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Access to Finance Rwanda Joins 140 Other Financial Institutions to Promote SME Finance

Access to Finance Rwanda Joins 140 Other Financial Institutions to Promote SME Finance

Washington, D.C. October 9, 2018 –  Access to Finance Rwanda became the newest member of the SME Finance Forum, a global membership network that brings together financial institutions, technology companies, and development finance institutions to share knowledge, spur innovation, and promote the growth of SMEs. 

“200 million businesses worldwide need financing to invest, grow and create new jobs. We are proud to have Access to Finance Rwanda join our network of 140 members who work to expand access to finance for small and medium businesses,” said Matthew Gamser, CEO of the Forum.  

Established in 2010, Access to Finance Rwanda is funded by DFID, Sweden, USAID and MasterCard Foundation. Access to Finance Rwanda aims to contribute to a more inclusive financial sector that supports the livelihoods and well-being of low income people in Rwanda. 

In the company’s first five years, they have managed to implement interventions that enabled close to one million Rwandans to access and use financial services. 

“We are thrilled to be included in this wide-reaching network. This will allow us the opportunity to learn from other members on SME finance best practices across the globe, and share our lessons,” said Waringa Kib, Country Director of Access to Finance Rwanda.  

To see all SME Finance Forum members, please visit: https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/member-list 

About SME Finance Forum 
The SME Finance Forum was established by the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) in 2012 as a knowledge center for data, research and best practice in promoting SME finance. As an implementing partner for the GPFI, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) was tasked with managing the initiative. In 2015, the SME Finance Forum partnered with CapitalPlus Exchange to expand and upgrade the former Small Business Banking Network. 

About Access to Finance Rwanda 
Access to Finance Rwanda is a Rwandan not for profit company established in 2010. The company is part of the broader Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Network of programs in Africa that seek to create a transformative impact on the reduction of poverty.  This is accomplished by supporting efforts to improve financial inclusion and by helping financial institutions and markets drive economic growth. 

Media Contact 
Carmen Smith 
csmith11@ifc.org 

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