What will I do if I cannot pay back my small business loan because my business is suffering?

Answer: There is no need to panic! If you have a loan with a bank, SACCO or MFI, contact your bank right away if you find that you will be unable to make payments during COVID-19. Your bank will work with you to understand your needs and any changes in loan repayment needed.

Even though banking hours are now adjusted to keep both clients and bank staff safe, banks will be open:

Days Hours
Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm
Saturday 8am – 4pm (at the latest, depending on the Financial Institution)
Sunday Closed

 

This is because the Government of Rwanda has worked with Financial Institutions to assure that any borrower with an outstanding loan who cannot repay will be able restructure the loan. The Government understands that many businesses are suffering hardship during this time, with loss of income and customers, and is acting to help.

Restructuring a loan means that you may be able to delay payments if you and your business qualify. This means you would not need to make a regular payment during a time when you are not earning. You will still need to repay the loan in full, with all interest and charges, but you will be given the time that you need to recover. Right now, the period lasts until June 20th.

BNR is supporting Financial Institutions in this restructuring. So you can feel at ease that your business will have a resource to help you, even if you are struggling to repay a loan. What is more, some Financial Institutions are offering loans to help SMEs now. Another good reason to talk with your Financial Institution if you need support!

Be Safe! Stay at home, and talk with your Financial Institution if you are having trouble with loan repayments. It is in your business’s best interests – and your bank’s – if you succeed, even if there is a delay in payment.

Reference: RBA Press Release, Thursday, 19th of March 2020

Governor’s Press Release: Measures to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Ministry of Trade and Industry: COVID-19 Impact to Trade & Industry: A Recap of Government Mitigation to Businesses. 21st April 2020.

Kuvugurura amasezerano yo kwishyura inguzanyo

Ikibazo: Nakora iki ko mfite impungenge z’uko ntazabasha kwishyura inguzanyo bitewe n’uko      ubucuruzi bwanjye bwahungabanye muri iyi minsi?

Igisubizo: Wigira impungenge! Niba warafashe inguzanyo mu kigo cy’imari (banki), urasabwa guhita wegera banki mukorana niba ubona utazabasha kuyishyura muri ibi bihe bya KOVIDI-19. Banki mukorana muzaganira ku mbogamizi zose ufite, kugira ngo hakorwe andi masezerano yo kwishyura atakubangamiye.

Nubwo amasaha yo kwakira abagana ibigo by’imari yahindutse mu rwego rwo kurinde ubuzima bw’abakozi n’abakiriya, banki zizakomeza gukora kuri ubu buryo:

Days/Iminsi Hours/Amasaha
 

Ku wa Mbere – Ku wa Gatanu

 

Saa mbiri za mugitondo (8:00) kugeza saa kumi n’imwe z’umugoroba (5:00)

 

Ku wa Gatandatu

 

Saa mbiri za mugitondo (8:00) kugeza saa kumi z’umugoroba (4:00) [Biterwa na banki iyo ari yo, SACCO cyangwa Ikigo cy’Imari Iciriritse]

 

Ku Cyumweru

 

Nta kazi

 

Iyi gahunda yo korohereza abantu batse inguzanyo kuvugurura amasezerano yo kuyishyura, ishingiye ku masezerano Leta y’u Rwanda yagiranye n’ibigo by’imari. Leta y’u Rwanda yiyemeje gufasha abakora ibikorwa by’ubacuruzi muri iki gihe, kuko izi neza ko imirimo yabo yahagaze, bigatera benshi igihombo no kubura abakiriya.

Kuvugurura amasezerano yo kwishyura inguzanyo bisobanura kongererwa igihe cyo kwishyura , mu gihe banki mukorana  yaba ibona ko ubikwiriye. Bivuze kandi ko utazasabwa kwishyura amafaranga wari usanzwe wishyura, kuko muri iki gihe nta mafaranga winjiza. Ibyo ariko ntibivuze ko uzaba uvaniweho umwenda, kuko uzishyura inguzanyo yose, hiyongereyeho inyungu n’ibindi bijyana. Icyakora uzahabwa igihe cyo kubanza kwiyubaka. Biteganyijwe ko icyo gihe kizarangira ku itariki ya 20 Kamena.

Banki Nkuru y’u Rwanda (BNR) iriho irafasha za banki n’ibigo by’imari muri iyi gahunda yo kuvugurura amasezerano y’inguzanyo mu gihe cy’amezi atandatu (6) ari imbere. Ibi biraguha icyizere cy’uko ubucuruzi bwawe buzongera kujya mbere nubwo ubu kwishyura inguzanyo bikugora. Ikindi gishishikaje, ni uko ibigo by’imari birimo guha inguzanyo abakora ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi biciriritse. Ukeneye kubimenya neza, wakwegera igiko cy’imari mukorana.

Irinde! Guma mu rugo,  kandi niba ufite ikibazo cyo kwishyura inguzanyo wahawe, wegere ikigo cy’imari mukorana. Ibi bigufitiye akamaro, kuko bizateza imbere ubucuruzi bwawe, banki mukorana, ndetse no mu gihe waba wongerewe igihe uzamara wishyura.

(Itangazo rya Guverineri wa Banki nkuru y’igihugu rijyanye n’ingamba zo guhangana n’ingaruka z’ubukungu zizaterwa na KOVIDI-19)

(Urwandiko rwa Minisiteri y’Ubucuruzi n’Inganda rwo ku wa 21 Mata 2020: KOVIDI-19, ingaruka zayo ku bucuruzi n’inganda: Incamake y’ingamba Leta y’u Rwanda  yafashe, hagamijwe kurengera ubucuruzi.)