MSME Financing Gateway launched in Rwanda

MSMEs contribute to more than 50% of Rwanda’s GDP and account for over 70% of employment. However, these businesses often face significant hurdles in accessing the finance they need to grow and innovate. The MSME Financing Gateway addresses the issue of information asymmetry by providing a centralized platform that connects MSMEs with relevant financial institutions and service providers. This initiative will enable financial players to increase their market reach and propose suitable solutions for MSMEs growth.

Private Sector Federation Rwanda (PSF) in partnership with International Trade Center (ITC), through the second phase of the European Union (EU) funded, EU-East African Community (EAC) Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II), officially launched the MSME Financing Gateway in Kigali City.

The launch of MSME Financing Gateway in Rwanda is a significant milestone to MSMEs contribution to the economic development of their communities. It will enable beneficiaries to access a large range of financial instruments, business and sustainable development services available in Rwanda; analyze, and match their requirements, and then connect directly to providers at no cost.

Mumbi Maina, Access to finance lead at ITC said during her remarks “The International Trade Centre is committed to partnering with Rwanda in achieving targets set in the National Transformation Strategy, within which SMEs are a critical driver to boosting exports and creating decent work opportunities. The free to use financing gateway that we launch today is a powerful tool to strengthen visibility and access of financial solutions and business support for MSMEs, supporting their resilience and growth ambitions.”

In line with the NST2 Strategy, the platform is expected to increase the number of MSMEs accessing financial services in Rwanda by end of 2027.