Rwanda's Gendana Konti Program Empowers Rural Women with Mobile Financial Services

The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) has concluded its Gendana Konti program, aimed at promoting financial inclusion among rural women through mobile financial services. The program was launched in 2022 and has since reached 21 districts, benefiting over 615,000 people. In Burera district, the program has empowered 36,665 women to access mobile financial services, exceeding the initial target of 15,000.

The Gendana Konti program was designed to address the limited access to financial services in rural areas, particularly among women. Many women in Burera district previously kept their savings in insecure locations, such as under their mattresses or in baskets. However, through the program, they have learned to use mobile phones to save, send, and receive money, reducing the risk of theft and increasing their financial security.

Beneficiaries of the program, such as Mukeshimana Claudine, have reported a significant improvement in their financial management. Claudine previously kept her savings in a cloth bag, which was vulnerable to theft. However, with the Gendana Konti program, she can now securely store and manage her funds using her mobile phone. She has also encouraged her peers to join the program, citing its benefits in terms of convenience and security.

Another beneficiary, Nyiransengiyumva Folorance, has also seen a change in her financial behavior. She previously had limited knowledge of mobile financial services but has since learned to use her phone to pay for services and manage her funds. Folorance has praised the program for helping her to change her mindset and behaviors regarding financial management.

The Gendana Konti program has not only empowered women financially but also helped to change their perceptions of mobile financial services. According to Burera district officials, the program has been a success, but there is still more work to be done to increase financial inclusion in the district. The district's mayor, Mukamana Soline, has urged women to continue participating in the program and to encourage others to join.

BNR Governor, Soraya Hakuziyaremye, has expressed satisfaction with the program's progress, citing the significant increase in the number of women accessing mobile financial services. She noted that the program's target of 15,000 women in Burera district was exceeded, with over 36,000 women benefiting from the program. Hakuziyaremye also announced plans to extend the program to other groups, including youth and the general public.

The Gendana Konti program has contributed significantly to Rwanda's efforts to increase financial inclusion, particularly among rural women. With over 615,000 people trained and 218,388 people linked to mobile financial services, the program has made a positive impact on the lives of many Rwandans. As the program continues to expand, it is expected to have an even greater impact on the country's financial sector.

Key points

• The Gendana Konti program has empowered over 36,000 women in Burera district to access mobile financial services, exceeding the initial target of 15,000.