Rwanda’s Central Bank Governor, Hon. Soraya Hakuziyaremye, has emphasized that financial inclusion should not be viewed as an act of goodwill, but rather as a strategic pillar for sustainable economic development.
Speaking during a high-level engagement on advancing financial inclusion in Rwanda, she highlighted the country’s notable progress in expanding access to financial services. Currently, about 92% of adults in Rwanda are able to access formal financial services.
However, she noted that despite this achievement, a significant gap still exists between men and women in terms of access to and use of financial products.
According to Governor Hakuziyaremye, addressing this disparity is essential for unlocking Rwanda’s full economic potential.
She stressed that empowering women economically through improved access to finance would contribute to stronger households, increased entrepreneurship, and broader national development.
“Financial inclusion is not an act of charity; it is a strategic driver of inclusive growth and national development. Bridging the gender gap in access to financial services unlocks productivity and strengthens the entire economy.”
The main aim of the meeting was to assess progress made in advancing financial inclusion in the country and to identify practical solutions for closing the remaining gender gap.
Discussions focused on improving women’s access to credit, strengthening financial literacy programs, and expanding digital financial services, particularly in underserved communities.
Participants also underscored the importance of ensuring that financial systems are not only widely accessible but also equitable, so that both men and women can benefit equally from economic opportunities.
The expected benefits of closing the gender gap in financial inclusion include increased participation of women in the formal economy, growth of women-led small and medium enterprises, improved household financial stability, and overall acceleration of Rwanda’s economic development.
The meeting reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to building an inclusive financial system that supports equal opportunity and shared prosperity for all citizens.
By Andrew Shyaka
