The Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) has launched a new financing initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with an initial capital of $30 million—equivalent to over Rwf 43 billion.
The fund, dubbed the SME Growth Fund, was officially unveiled through a partnership involving RSSB and investment firm Enko Capital Rwanda.
It is designed to improve access to long-term financing for SMEs, enabling them to expand operations, create jobs, and drive innovation across key sectors of the economy.
Officials say the initiative is aligned with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which prioritises private sector-led growth as a key driver of economic development.
The fund is expected to be scaled up progressively, with plans to reach $100 million (about Rwf 145 billion) in the coming years.
Research by the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR-Rwanda), conducted across several districts in the country including the City of Kigali, shows that access to credit remains a major challenge for SMEs. The study found that 36% of small and medium enterprises face difficulties in accessing loans, while 38% report relatively easier access.
The new facility is expected to help close the financing gap and strengthen the contribution of SMEs to Rwanda’s economic transformation agenda.
