I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc has introduced a new retail campaign dubbed “Karame”, a transformative initiative aimed at providing retail customers with seamless, around-the-clock banking solutions.
With a commitment to a 24-hour response time for essential services, I&M Bank is making it easier for customers to access the banking solutions they need, ensuring convenience and efficiency.
A key feature of Karame Campaign is I&M Bank’s quick-access loan, allowing customers to secure up to Rwf50 million without requiring collateral. This unique offer provides swift, accessible financing for personal projects or urgent financial needs, breaking down traditional barriers to financial empowerment.
For those pursuing homeownership, the Karame Campaign offers a mortgage product with a flexible repayment period of up to 30 years, providing an affordable path to buying a home. This extended term allows aspiring homeowners and young families to achieve their dreams with manageable payments and swift approvals.
Retail customers also have the option to tailor their repayments as their income grows or financial situation changes, ensuring their mortgage aligns with their evolving financial goals. The Bank’s 24-hour service commitment ensures a quick and reliable response for those planning their financial future.
The campaign also brings enhanced savings accounts with competitive interest rates of up to 9.5 per cent, empowering customers to grow their wealth and reach their financial milestones.
In line with its focus on convenience and accessibility, I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc is expanding digital access through platforms such as WhatsApp Banking, internet banking, and mobile app. These tools allow customers to manage their finances from any location, whether at home, in the office, or on the go.
Benjamin Mutimura, the CEO of I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, shared his enthusiasm for the campaign, saying, “The Karame Campaign is about putting the power of banking back into the hands of Rwandans.
"Our 24-hour commitment ensures that when you need access to funds or financial solutions, you won’t have to wait. It’s banking designed for customer delight—fast, fulfilling, and built around your needs.”
Through the Karame Campaign, I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, is streamlining access to essential financial services and enhancing customer experience with inclusive, forward-thinking banking solutions.
With quick loans, flexible mortgage terms, high-interest savings options, and robust digital platforms, I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, is setting a new standard for accessible banking in Rwanda.
I&M Bank Rwanda launched its retail campaign, ‘Ryoshya Iwawe’, on Friday, May 17. In partnership with Hotpoint, the campaign aims to help customers acquire appliances worth up to Rwf 5 million through a 6-month interest-free loan from I&M Bank.
During the launch, Norbert Mwanangu, General Manager of Retail and Digital Banking at I&M Bank Rwanda, stated that the ‘Ryoshya Iwawe’ campaign provides a valuable solution for Rwandans in search of household appliances.
He highlighted that ‘Ryoshya Iwawe’ represents a unique opportunity for retail customers to upgrade their homes with the latest appliances while enjoying the convenience of interest-free financing.
Mwanangu also mentioned that the initiative aims to help those struggling to find quality appliances or facing financial challenges.
“We structured it as a way to help customers who want to buy equipment but do not have all the money needed; they can spread it across the six months. Moreover, no interest is charged, making it even more affordable,” he said.
“In other words, you simply visit any Hotpoint outlet and choose any equipment you want. You fill out a form, and within 24 hours, you’ll receive your response.”
Mwanangu also mentioned that the campaign is open to everyone who joins I&M Bank, not just clients. Furthermore, he emphasized how easy it is to open an account with I&M Bank, even for those without an existing account.
He encouraged people to open an account online, emphasizing that it is the simplest and most convenient way to get started.
Manoj Akarah, CEO of Hotpoint, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “Many people believe that obtaining genuine products is unaffordable, which is a significant issue. ‘Ryoshya Iwawe’ aims to solve this problem, making it a true game-changer. This is why we are thrilled to introduce this to the market, and what’s truly significant is the convenience it offers without the need to visit a bank, coupled with its affordability.”
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https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/16894/news/featured/im-bank-rwanda-launches-ryoshya-iwawe-retail-campaign 
I &M bank Rwanda on Wednesday introduced Ganza na I&M SME banking project to elevate the market of microbusinesses, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The project launches as a countrywide campaign after a preliminary rollout in early January 2020.
Through specific products ranging from working capital, asset financing to account transactions, the bank has revolutionized its offering policy to bolster both startups and established businesses.
"The objective is to transform the bank’s overall products in total and reshape our entire MSME business for the future," Robin Bairstow, CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda said. “It will improve our SME banking offerings within this market by ensuring increased partnerships and tailor-made products that suit the segment specifically.”
Ganza project comprises four major modules: customer value proposition, products, business models and sales strategies as well as credit risk management. In this phase, it is targeting tourism and hospitality sectors such as tour companies, restaurants, hotels and their suppliers among others.
Further undertakings fall on the non-financial front including advisory services, capacity building in customer management, product development and credit management.
The user experience has been simplified in a bid to ease the doing of business. Turnaround period was reduced and basic processes such as account opening and loan application were made less demanding.
“We created an enabling credit environment and redesigned our business model to cater for this market,” commented the CEO.
MSMEs are critical to the economy and social development of most emerging markets. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), they account for over 70 percent of all jobs created while they make up 98 percent of Rwanda’s business ecosystem.
But despite the colossal significance and being the “backbone” of Africa’s economy, the majority of them crumbles before the fifth anniversary partly due to the lack of business management skills. Another lot of MSMEs even die before they bud out because they lack starting capital.
I&M Bank’s authorities believe the new package will rescue both fronts for the previously isolated segment.
Faustin Byishimo, I&M’s Executive Director revealed the bank is changing for the smaller enterprises from previously working with the few fledged companies. He argues SMEs make up the biggest chunk of the market and need financial services most.
“What we’ve been serving more are medium-sized businesses and beyond. Now we have included both the micro and small-sized businesses which we intend to grow significantly,” Byishimo said.
Ganza na I&M project started in late 2018 with two market researches by a structure of MSME staff and market experts from Mastercard Foundation and IFC to assess financial needs of MSMEs including those in emerging sectors and developed tailor made products to meet their needs.
Over the last two months, the bank has been collecting customer feedback and fine-tuning the products.
With this campaign, I&M projects an over 30 percent increase in its current portfolio and 50 percent in the customer base in the first year which is expected to double in the next three years.
Established in 1963, I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc (formerly - BCR) is a leading Financial Services Provider with a regional presence in Africa. In Rwanda, the company's product offering includes retail banking, business banking, corporate and institutional banking. The Bank has a proven track record in pioneering innovative financial services and supporting Rwanda’s strategy for financial inclusion.
