The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) has launched the Export Credit Guarantee Facility (ECGF), a program aimed at supporting Rwandan businesses that export goods abroad by covering up to 70% of the collateral required to access loans from financial institutions.
The program, which started on November 7, 2025, is open to any entrepreneur involved in the export value chain.
Muhawenimana Noel, CEO of Umutanguha Finance Company Plc, explained that many businesspeople often struggle to obtain loans due to a lack of collateral, even when their projects are promising.
He stated, “About 50% of people who are denied loans face this issue because they don’t have collateral. This guarantee from BRD will help address that problem.”
Queen Mutamuliza, in charge of ECGF operations, added that there are many entrepreneurs with viable projects who cannot expand or execute them due to a lack of collateral. “If their business project is sound, the bank can now rely on the ECGF guarantee to extend them a loan,” she said.
The ECGF program provides up to 70% of the collateral required for loan applications related to export-oriented businesses and projects. The guarantee is offered at a cost of 1.25% per year.
Cecile Nkomeje, head of Pharmalab, a company that imports and processes medical supplies, welcomed the initiative, explaining that access to loans has been a significant challenge for exporters. “Previously, we had to pledge all our company assets and personal property just to get financing. Now, BRD’s guarantee will make it easier for us to access loans,” she said.
The ECGF aims to promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and increase Rwanda’s export production by making financing more accessible to businesses involved in international trade.
