We provide access to financial solutions empowering people to transform their lives, their children’s futures and their communities.
ABOUT US
MISSION
To provide a ladder of opportunity to underserved communities in Rwanda as we proclaim and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
METHOD
We share the hope of Christ as we provide financial services and biblically based training that restore dignity and break the cycle of poverty.
MOTIVATION
The love of Jesus Christ motivates us to identify with those living in poverty and be His hands and feet as we strive to glorify God.
OUR CULTURE
PASSION guides our corporate culture and represents the qualities we seek and celebrate in our staff.
Prayer
On your knees, please (Psalm 95:6)
Allegiance
We will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15)
Service
We’ll wash feet (John 13:14)
Stewardship
To whom much is given … (Luke 12:48)
Innovation
We find solutions (Genesis 1:27)
Optimism
Strength for today, bright hope for tomorrow (Lamentations 3:22-24)
Nurturing
Love one another as I have loved you (John 13:34)
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 1997 by World Relief as Urwego Community Banking, the bank joined the HOPE International network in 2005, shortly after Peter Greer became HOPE’s president. 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 percent ownership of Urwego to HOPE International in 2017, making HOPE a 99 percent shareholder in the bank, with World Relief continuing to own 1 percent. “We are delighted to deepen our long-standing partnership with Urwego,” said Greer. “We are confident in Urwego’s team and have seen their example of Christ-like servant leadership. Together, we will stay true to Urwego’s calling and do everything in our power to support continual operational excellence and significant impact throughout Rwanda.”
Over the past 20 years, financial inclusion has increased significantly in Rwanda, with the population excluded from financial products or services dropping from 28 to 11 percent between 2012 and 2016, yet only 26 percent of the population uses products or services from licensed commercial banks regulated by the National Bank of Rwanda. Throughout its history, Urwego Bank has distributed nearly $290 million in loans to underserved Rwandan entrepreneurs to promote sustainability, social transformation and spiritual impact.
