Urwego Bank (Urwego) is a Rwandan Christian-centered Microfinance bank in Rwanda. It is licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda, the national banking regulator.
History Founded in 1997 by World Relief as Urwego Community Banking, the bank joined the Hope International network in 2005. In 2007, the bank merged with Opportunity International Bank of Rwanda to become Urwego Opportunity Bank.
With the approval of the National Bank of Rwanda, Opportunity International sold its 50% ownership of Urwego to HOPE International in 2017, making HOPE a 99% shareholder in the bank, with World Relief continuing to own 1%.Our History
Overview Urwego Bank is a licensed, Christian faith-based microfinance bank. Drawing upon its name (Urwego is the Kinyarwanda word that translates as “ladder” in English), Urwego's mission statement is, “To provide a ladder of opportunity to under-served communities in Rwanda as we proclaim and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”About us
Urwego purpose for creation is to reach Rwandans who are economically active but under-served by licensed banking institutions, offering financial services, loans and savings programs.Products
Throughout its history, Urwego Bank has distributed nearly $290 million in loans.About us
Ownership According to the bank's website, the following corporate entities are shareholders.Shareholders of Urwego Bank
OwnerPercentage ownershipHope International99%World Relief1%Total100.00
Branch network , Urwego Bank had 15 branches, seven of which, including the bank's headquarters, are located in the city of Kigali, Rwanda's capital.Branch locations In addition, Urwego had 15 ATM locations across the country.ATM locations
See also List of banks in Rwanda Economy of Rwanda
References