Kigali, Rwanda — The East African Development Bank (EADB) and UN Rwanda have formalized a landmark partnership aimed at accelerating the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with a strong focus on youth and women entrepreneurs.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Kigali, reflects a joint commitment to tackling persistent challenges facing SMEs, including limited access to finance, gaps in skills development, and weak market linkages. These barriers have long constrained the sector’s ability to fully contribute to Rwanda’s economic transformation.
Through the partnership, EADB will leverage its financial expertise to structure tailored financing solutions such as concessional loans, blended finance, and other instruments, while the UN will provide technical assistance, capacity building, and coordination across key stakeholders. The collaboration will also promote knowledge sharing and strengthen linkages between government, private sector, and innovation ecosystems.
The initiative is aligned with Rwanda’s national development priorities and is expected to unlock new economic opportunities, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, transport, and commerce. It will also support SME integration into value chains, helping businesses scale and compete more effectively at regional and global levels.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Bernard Mono highlighted the significance of the collaboration:
“We are creating a more holistic support system for SMEs.”
“This partnership will expand access to finance and support innovation, especially for youth and women.”
Also addressing the gathering, Fatmata Lovetta Sesay emphasized the broader impact:
“This is a shared commitment to unlocking the potential of SMEs, youth, and women entrepreneurs.”
“It will help address barriers to finance, skills, and markets while driving inclusive growth.”
The partnership will be implemented through a structured framework, including a joint steering committee and a technical working group to guide execution and ensure measurable impact. It will also support ongoing initiatives, including programmes focused on youth empowerment, gender equality, and sustainable development.
As SMEs remain the backbone of Rwanda’s economy, the EADB–UN collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening enterprise growth, creating jobs, and building a more inclusive and resilient economic future.
