It also emphasized its ability to meet larger financing needs through partnerships with other Bank of Africa subsidiaries across Africa, as part of the broader BMCE Group.
The event drew leaders from various institutions, including Morocco's Ambassador to Rwanda, Youssef Imani. Jean Havugimana, the Executive Head of Business at Bank of Africa Rwanda, described the past decade as one of steady growth and client trust.
'The past 10 years in Rwanda have been very positive and marked by growth, culminating in the inauguration of our headquarters,' he said.
'More importantly, the trust our clients and shareholders have placed in us confirms that Rwanda is a place where we can build profitable business while contributing to national development.'
He attributed this progress to the bank's responsiveness to client needs and robust lending capabilities.
'In Rwanda, we can provide loans of up to Rwf 6 billion at once. More broadly, there is no financing level beyond our reach, as we are part of the BMCE Group, which includes around 20 Bank of Africa subsidiaries that can pool their capacity,' Havugimana explained.
Looking forward, he outlined priorities for the next decade: accelerating service delivery, deepening client partnerships, expanding engagement with the Rwandan diaspora, and supporting private sector growth.
Managing Director Serge Itikossie emphasized the institution's evolution. 'Through the dedication of our teams, professionalism, and accountability, we have built more than a bank, we have built a trusted institution,' he said. 'Today's inauguration is not just about a building; it represents modernization and confidence in the future.'
National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) Deputy Governor Nick Barigye praised the bank's trajectory.
'As BNR, we view its journey as a positive example of how a financial institution can perform strongly in the market while strengthening our financial sector,' he said. 'Banks in Rwanda do more than provide financial services; they support investment, job creation, and broader national economic transformation.'
Barigye urged the bank to further prioritize support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), advance financial inclusion, and invest in technology, key areas aligned with Rwanda's development goals.
Businessman Eugène Higiro, a client for five years, shared his positive experience. The bank has provided him with loans exceeding Rwf 1.4 billion.
'Bank of Africa understands that in business, speed matters,' he said. 'Their loan processing is fast, you receive financing and can immediately move forward with your projects.'
Bank of Africa Rwanda began operations in 2015 following its merger with the former microfinance institution Agaseke Bank.
Today, it serves over 25,000 clients through 14 branches nationwide (including eight in Kigali) and has disbursed loans totaling more than Rwf 80 billion across various sectors.
As part of the BMCE Group, Bank of Africa operates in 20 countries, primarily across Africa, with additional presence in Asia and France.
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