IFC Loan to I&M Bank Rwanda to Support SMEs, Economic Activity, and Jobs During COVID-19

Kigali, Rwanda, December 3, 2020 - IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today announced a loan to I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc. to help the bank increase lending to potentially thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda, many of which are facing COVID-19-related liquidity challenges.

The $10 million loan is IFC's first in Rwanda through its global $8 billion fast-track COVID-19 facility, launched in March to help businesses maintain operations and jobs during—and after—the COVID-19 crisis.

IFC support will allow I&M Rwanda to provide additional trade-related or working capital loans to companies whose cash flows have been disrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. It will also provide I&M Rwanda with additional liquidity to support its operations amid prevailing economic challenges.

Robin Bairstow, Chief Executive Officer of I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, said, "IFC is our long term partner, and this funding of $10 million will allow us to meet the increasing financial needs of our small business customers as they recover from the negative impact caused by the COVID-19 crisis."

Dan Kasirye, IFC Resident Representative for Rwanda, said, "Our support to I&M Bank Rwanda will increase the bank's liquidity and help its small business clients continue their activities and sustain jobs. This support will ensure that small businesses are well equipped to navigate the difficult waters of COVID-19."

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​IFC's previous investment and advisory support helped I&M Rwanda increase its loans to small businesses by 14 percent between 2018 and 2019. IFC i also helping to strengthen the capacity of small businesses in Rwanda to better cope with COVID-19-related challenges through a series of crisis management webinars.

Small and medium-sized enterprises comprise the vast majority of all businesses in Rwanda, yet a quarter of those businesses—almost 40 percent of which are owned by women—struggle to access credit, according to a World Bank Group report. 

IFC's private sector development support in Rwanda is focused on four strategic areas: affordable housing, agribusiness, inclusive finance, and sustainable infrastructure. IFC's investment portfolio in Rwanda stood at $62.8 million as of June 30, 2020.

About IFC

IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2020, we invested $22 billion in private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
 
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