Top microfinance institutions in Rwanda

A detailed statistical comparison table of the top microfinance institutions in Rwanda based on recent available data.


Top Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda – Comparative Statistics (2024)

InstitutionYear EstablishedLoan Portfolio (RWF Billions)Active ClientsAverage Annual Interest RatePrimary Focus
Umwalimu SACCO2006180120,00014%Teachers, education financing
Urwego Bank19976580,00018%Microbusinesses, women entrepreneurs
CLECAM Network1990s4050,00019%Rural agriculture financing
Duterimbere MFI19872535,00020%Women-led businesses
AB Bank Rwanda20135560,00017%SMEs, startup financing
Zigama CSS1997150100,00013%Military and police personnel
VisionFund Rwanda19972228,00021%Vulnerable households, rural areas

Note: Loan portfolios and client numbers are based on BNR Microfinance Sector Report 2024 and institutional annual reports. Interest rates vary depending on product type and repayment terms.


Key Insights from the Table

  • Umwalimu SACCO dominates the sector in loan portfolio size, reflecting strong membership among educators.
  • Urwego Bank is a leader in outreach to women entrepreneurs, offering specialized loan products and training.
  • CLECAM and Duterimbere MFI remain highly rural-focused, filling a gap left by commercial banks.
  • AB Bank Rwanda shows rapid growth in SME financing, supported by modern digital loan processing systems.
  • Zigama CSS offers the lowest interest rates, benefiting from its strong cooperative structure.
  • VisionFund Rwanda targets the most vulnerable populations, often in partnership with NGOs.
Top microfinance institutions in Rwanda
National Bank of Rwanda (The Central Bank of Rwanda)