Equity Bank Rwanda, AGRA sign deal to expand agricultural financing

By The Inspirer.

Equity Bank Rwanda PLC has signed a partnership agreement with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) aimed at boosting investment in agriculture and closing persistent financing gaps affecting farmers and agribusiness operators.

Agriculture remains a key pillar of Rwanda’s economy, contributing about 21 percent of Gross Domestic Product and supporting livelihoods for an estimated 65 percent of the population.

However, the sector continues to face limited access to credit, with only about 6 percent of total bank lending currently directed to agricultural activities.

The new partnership seeks to address this challenge by expanding agricultural financing, strengthening financial literacy, and supporting youth and women-led agribusiness initiatives.

Under the agreement, Equity Bank Rwanda will roll out financial management training and expand tailored lending products, including mobile-based credit solutions designed to improve access for smallholder farmers and agripreneurs.

Equity Bank Rwanda Chief Executive Officer Hannington Namara said the initiative aligns with the bank’s mission to transform livelihoods through inclusive financial services.

“We know that agriculture supports the majority of the population, yet it has remained underserved due to financing challenges. Young people are increasingly introducing innovation through technology, and it is time to support them,” he said.

AGRA, together with its partners, will provide technical support to young agripreneurs, focusing on project development, business planning, and improving the viability of agricultural enterprises.

Young people with viable projects in value chains such as chili, avocado, Irish potatoes, beans, maize, and poultry will be supported to develop bankable proposals that can qualify for financing through Equity Bank Rwanda.

AGRA Rwanda Country Director Jean Paul Ndagijimana said the partnership is designed to unlock opportunities for youth and women, who remain underrepresented in formal agricultural financing despite playing a major role in the sector.

“Women and young people are highly active in agriculture and agribusiness, but they continue to face barriers in accessing finance. This partnership will help them build strong, investable projects and contribute to economic growth,” he said.

The programme will focus on strengthening the entire agricultural value chain, from production to market access, with emphasis on youth- and women-led enterprises.

Equity Bank Rwanda had previously announced plans to allocate up to 30 percent of its lending portfolio to agriculture, underscoring its long-term commitment to agribusiness development in the country.