Executive summary:
Over the past 15 years, Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) has helped transform Rwanda’s financial sector by driving rapid growth in financial inclusion and market innovation.
Founded in 2010 as a not-for-profit company, AFR set out to promote financial inclusion and develop the country’s financial sector. It has since championed a market facilitation approach that balances data-driven strategy (the science) with collaborative market development (the art). By engaging with policy makers, financial institutions, and communities, AFR has become a key driver of Rwanda’s journey toward an inclusive economy. Key achievements over this period include:
- Expanding financial access
- Digitising payments and government cash transfers
- Pioneering National Savings advocacy. and Insurance Schemes
- Unlocking finance for growth
- DEVELOPING CAPITAL MARKETS AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- DRIVING EVIDENCE-BASED POLICY AND INNOVATION
Behind these achievements is AFR’s unique market-systems development approach and convening power.
Rather than delivering services directly, AFR acts as a facilitator and innovator—working through local financial institutions, government agencies, and other partners to drive change at scale. AFR’s long-term presence, deep local insight, and flexibility to adapt have earned it a reputation as an honest broker and catalyst for inclusive finance, bringing public and private stakeholders together to solve complex challenges in the financial sector.
