Rwanda’s government, financial institutions, and development partners have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding inclusive finance for rural young women entrepreneurs, emphasizing that closing the financing gap is essential to sustaining the country’s economic transformation. While Rwanda has achieved one of the highest financial inclusion rates on the continent, many rural young women still struggle to access the kind of capital required to build and grow their enterprises.
These commitments emerged from the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works Dialogue, a platform that brings together policymakers, financial institutions, young entrepreneurs, and ecosystem actors to identify practical solutions that accelerate access to dignified and fulfilling work. The Rwanda Edition focused on the structural barriers affecting rural young women entrepreneurs and the systemic actions needed to strengthen access to finance across the country.
Although financial inclusion in Rwanda stands at 96 percent, rural women-led enterprises remain constrained by requirements for collateral, short loan tenors, high perceived risk, and financial products that do not reflect their operational realities. Participants agreed that addressing these barriers demands coordinated action across institutions.
Speaking at the convening, Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and Arts, Dr. Abdallah Utumatwishima, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to innovative financing solutions for young people. He stated: “Access to finance begins with belief. Young people are already earning, upskilling, and honouring their commitments. The financial sector must meet them with trust. We believe in them — and they are ready.” The Minister noted that the Dialogue is also an important reminder that young people are contributors to policy design, partners in implementation, and leaders in innovation. He added that the perspectives of young rural women, youth with disabilities, and young refugees must continue to guide our planning, especially in programs related to financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.
Animal feed producer and chicken farmer Ruth Tuyirungire shares her lived experience accessing finance to grow her agribusiness during the Young Africa Works Dialogue Series – Rwanda Edition
Young women entrepreneurs from various districts across the country participated actively, sharing stories that grounded the Dialogue in real experience. Their perspectives helped illustrate both the magnitude of the financing challenges and the opportunities that would arise from more accessible financial services.
Ruth Tuyirungire an animal feeds producer from Kayonza district highlighted the practical challenges many young women entrepreneurs face, saying: “We are determined to grow our businesses and we believe real progress is within reach. What we urgently need is access to collateral-free financing and support for our operating costs. A grace period of at least six months before repayment would allow us to reinvest in our businesses and repay loans from profits, not from the initial capital. That is what will set us up for success.”
The Dialogue also created an opportunity for financial institutions, stakeholders, policymakers, and youth to reflect jointly on the financing landscape. Discussions highlighted the need for affordable, flexible, and well-designed financial products and services that recognize the resilience and potential of young women operating in rural settings.
Reflecting on this shift, Ivan Ntwali, Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation in Rwanda, noted that the Dialogue played a crucial role in bridging the gap between institutional commitments and the lived experiences of young people. He remarked: “Today, we begin a conversation that sits at the intersection of three forces: the social norms and biases that influence how young women are perceived within financial systems; the design of financial products — what exists, what is missing, and what must be reimagined; and the policies and regulations that, when implemented with intentionality and inclusivity, can unlock real opportunities.”
Charcoal briquette producer Tuyishimire Janviere shares her insights during the Young Africa Works Dialogue Series Rwanda Edition
Several institutions outlined new or strengthened initiatives to expand youth- and women-responsive financing. These include efforts to introduce collateral-light loan products, strengthen risk-sharing mechanisms, enhance data-sharing to inform more responsive lending practices, and focusing on financial literacy and more inclusive outreach to meet young people where they are. Participants also emphasized the importance of aligning financial sector commitments with Rwanda’s national policies and strategies.
Nick Barigye, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, stressed the importance of collective efforts, noting: “We must continue to strengthen partnerships that advance financial literacy among young people — because knowledge is the foundation of confident borrowing, responsible investing, and long-term financial empowerment.”
Young Impact Associate Yvonne Mutesi contributes her perspective during the Young Africa Works Dialogue Series Rwanda Edition
Sconaid McGeachin, Chief of Public Affairs at the Mastercard Foundation, emphasized the power of collective action: “We believe that when we work together to dismantle the systemic barriers limiting young women’s access to opportunities, we create pathways that are not only impactful — but scalable and sustainable.”
Young entrepreneur Umuhoza Hyacentha from Huye District, expressed her optimism, saying: “Our hope is that the deliberations and commitments made during this dialogue will translate into action. We have seen many valuable ideas shared at such forums, and ensuring they are followed through will make all the difference for women like us.”
The event concluded with a commitment from all participating actors to maintain momentum beyond the Dialogue, strengthen cooperation, and track progress toward expanding financial access. Stakeholders agreed that meaningful, inclusive finance for rural young women is central to Rwanda’s long-term economic ambitions and requires continued collaboration across sectors. The Dialogue reaffirmed the collective belief in the potential of young women across Rwanda — and in the opportunities that lie ahead.