Kenyan banks continue to dominate the regional banking landscape, with their subsidiaries in Rwanda reporting significant profits in the first half of 2024.
This comes as Rwanda’s Central Bank Governor, John Rwangombwa, presented the Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Statement, highlighting the impressive 36.7 per cent growth in net profits within Rwanda’s banking sector, which reached Rwf132.5 billion.
Kenyan banks’ success in Rwanda underscores Kenya’s strong presence in East Africa’s banking sector, with Kenyan subsidiaries outperforming others in the region.
In 2023, data from the Central Bank of Kenya revealed that regional subsidiaries’ profit before tax surged by 88.65 per cent, with a substantial portion (31.26 per cent) of earnings derived from operations in Rwanda.
Kenyan banks with Rwandan subsidiaries, including KCB, Equity, NCBA, I&M Holdings, and Guaranty Trust Bank, have capitalized on Rwanda’s thriving economy, weathering global economic shocks to maintain profitability.
The robust performance of Rwanda’s banking sector has positioned the country’s financial industry competitively within East Africa.
According to Rwangombwa, Rwanda and Kenya have return on assets (ROA) figures well above 20 per cent, attracting increased investment in the region’s banking sectors.
“This indicates that our banking industry is attractive to investments. It is good business but it is also contributing to the general performance of the economy,” said Rwangombwa.
Kenyan banks, such as KCB and Equity Bank, have been instrumental in Rwanda’s banking success. KCB alone operates 84 branches across the country, while Equity Bank manages 16.
Kenyan banks have not only expanded their footprint but have also played a crucial role in driving credit growth across Rwanda’s key economic sectors, particularly manufacturing and agriculture.
In the first half of 2024, Rwanda’s manufacturing sector received Rwf47.3 billion in new loans, accounting for 9 per cent of total new authorized loans.
While the sector has spurred growth, it has also contributed to rising non-performing loans, especially among firms participating in Rwanda’s Manufacture and Build to Recover program, noted Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali.
Namara Hannington, Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda, highlighted agriculture as a key opportunity for future growth.
He emphasized the potential for banks and insurers to collaborate in financing the agriculture sector, which remains underserved.
Such collaboration would not only enhance economic activities but also provide a growth avenue for Rwanda’s insurance industry.
Overall, the Rwandan financial sector continues to perform well, with total assets increasing by 18.3 per cent to Rwf9.6 trillion from Rwf8.1 trillion in June 2022.
The banking sector controls 67.5 per cent of Rwanda’s financial sector assets, solidifying its leadership position.
Kenya’s banking sector remains a major player in the regional economy, with the continued success of Kenyan banks in Rwanda positioning both nations as leaders in East Africa’s financial growth.
This growing synergy between Kenya and Rwanda’s banking industries is poised to shape the future dynamics of the East African financial landscape.
