurs seeking loans through partner banks and microfinance institutions will experience faster turnaround times, with reduced delays in accessing credit guarantees. The merger will also provide a wider range of financing options tailored to the needs of startups, growing businesses, and large-scale investment projects.
In addition, improved accessibility through both digital channels and local presence will ensure that more entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas, can benefit from development finance.
BDF has supported over 40,000 businesses through credit guarantees and other financing products, while BRD has played a pivotal role in funding national development priorities, including agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
With the integration, the newly restructured BRD is expected to become a more agile and impactful development finance institution, helping unlock the private sector's potential as a key driver of economic transformation.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
