What can I do if I have corporate income taxes and/or personal income taxes due, but I cannot fully pay?
What can I do if I have corporate income taxes and/or personal income taxes due, but I cannot fully pay?
As of 24 June 2020, the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has authorized taxpayers like you to make partial payments on your corporate income taxes and/or personal income taxes.
RRA recognizes the financial hardship that many people – especially SMES – are facing at this time, and has issued this authorization to help those struggling with cashflow.
This means that at this moment you may make a partial payment. If you owe, for example, 100,000 RWF in taxes, but you can only pay 50,000 at this time, it will be accepted. 50% of your taxes owed will have been paid at this time.
Remember to keep all receipts and documentation so that in the future, when full taxes will be due, you have your paperwork in order!
For more information, as well as contact information if you need more clarification, see the Authorization on RRA’s website here:
Authorization to Receive Partial Tax Payments: 24 June 2020.
Government of Rwanda Launches Economic Recovery Fund – Including Support to SMEs
Government of Rwanda Launches Economic Recovery Fund – Including Support to SMEs
For full information on the Economic Recovery Fund, please see the website of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN): Economic Recovery Fund Operational Guidelines.
| The newly launched Economic Recovery Fund includes key areas of support to SMEs:
For a full description of the Fund, please read the article below.
|
On June 2nd, 2020, the National Bank of Rwanda launched the Economic Recovery Fund, with the goal of providing support to those businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. BNR has recognized the need to help businesses resume their operations and safeguard employment, and SMEs are core to the response.
There are four categories of businesses that are targeted through the Fund, including SMEs. These are:
- Large Corporate Businesses: Those companies or cooperatives with annual turnover of greater than FRW 500 million;
- Small and Microenterprises (SMEs): Those companies or cooperatives with an annual turnover between FRW 20 Million and FRW 500 Million.
- Micro Businesses: Companies or cooperatives with an annual turnover of less than FRW 20 million;
- Participating Financial Institutions or PFIs: Banks and Limited Microfinance Institutions;
Those participating financial institutions who are eligible for financing through the Fund will have access for a period of two years, beginning with the signature of the BNR directive. The Fund has a specific focus on refinancing for those businesses who will be deemed eligible, especially in three areas: hotel, tourism and hospitality refinancing, working capital and lines of credit for corporations and SMEs, and micro businesses.
Hotels, Tourism and Hospitality:
Funds allotted for the tourism industry overall total 50 Billion RWF. Under the fund, a “hotel” refers to an establishment providing accommodation, meals, and other services for travelers and tourists. If the establishment does not provide accommodation will not be treated under the refinancing window category.
Refinancing for hotels negatively affected by COVID-19 and eligible for the facility will be available through banks, and interest rates for these loans will not exceed 5.0% per annum. To access these loans, hotels must have a current loan that was still outstanding prior to May 31st, 2020. Importantly, the loan must have been performing as of the end of February, 2020.
Those businesses receiving refinancing will have a three-year grace period, a period in which they are not required to make repayments – as well as a period of up to 15 years to repay in full , which will commence after the three-year grace period. For example, if you receive a loan in June 2020 from a financial institution, your repayment will start from July 2023.
Working capital and lines of credit:
Funds allotted for the tourism industry overall total 30 Billion RWF for large companies and 15 Billion RWF for SMEs.
Large corporate businesses and SMEs will have access to financing to cover needs for working capital. There will also be lines of credit available to cover expenses for repairs, restorations, equipment, and investment in technological solutions, such as moving to online distribution channels. Eligible businesses and SMEs will also access these facilities through banks one time only, and will have access to up to FRW 75 million (SMEs) and FRW 300 Million (large corporations), subject to the bank’s assessment and the borrower’s capacity to repay.
To be eligible, these businesses must demonstrate a 50% loss due on their operations to COVID-19 (January – May 2020 vs. January – May 2019) based on VAT returns submitted to RRA. You must also present your RRA tax clearances as of the end of February 2020, and demonstrate that any existing loans were performing at the end of February 2020. It will be of the utmost importance that those businesses seeking relief have their financial and tax paperwork in order to make their applications.
In terms of loans, priority will be given to borrowers fitting certain criteria outlined by BNR:
- Borrowers who demonstrate that the Fund can aid in a recovery of business turnover to at least 75% of pre-COVID-19 levels;
- Borrowers that demonstrate that the Fund will either help to preserve existing jobs or create new employment. To demonstrate this, businesses will need to show PAYE and Social Security Returns to prove number of employees pre-COVID, and demonstrate the number of jobs that will be preserved or created post-COVID through access to the Fund;
- Borrowers that demonstrate an increased fiscal contribution through accessing the Fund. This could be through jobs preserved or increased turnovers that result in an increase in tax payments. This can be demonstrated through VAT, PAYE, and income tax receipts.
If your business began operating after May of 2019, you may still be considered if you can demonstrate both your contribution to economic development and the negative impact on your business from COVID. Again – you must have the paperwork to show the negative trend on your turnover.
In terms of working capital or lines of credit:
Banks will have the ability to grant these facilities to SMEs at an interest rate of 8.0% over a period of five years, with a grace period of one year. Any borrower accessing these facilities can do so only once, from one institution.
Micro business financing:
Funds allotted for the tourism industry overall total 3 Billion RWF (1 Billlion RWF for microbusiness clients of MFIs and 2 Billion RWF for SACCO clients).
Eligible micro businesses will have access to financing to help recover from COVID-19. Lending for these funds will be provided through Limited Liability Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). Borrowers will be able to access up to FRW 5 million through these MFIs one time only, based on an assessment by the MFI and the borrower’s ability to repay.
Eligible microbusinesses must meet the following criteria:
- Borrowers must have a legally registered business as a company, cooperative or sole proprietor
- Borrowers must demonstrate the negative impact of COVID-19 by proving at least 50% losses (January – May 2020 vs. January – May 2019), using VAT returns submitted to RRA as a reference
- Borrowers should be able to show their RRA tax clearance certificates as of the end of February 2020 to demonstrate good tax standing prior to the pandemic
- Micro businesses seeking these loans must show that any existing loans were in good standing as of the end of February 2020
- Some micro businesses are not eligible for VAT registration. These may show their MFI other paperwork to demonstrate the negative impact of COVID-19. To find out what is needed, talk with your MFI for more information
Any micro business receiving a loan through the Fund will receive an interest rate of 8.0% per annum and a loan term of three years with a grace period of three months. Any borrower accessing these facilities can do so only once, from one institution.
How do I access the Economic Recovery Fund?
To access the fund, talk with your financial institution. Any SMEs or other businesses wishing to access the Fund will submit their loan application directly to their bank or MFI, who will review your paperwork, request any additional documents needed, and assess your eligibility for the Fund. You can find the list of Banks with contact numbers of dedicated staff in the SME clinic website.
You may also write directly to MINECOFIN with questions at erf@minecofin.gov.rw.
Remember: Being able to present your paperwork, your good standing with any previous or outstanding loans, and your losses due to COVID will be key in accessing the Economic Recovery Fund through your bank. All decisions will be made by banks on a case by case basis, so that these funds can be used in the most prudent and responsible way possible and businesses that need them will have access.
Reference:
Announcement 3000/2020 – 04931/0010BNR [902.4]. National Bank of Rwanda.
Economic Recovery Fund Operational Guidelines. MINECOFIN. May 2020.
Guverinoma y’u Rwanda yatangije Ikigega cyo Kuzahura Ubukungu hamwe no Gushyigikira Ibigo by’ubucuruzi Bito n’Ibiciriritse.
Ushaka amakuru yose yerekeye Ikigega cyo Kuzahura Ubukungu, wasura urubuga rwa interineti rwa Minisiteri y’Imari n’Igenamigambi (MINECOFIN): Amabwiriza agenga imikorere y’Ikigega cyo Kuzahura Ubukungu .
Ikigega cyo Kuzahura Ubukungu giherutse gutangizwa gishyigikira by’umwihariko ibyiciro by’ Ibigo by’ubucuruzi Bito n’Ibiciriritse bikurikira:
Ushaka amakuru yose kuri iyi nguzanyo, wasoma inyandiko ikurikira: |
Kuwa 02/06/ 2020, Banki Nkuru y’u Rwanda yatangije Ikigega cyo Kuzahura Ubukungu hagamijwe gufasha ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi byahuye n’ibibazo bitewe n’icyorezo cya COVID-19. BNR yabonye ko ari ngombwa gufasha abafite ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi kongera gusubukura ibikorwa byabo no kubungabunga imirimo, kandi ibyo bikorwa bishingiye ku Bigo by’ubucuruzi Bito n’Ibiciriritse.
Hari ubwoko bune bw’ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi icyo Kigega kizibandaho, harimo n’Ibigo by’ubucuruzi Bito n’Ibiciriritse. Ari byo:
- Ibigo by’ubucuruzi binini: Ibigo by’ubucuruzi cyangwa amakoperative afite igicuruzo rusange kirenga miliyoni 500 FRW ku mwaka;
- Ibigo by’ubucuruzi Bito n’Ibiciriritse: Ibigo by’ubucuruzi cyangwa amakoperative afite igicuruzo rusange kiri hagati ya miliyoni 20 na miliyoni 500 FRW ku mwaka.
- Ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bito: Ibigo by’ubucuruzi cyangwa amakoperative afite igicuruzo rusange kiri munsi ya miliyoni 20 FRW ku mwaka;
- Ibigo by’imari bigira uruhare mu bikorwa by’ubucuruzi: Amabanki n’Ibigo by’imari biciriritse;
Ibyo Bigo by’imari bigira uruhare mu bikorwa by’ubucuruzi byemerewe guhabwa inguzanyo binyuze mu Kigega, byemerewe guhabwa iyo nguzanyo mu gihe cy’imyaka ibiri uhereye igihe amabwiriza ya BNR yashyiriwe umukono. Ikigega kigamije by’umwihariko guha inguzanyo ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi byujuje ibisabwa, by’umwihariko mu byiciro bitatu bikurikira: guha inguzanyo amahoteli, ubukerarugendo no kwakira abantu, imari shingiro n’umwenda ntarengwa ku bigo binini n’ Ibigo by’ubucuruzi Bito n’Ibiciriritse hamwe n’ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi biciriritse.
Amahoteli, Ubukerarugendo no Kwakira ababagana:
Amafaranga yose yagenewe urwego rw’ubukerarugendo agera kuri miliyari 50 FRW. Hashingiwe ku Kigega, bisobanurwa ko “hoteli” ari ikigo gicumbikira, kigaburira, kandi kinatanga izindi serivisi ku babagenderera na bamukerarugendo. Mu gihe ikigo kidafite amacumbi, ntikizashyirwa mu cyiciro cy’ibizahabwa amafaranga.
Amafaranga azahabwa amahoteli yagizweho ingaruka n’icyorezo cya COVID-19 kandi yujuje ibisabwa, azanyuzwa mu mabanki, kandi inyungu ku nguzanyo ntigomba kurenga 5% ku mwaka. Kugira ngo ayo mahoteli ahabwe izo nguzanyo, agomba kuba yari afite inguzanyo yari itarishyurwa mbere yo kuwa 31/05/2020. Ikindi kandi, inguzanyo igomba kuba yarishyurwaga neza kugera mu mpera za Gashyantare 2020.
Ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bizahabwa inguzanyo, bizahabwa imyaka itatu bitishyura inguzanyo mbere y’uko bitangira kwishyura; muri ikigihe ntibasabwa kwishyura –kandi bahabwa igihe kingana n’imyaka 15 yo kwishyura inguzanyo yose, izatangirwa kwishyurwa nyuma y’imyaka itatu batishyura inguzanyo. Urugero, nuhabwa inguzanyo n’ikigo cy’imari muri Kamena 2020, uzatangira kuyishyura muri Nyakanga 2023.
Imari shingiro n’umwenda ntarengwa:
Mu mafaranga yose yagenewe urwego rw’ubukerarugendo, miliyari 30 FRW zagenewe ibigo binini, mu gihe miliyari 15 FRW zagenewe Ibigo by’ubucuruzi Bito n’Ibiciriritse.
Ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi by’ibigo binini n’ iby’Ibigo by’ubucuruzi Bito n’Ibiciriritse bizahabwa inguzanyo zo kuziba icyuho mu mari shingiro yabyo. Hazashyirwaho n’amafaranga y’inguzanyo ntarengwa azakoreshwa mu gusana, kuvugurura, ibikoresho, no gushora imari mu ikoreshwa ry’ikoranabuhanga, nko kuba hakifashishwa ikoranabuhanga mu kugemura ibicuruzwa no gutanga serivisi. Ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi n’Ibigo by’ubucuruzi Bito n’ibiciriritse byujuje ibisabwa bizahabwa izi nguzanyo inshuro imwe gusa binyuze mu mabanki, kandi bizaba byemerewe amafaranga ashobora kugera kuri miliyo 75 FRW (Ibigo by’ubucuruzi Bito n’Ibiciriritse) na miliyoni 300 FRW (Ibigo binini), hashingiwe ku isesengura rya banki no ku bushobozi bwo kwishyura bw’usaba inguzanyo.
- Kugira ngo ibi bikorwa by’ubucuruzi byemererwe guhabwa izo nguzanyo, hagomba kugaragazwa ko ibyo bikorwa byagize igihombo kigera kuri 50% giturutse ku cyorezo cya COVID-19 (Mutarama – Gicurasi 2020 ugereranyije na Mutarama – Gicurasi 2019) hashingiwe ku Musoro ku Nyongeragaciro (TVA) watanzwe mu Kigo cy’Igihugu cy’Imisoro n’Amahoro (RRA). Ugomba kandi kwerekana icyemezo cy’uko nta birarane by’imisoro wari ufitiye RRA mu mpera za Gashyantare 2020, ukerekana kandi ko wishyuraga neza inguzanyo iyo ari yo yose wari ufite kugeza mu mpera za Gashyantare 2020. Ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bikeneye ingoboka, ba nyirabyo bagomba kuba bafite inyandiko zerekeye imari n’iz’imisoro ziri ku murongo mbere yo gutanga ubusabe bwabo.
Ku bijyanye n’inguzanyo, mbere na mbere zizahabwa abasa inguzanyo bujuje ibisabwa na BNR:
- Abasa inguzanyo bagaragaza ko izabafasha kuzahura igicuruzo rusange kugera nibura kuri 75% y’urwego bariho mbere y’icyorezo cya COVID-19;
- Abasa inguzanyo bagaragaza ko izabafasha kubungabunga imirimo cyangwa guhanga imishya. Mu kugaragaza ibi, ba nyiribikorwa by’ubucuruzi bagomba kugaragaza umusoro ku Bihembo n’imisanzu y’ubwiteganyirize batangira abakozi mu rwego rwo kugaragaza umubare w’abakozi bari bafite mbere y’icyorezo cya COVID-19, kugira ngo hagaragazwe umubare w’imirimo izabungwabungwa cyangwa imishya izahangwa nyuma ya COVID-19 babikesheje iyo nguzanyo;
- Abasa inguzanyo bagaragaza ko bazongera ingano y’imisoro batanga babikesheje iyo nguzanyo. Ibi bishobora guturuka ku mirimo izabungwabungwa cyangwa igicuruzo rusange kiziyongera bigatuma n’amafaranga yishyurwa imisoro yiyongera. Ibi bigaragarira ku Musoro ku Nyongeragaciro, Umusoro ku Bihembo, n’umusoro ku nyungu wakiriwe.
Niba ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi byawe byaratangiye nyuma ya Gicurasi 2019, ushobora nawe kwemererwa inguzanyo mu gihe werekanye uruhare rwawe mu guteza imbere ubukungu kandi ko COVID-19 yagize ingaruka ku bikorwa by’ubucuruzi byawe. Ugomba kandi kuba ufite inyandiko zigaragaza izo ngaruka ku gicuruzo rusange cyawe.
Ku bijyanye n’imari shingiro cyangwa umwenda ntarengwa:
Banki zizaba zifite ubushobozi bwo gutanga izi nguzanyo ku Bigo by’ubucuruzi Bito n’Ibiciriritse ku nyungu ya 8% mu gihe cy’imyaka itanu, harimo n’umwaka umwe wo kutishyura inguzanyo. Usaba inguzanyo wese uzahabwa iyi nguzanyo, azaba ayemerewe inshuro imwe gusa mu kigo kimwe.
Inguzanyo ku bikorwa by’ubucuruzi bito:
Mu mafaranga yose yagenewe urwego rw’ubukerarugendo, miliyari 3 FRW (miliyari 1 RWF yagenewe abafite ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bito bagana Ibigo by’imari iciriritse na miliyari 2 FRW yagenewe abakiriya ba SACCO).
Abafite ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bito bujuje ibisabwa bazahabwa inguzanyo zo kubafasha kuzahura ibikorwa byadindijwe na COVID-19. Izi nguzanyo zizatangwa binyujijwe mu Bigo by’Imari Iciriritse bifite uburyozwe buhinnye. Abasaba inguzanyo bazaba bemerewe guhabwa amafanga agera kuri miliyoni 5 FRW inshuro imwe gusa binyujijwe muri ibi Bigo by’Imari Iciriritse, hashingiwe ku isesengura ryakozwe n’Ikigo cy’Imari Iciriritse ndetse no ku bushobozi bwo kwishyura.
Ibigo bito bizahabwa inguzanyo bigomba kuba byujuje ibi bikurikira:
- Abasaba inguzanyo bagomba kuba bafite ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi byanditswe ku buryo bwemewe n’amategeko nk’ikigo cy’ubucuruzi, koperative cyangwa nk’uwikorera;
- Abasaba inguzanyo bagomba kugaragaza ingaruka za COVID-19 berekana ko bagize nibura igihombo cya 50% (Mutarama – Gicurasi 2020 ugereranyije na Mutarama – Gicurasi 2019), bifashishije Umusoro ku Nyongeragaciro batanze mu Kigo cy’Igihugu cy’Imisoro n’Amahoro (RRA) nk’urugero.
- Abasaba inguzanyo bagomba kugaragaza icyemezo cya RRA cyo kutabamo ibirarane by’umusoro kugeza mu mpera ya Gashyantare 2020 mu rwego rwo kugaragaza ko bishyuraga imisoro neza mbere y’icyorezo;
- Abafite ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bito basaba izi nguzanyo bagomba kugaragazo ko bishyuraga neza inguzanyo iyo ari yo yose bari bafite kugeza mu mpera ya Gashyantare 2020;
- Hari ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bito biba bitanditse mu Musoro ku Nyongeragaciro. Ba nyirabyo bashobora kwereka Ikigo cy’Imari Iciriritse bakorana izindi nyandiko mu rwego rwo kugaragaza ingaruka COVID-19 yabagizeho. Ushaka kumenya ibisabwa, wakwegera Ikigo cy’Imari Iciriritse mukorana bakaguha amakuru yose.
Ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bito byose bizahabwa inguzanyo binyuze mu Kigega, bizayihabwa ku nyungu ya 8% ku mwaka, binahabwe n’igihe cy’amezi atatu yo kutishyura. Uhabwa iyi nguzanyo wese, ayihabwa inshuro imwe gusa kandi mu kigo kimwe gusa.
Ni gute nakorana n’Ikigega cyo Kuzahura Ubukungu?
Ushaka guhabwa iyi nguzanyo, wakwegera Ikigo cy’Imari mukorana. Ikigo cy’ubucuruzi giciriritse icyo ari cyo cyose cyangwa abandi bafite ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bifuza gukorana n’Ikigega, bazatanga inyandiko isaba inguzanyo muri banki cyangwa Ibigo by’Imari Iciriritse bakorana nabyo, hanyuma bige dosiye yawe, bagusabe izindi nyandiko za ngombwa, banarebe niba wujuje ibisabwa kugira ngo uhabwe inguzanyo. Ushobora kubona urutonde rw’amabanki na nomero z’abakozi bazo wahamagaraho ku rubuga rwa interineti rwa SME Response Clinic.
Ushobora no kwandikira Minisiteri y’Imari n’Igenamigambi ukayigezaho ibibazo byawe ubinyujije kuri erf@minecofin.gov.rw.
Icyitonderwa: Kuba warujuje neza dosiye yawe, kuba warishyuye neza inguzanyo wigeze gufata cyangwa wishyura neza izo ufite, no kugaragaza igihombo watewe na COVID-19, bizagufasha gukorana n’Ikigega cyo Kuzahura Ubukungu binyujijwe muri banki mukorana. Ibyemezo byose bizafatwa n’amabanki ashingiye kuri dosiye ya buri muntu kugira ngo ayo mafaranga azakoreshwe neza kandi ahabwe ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi biyakwiriye koko.
Ibyifashishijwe mu gutegura iyi nyandiko:
Itangazo 3000/2020 – 04931/0010BNR [902.4]. Banki Nkuru y’u Rwanda.
Amabwiriza agenga imikorere y’Ikigega cyo Kuzahura Ubukungu . MINECOFIN. May 2020.
(UPDATE) Mobile money charges have now been reinstated
UPDATE ON MOBILE MONEY CHARGES: 22 June 2020
Keep yourself informed on financial services to best manage your cash flow! Mobile money charges have now been reinstated.
From 19 March 2020 for a period of three months, fees had been waived on:
- Transfers between bank accounts and mobile wallets
- Mobile money transfers
- Payments at points of sale (POS devices)
To ensure that mobile service providers can continue offering these services, fees will be charged on these services again as of 22 June 2020.
However, digital services are STILL your safest option. Whenever possible, use mobile money and digital services to keep yourself, your customers, and your family healthy and safe!
Reference:
BNR Public Notice: Reinstatement of Mobile Money Transaction Charges. 18th June 2020.
IBICIRO BIGEZWEHO KU BIJYANYE NA SERIVISI ZA MOBILE MONEY: Kuwa 22 Kamena 2020
Ni ngombwa kugira amakuru ku bijyanye na serivisi z’imari kugira ngo ubashe gucunga imikoreshereze y’amafaranga yinjira n’asohoka! Amafaranga asabwa kuri serivisi za Mobile Money yasubijweho.
Guhera kuwa 19 Werurwe 2020 kugeza mu gihe cy’amezi atatu, hari harakuweho amafaranga yo :
- Guhererekanaya amafaranga hagati ya konti z’amabanki n’amakofi ngendanwa.
- Guhererekanya amafaranga
- Amafaranga y’ubwishyu hakoreshwa utumashini twifashishwa mu kwishyura (POS devices)
Kugira ngo abatanga serivisi za Mobile Money bakomeze kuzitanga,amafaranga asabwa mu itangwa ryazo azasubiraho guhera kuwa 22 Kamena 2020.
Ariko, gukoresha ikoranabuhanga ni bwo buryo bwizewe ushobora gukoresha. Mu gihe cyose bishoboka, koresha Mobile Money na serivisi z’ikoranabuhanga kugira ngo wirinde, urinde abakiriya bawe, n’umuryango wawe kwandura!
Ibyifashishijwe mu gutegura iyi nyandiko:
Itangazo rya Banki Nkuru y’u Rwanda: Isubiraho ry’amafaranga asabwa kuri serivisi za Mobile Money. Kuwa 18 Kamena 2020.
Cogebanque provides support to SME customers through the pandemic
Cogebanque provides support to SME customers through the pandemic
The SME Response Clinic spoke with Joel Kayonga, Commercial Director at Cogebanque about specific challenges for SMEs and the actions that the bank is taking to support them during this ongoing pandemic.
Even if the lockdown has been eased, it is a bit early for clients to make big decisions related to their businesses. Business owners are taking an approach of “let’s wait and see.” Given this, SMEs need timely information about how the situation is evolving.
What are the biggest challenges SMEs are facing right now?
First, a slowdown in business. The lockdown brought business to a standstill. Challenges are related mainly to working capital to be used to pay salaries and stock up in preparation for business picking up again. The only sectors that have not been truly affected are agribusiness and commodities. The hospitality sector has been the hardest hit because of restrictions on movement.
While the lockdown has been eased, there are still challenges because borders remain closed. Rwanda is a net importer, and Cogebanque’s clients need to travel to be able to deploy funds and stock up on goods. Until the borders are open, clients will be unable to do this, so they have the approach of “let’s wait and see.”
Can you tell us about the support the bank is providing to SME customers?
Most of our SME customers have expressed the need to have their facilities refinanced, so we are working to help them smooth their loan repayments and have given them deferments. As a bank, Cogebanque is focusing relief on specific sectors that have been hit hardest. If the client was up to date with payments and if the challenges they are facing are clearly COVID-related, the bank automatically gives them a deferment of 3 months. But for some sectors, specifically hotels and others in the tourism sector, deferments are for 6 months. The bank is also willing to extend these as the situation evolves, because it will take longer for them to see business really pick up again. Cogebanque has also provided small overdrafts for salaries or other urgent capital needs that businesses have.
How has the bank ensured continuity of service to SMEs?
At the beginning of the lockdown, we saw the need to close some branches given reduced traffic. In Kigali, we kept 3 branches open and reduced opening hours, but there were really no disruptions in service given that the bank has alternative channels in place. We saw a huge jump in terms of traffic on digital platforms, mobile banking, the mobile wallet and USSD.
Quite a few SMEs were not yet registered to our internet banking and mobile banking offerings since most SMEs tend to transact in cash. What we have seen is a growing appetite for clients to use our digital platforms given that doing only cash transactions is not feasible, especially if you can’t move around.
To facilitate onboarding, Cogebanque has had clients use channels like WhatsApp and other platforms to fill out and send documentation, eliminating the need for them to come to an office. We also availed the forms for application for debit cards and credit cards online and sent them to clients via email. We have also sent out and posted useful tutorials for our clients.
Ubufasha Cogebanque iha ibigo (SMEs) bikorana na yo muri ibi bihe by’Icyorezo
Ihuriro rishinzwe kwiga uburyo ibigo bito n’ibiciriritse (SME) bihangana n’ingorane byatewe n’icyorezo cya COVID-19 ryaganiriye na Joel Kayonga, Umuyobozi ushinzwe Ubucuruzi muri Cogebanque ku byerekeye ingaruka zihariye zibangamiye ibyo bigo n’ingamba iyi banki irimo gufata kugira ngo ibufashe muri iki gihe bikomeje guhangana n’ingaruka byatewe n’iki cyorezo.
Nubwo ingamba zafashwe mu rwego rwo kwirinda icyorezo zigenda zoroshywa, haracyari kare kugira ngo abakiriya bagire ibyemezo bikomeye bafata byerekeye ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bakora. Ba nyiri ibigo by’ubucuruzi ubu bahisemo kuba bategereje ngo barebe ko hari impinduka zigaragara ziba. Kubera umwuka uteye utyo, SMEs zikeneye kubona amakuru ku gihe yerekeye uburyo ibintu birimo kugenda bihinduka.
Ni izihe ngorane zikomeye zibangamiye SMEs muri iki gihe?
Ingorane ya mbere ni ukuzahara kw’ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi. Gahunda yo gufunga bimwe mu bikorwa bitari iby’ingenzi yatumye ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bihagarara. Ingorane zihari ni izifitanye isano no kubona igishoro cyo gukoresha mu kwishyura imishahara y’abakozi no kwegeranya amikoro mu rwego rwo kwitegura gusubukura ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi. Inzego z’imirimo zitagizweho ingaruka cyane ni ubuhinzi bugamije ubucuruzi n’ubw’ibihingwa ngengabukungu byoherezwa mu mahanga. Urwogo rw’amahoteri n’amacumbi ni rwo rwagizweho ingaruka cyane kubera ingamba zo kugabanya urujya n’uruza rw’abantu.
Mu gihe ingamba zo kwirinda icyorezo zirimo koroshywa, haracyari imbogamizi kuko imipaka yakomeje gufungwa. U Rwanda rutumiza mu mahanga ibyinshi mu bicuruzwa ku masoko yarwo kandi ba rwiyemezamirimo bakenera gukora ingendo kugira ngo babashe gushora amafaranga bahaha ibicuruzwa. Abakiriya ntibazabasha kubona ibicuruzwa bakeneye imipaka itarafungurwa, ni yo mpamvu, ”bahisemo kuba bategereje kugira ngo ibintu bisubire mu buryo.”
Watubwira ubufasha banki igenera ibigo bito n’ibiciriritse (SME) bikorana na yo?
Ibyinshi mu bigo bito n’ibiciriritse (SME) bikorana na banki yacu byatugaragarije ko bikeneye ko inguzanyo zabyo zivugururwa, ni yo mpamvu turimo gukora ibishoboka ngo dufashe ibyo bigo tubyorohereza kwishyura inguzanyo kandi tubyongerera igihe cyo kwishyura izo nguzanyo. Nka banki, Cogebanque yibanda ku nzego z’imirimo zazahajwe cyane n’ibi bihe turimo by’icyorezo ifasha bimwe mu bigo bikorana na yo kuzahura ubucuruzi byabyo. Iyo ikigo cyishyuraga neza kandi ingorane gihura na zo zikaba zifitanye isano n’Icyorezo cya COVID-19, icyo gihe banki yahitaga igisonera kwishyura inguzanyo mu gihe cy’amezi atatu (3). Ariko ku bigo byo mu nzego zimwe na zimwe by’umwihariko amahoteri n’urwego rw’ubukerarugendo, byasubikiwe kwishyura mu gihe cy’amezi atandatu (6). Banki kandi irifuza kongera igihe iyi gahunda izamara bitewe n’uko ibintu bizaba byifashe, kubera ko bizatwara igihe kirekire kugira ngo ibi bigo bisubukure neza ibikorwa byabyo. Cogebanque kandi yahaye inguzanyo zihuse abakorera umushahara cyangwa ibindi bigo byari bikeneye kongera igishoro.
Ni gute banki yabashije gukomeza serivisi iha Ibigo bito n‘ibiciriritse (SMEs) bikorana na yo?
Ubwo hatangizwaga ingamba zo guhagarika ingendo n’ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi bitari iby’ingenzi, twasanze ari ngombwa gufunga amwe mu mashami kubera igabanuka ry’urujya n’uruza rw’abantu n’ibintu. Muri Kigali, amashami atatu (3) ni yo yakomeje gufungura ariko twanagabanyije amasaha y’akazi. Mu by’ukuri nta kirogoya yabaye muri serivisi dutanga kuko banki yari yashyizeho ubundi buryo bwo guha serivisi abayigana. Twasanze abantu benshi baritabiriye gukoresha uburyo bw’ikoranabuhanga, kubona serivisi za banki ukoresheje terefoni ngendanwa, gahunda ya Mobile Wallet (Gahunda y’ikofi) na USSD.
Ibigo (SMEs) bike cyane ni byo byari bitariyandikisha gukorana na banki hifashishijwe murandasi no kugezwaho serivisi za banki hifashishijwe terefoni ngendanwa kubera ko ibyinshi (SMEs) bikunda guhererekanya amafaranga mu buryo bwa cash. Ikintu twiboneye ni uko umubare w’abakiriya bitabiriye gukoresha uburyo bw’ikoranabuhanga banki yacu yabashyiriyeho wazamutse cyane kubera ko guhererekanya amafaranga mu ntoki (cash) gusa bitashobokaga, cyane cyane kubera ko nta wari wemerewe gukora ingendo.
Mu rwego rwo korohereza abakiriya ba banki kubona serivisi batavuye aho bari, Cogebanque yabafashije gukoresha umuyoboro wa WhatsApp n’izindi mbuga nkoranyambaga mu kuzuza imyirondoro no kuyohereza, bityo bibarinda gukora ingendo bajya aho banki ikorera. Twagejeje ku bakiriya amafishi basabiraho amakarita ya banki (yo kwishyura no kubikuza) hifashishijwe ikoranabuhanga maze tuyaboherereza dukoresheje email. Twoherereje abakiriya amwe mu makuru abagenewe ibindi bisobanuro tubishyira ku rubuga rwacu aho bashobora kubisanga.
Supporting Your Business Series: Advice from the Banking Sector in Rwanda
Supporting Your Business Series:
Advice from the Banking Sector in Rwanda
Improve your business management skills with AMI’s free Bootcamp and Trainings:
Bootcamp: Thursday, June 5th, 2020 – https://www.africanmanagers.org/rwandacovidwebinars/
Open Webinars: https://www.africanmanagers.org/covidwebinars/
Many SMEs have questions about banking services right now, given that businesses have faced low cashflow, difficulty in repaying loans, and uncertainty. In response, the SME Response Clinic brought together a panel of bankers for a Facebook Live Event.
On May 28, this live webinar entitled “A Discussion with the Banking Sector” kicked off the Supporting Your Business Series. The interactive session engaged banking experts Maurice K. Toroitich, Managing Director of BPR Atlas Mara, Robin C. Bairstow, CEO of I&M Bank and Chairman of Rwanda Bankers Association, and Christine Baingana, CEO of Urwego Bank. It was moderated by Tony Francis Ntore, Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Bankers Association, and Jean Bosco Iyacu, Director of Programs at Access to Finance Rwanda.
Bankers offered advice to SMEs on managing businesses and relationships with their financial institutions. Here are the top recommendations to help your business survive the pandemic:
One of the main mistakes banks see small businesses make is using one account for both business and personal funds. When you start a business, it is important to open a separate business account so that you can track your earnings and expenses in an organized way. A good rule is to pay yourself a salary, but to pay it from your business account into your personal account so that you have a clear idea of your cashflow.
Keeping separate accounts will help you to better understand your own business’s profitability and will help if you decide at some point to access credit from a formal institution.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes to the business climate in Rwanda. Those businesses that learn to be flexible, to assess the effect that the crisis has had on their businesses, and who learn to plan three to six months in the future will be best placed to survive.
One important piece of advice from bankers is for businesses to plan for a much different market than they experienced in the past. For example, if a business made a certain revenue pre-COVID, they should not assume that this will go back to normal after the crisis has passed. Planning for a different customer base, and for reaching new customers will be key. Some businesses may move online, or adapt a model with more delivery services, for example.
Another thing to keep in mind is that now is not the time to venture into a completely new business line. Trying to start a new business in a new market is one of the riskiest propositions during a difficult time. While there will be changes and modifications in existing businesses, trying to take on a new venture without the knowledge of the business, good or service, and without the capacity to run that new venture, may lead to failure. It is important to first ensure that you have the knowledge and capacity for a new venture before seeking capital from a bank. If you cannot demonstrate this, you are likely to be disqualified.
Learn more about keeping accurate records with AMI’s free Bootcamp and Trainings:
Bootcamp: Thursday, June 5th, 2020 – https://www.africanmanagers.org/rwandacovidwebinars/
Open Webinars: https://www.africanmanagers.org/covidwebinars/
To keep you, your staff, and your clients safe, new digital solutions can be used in place of cash. Currently, there are zero fees when you transfer from a mobile wallet to a bank account, transfer between mobile wallets (person to person transfers), pay a merchant with mobile money, or pay your bills with mobile money. There are also no fees when you make a payment at a merchant with a card via a point-of-sale (POS) device.
These digital solutions help not only in avoiding touching cash, but they also help to keep solid records of your business cashflow. It is important to keep separate wallets or digital accounts for personal and business transactions so that if you need to access a loan or other solution from a bank, you can clearly show these records as proof of your creditworthiness.
For current clients, banks have developed a number of services to help repay loans. These include grace periods on interest and principle, other deferments, and waiver of late penalties and fees. Banks understand that many SME businesses are experiencing a decline during the lockdown.
Talking to your bank – to your relationship officer or loan officer – is key. If you are having trouble do not wait, do so right away. The bank will work with you to decide the time period needed for grace periods or deferments, often depending on the sector you are in and how hard it has been hit.
On June 4, 2020, the National Bank (BNR) has launched the Economic Recovery Fund, a fund which will allow banks to offer discounted loans and other services to businesses struggling due to the crisis. However, it is important as a business to plan carefully about your capacity to borrow and to earn enough to repay your loan. Even though loans will be available at lower interest rates for qualifying borrowers, they are not a grant. These loans will come with the same terms and conditions as a normal loan – to repay in full, on time and with all applicable fees and charges.
If you do qualify, and have a clear plan for how you will use and repay the funds, you may learn more by talking with your relationship officer or loan officer. They will help to make sure that you have all of the paperwork needed, that you have been a responsible client in the past, and that the loan will be a help rather than a burden for your business.
Learn more about assessing your capacity to borrow with AMI’s free Bootcamp and Trainings:
Bootcamp: Thursday, June 5th, 2020 – https://www.africanmanagers.org/rwandabusinessbootcam
Open Webinars: https://www.africanmanagers.org/covidwebinars/
Banks find that sometimes clients will use the loan funds that they have received for something other than their business, and when it comes time to repay, they no longer have the money. This is the number one reason that banks lose confidence in a customer. While it seems like a good idea in the short term, it will affect your ability to take out loans in the future, especially now that defaulting on a loan will affect your credit rating with the Credit Reference Bureau.
Rather than diverting funds – even if you have a crisis – as always, you should talk immediately with your relationship officer or loan officer. Your bank is not there to judge you but to help you. Without clear, truthful, and up-to-date information from you, they will not be able to discuss your problem and come up with a solution that will avoid you falling into default.
Many businesspeople ask themselves: “Why should I get insurance and spend money that I will not see again if I do not experience a problem?” However, insurance is one of the most important products that a business can purchase to help manage risk. One rule the bankers offered is that if you cannot afford an insurance premium, then you cannot afford to not be insured.
In the case of an emergency – theft, a fire, an automobile accident – you need to protect the assets and infrastructure of your business. Insurance is available through financial institutions as well as through insurance companies to help you protect yourself against unforeseen events and avoid losing your livelihood.
The relationship between a business and its clients and customers cannot be ignored, even when the business climate is difficult. You have got to stay in contact with both customers and suppliers so that they know what you are doing to continue your relationship once business begins to pick up again.
For example, many small businesses struggle to pay rent or other suppliers because revenues were low or nonexistent during lockdown. While suppliers do not look forward to losing revenue, many are open to negotiation so that rather than losing ALL revenue, they still are able to make some earnings.
In terms of customers, you may not be able to supply goods and services in the same way that you could pre-COVID. You may need to negotiate with those who have paid in advance or reassure customers that you have a plan to reopen and will be working again as soon as possible. The key is to keep the lines of communication open so that your customers do not seek another business who is willing to speak with them and value their business.
Learn how to negotiate with suppliers with AMI’s free Bootcamp and Trainings:
Bootcamp: Thursday, June 5th, 2020 – https://www.africanmanagers.org/rwandacovidwebinars/
Open Webinars: https://www.africanmanagers.org/covidwebinars/
(UPDATE) What is the current policy on taxes during the COVID-19 pandemic?
UPDATE June 1st, 2020
Taxation
What is the current policy on taxes during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Answer: Do not fear! The Government of Rwanda is taking action to help small and medium businesses right now. The Rwanda Revenue Authority is offering most services online – to keep you safe, and to keep you from having to move during a time when it is important to stay at home.
UPDATE: The Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) announced on May 29th, 2020, that for all taxpayers with an obligation to submit certified financial statements for 2019, the deadline for submission has been extended from May 31st, 2020 to June 30th, 2020. After this, payment deadlines will return to normal.
Here is more important information:
- As of May 11th, 2020, computation of your quarterly payments for Corporate Income Taxes (CIT) and Person Income Tax (PIT) will be based on transactions of the current year.
- Transport motor vehicles are required to pay their quarterly fixed PIT this year, pro-rated to the period of operation.
- Pay As You Earn (PAYE) will be waived for a period of three months from April to June 2020 for employees in the tourism and hotel sector and are earning up to 150,000 RWF net salary.
- PAYE will also be waived for a period of six months from April to September for teachers in private schools earning up to 150,000 RWF net salary.
- All masks made in Rwanda to help prevent COVID-19 are exempt from value-added tax (VAT).
Be Safe! Make sure you find out about the tax requirements for your small or medium business, to help you keep your business afloat during these difficult times. And stay healthy!
References:
Rwanda Revenue Authority Public Announcement – May 29th, 2020
Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning Public Announcement – May 9th, 2020
Rwanda Announces Tax Exemptions to Support Economic Recovery Amid COVID-19 – CGTN News, May 10th, 2020
Tariki ya 1 Kamena 2020: Amakuru mashya arebana n’imisoro
Ni ayahe mabwiriza agenga imisoro muri ibi bihe by’icyorezo cya COVID-19?
Igisubizo: Humura! Leta y’u Rwanda yafashe ingamba zo gushyigikira abakora ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi buto n’ubuciriritse muri ibi bihe. Serivisi hafi ya zose z’Igiko cy’imisoro n’amahoro (RRA) zitangirwa kuri interineti, mu rwego rwo kubungabunga ubuzima bw’abantu no kubarinda gukora ingendo muri iki gihe basabwa kuguma mu rugo.
AMAKURU MASHYA: Ku itariki ya 29 Gicurasi 2020, Rwanda Revenue Authority
yatangarije abasoreshwa bose ko itariki ntarengwa yo gutanga ibitabo by’ibaruramari
byamejwe byo mu mwaka wa 2019, yavuye ku ya 31 Gicurasi 2020, ikimurirwa ku ya 30
Kamena 2020. Nyuma y’iyo tariki, igihe ntarengwa cyo kwishyura kizasubira uko byahoze.
Zirikana ibi:
- Kuva ku itariki ya 11 Gicurasi 2020, kubara avansi y’umusoro ku nyungu z’ibigo (CIT) n’umusoro ku nyungu z’abantu ku giti cyabo (PIT) bizashingirwa ku byacurujwe muri uyu mwaka.
- Abafite ibinyabiziga bikora imirimo ibyara inyungu bazishyura avansi y’umusoro ku nyungu, hashingiwe ku gihe batangiriye gukora.
- Igihe cyo gusonera umusoro ku bihembo (PAYE) abakozi bo mu bigo by’ubukerarugendo n’amahoteri bahembwa amafaranga 150.000 (umushahara utahanwa) cyongeweho amezi atatu, ni ukuvuga kuva muri Mata kugeza muri Kamena 2020.
- Nanone igihe cyo gusonera umusoro ku bihembo (PAYE) abarimu bo mu bigo by’abikorera bahembwa amafaranga 150.000 (umushahara utahanwa) kizongerwaho amezi atandatu, ni ukuvuga kuva muri Mata kugeza muri Nzeri 2020.
- Udupfukamunwa twose dukorerwa mu Rwanda hagamijwe kwirinda COVID-19 dusonewe umusoro ku nyongeragaciro (VAT).
Itangazo rya Rwanda Revenue Authority– 29 Gicurasi 2020
Mwizere mudashidikanya ko Leta y’u Rwanda ikora ibishoboka byose ngo abacuruzi boroherezwe kwishyura imisoro. Niba hari ibindi ushaka kumenya cyangwa gusobanuza ku bucuruzi bwawe, jya kuri https://www.rra.gov.rw/.
Rinda ubuzima bwawe! Niba ukora ubucuruzi buto cyangwa ubuciriritse, menya amabwiriza y’imisoro agenga ubucuruzi bwawe kugira ngo budahungabana muri ibi bihe bidasanzwe. Nanone kandi, komeza kwita ku buzima bwawe!
Aho byavuye:
Itangazo rya Minisiteri y’Imari n’Igenamigambi – 9 Gicurasi 2020
Ingamba u Rwanda rwafashe zirebana n’imisoro no gushyigikira ubukungu mu bihe by’icyorezo cya COVID-19 – CGTN News, 10 Gicurasi 2020
What is Equity Bank Rwanda doing to support SME customers during this crisis?
What is Equity Bank Rwanda doing to support SME customers during this crisis?
The SME Response Clinic spoke with Hannington Namara, Managing Director of the Equity Bank Rwanda, about the ways in which the bank is going digital to support customers at this time.
We understand that the new normal is not going to be an easy one. The effects of this pandemic will be with us for some time. This will require that we transform the way we do things.
What is Equity Bank Rwanda doing to support SME customers during this crisis?
Equity Bank Rwanda has put a framework in place to help guide our actions with the intention of making it as easy as possible for SMEs to make it out of the pandemic and get back to business. For those who have loans, for instance, we’ve put in place arrangements to reschedule them in conversation with borrowers. For those who have been affected in a way that may make it necessary for them to change their business models entirely, we are talking to them about what else can be done. We are partnering with consultants to provide technical assistance and will help all of our staff become advisors.
Can you tell us about some of the digital initiatives the bank is undertaking to support SME customers?
As a bank, we now have complete end-to-end virtual banking available. We have a platform specifically for SMEs called EazzyBiz, which allows them to make and receive payments, purchase currencies, make transfers, and more. We are trying to make it easy for SMEs to do business from anywhere, including to request facilities to help them restart their businesses
How can customers engage with the bank?
Customers can bank through our Eazzy Banking App, and SMEs can bank through EazzyBiz. Our website is www.equitybankgroup.com, and we have a call center number [455#].
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RwEquityBank/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RwEquityBank
Have questions? Please email smeresponseclinic@gmail.com
Ni iki Equity Bank Rwanda ikora mu gufasha ibigo bito n’ibiciriritse (SMEs) bikorana na yo muri ibi bihe bikomeye?
Ihuriro rishinzwe kwiga uburyo SME zihangana n’ingorane zatewe n’icyorezo cya COVID-19 ryaganiriye na Hannington Namara, Umuyobozi Mukuru wa Equity Bank Rwanda ku buryo banki irimo gukoresha ikoranabuhanga ifasha abakiriya bayo muri iki gihe.
Turasanga kugira ngo ibintu bizasubire mu buryo bitazaba byoroshye. Tuzamara igihe kitari gito tugihanganye n’ingaruka zatewe n’iki cyorezo. Bizadusaba kugira bimwe duhindura mu mikorere yacu.
Ni iki Equity Bank Rwanda ikora kugira ngo ifashe ibigo bito n’ibiciriritse (SMEs) bikorana na yo muri ibi bihe bikomeye?
Equity Bank Rwanda yashyizeho gadunda ifasha mu guha umurongo ibyo dukora hagamijwe korohereza mu buryo bushoboka Ibigo bito n’ibiciriritse (SMEs) kugira ngo bibashe kwivana mu bihe bibi byatewe n’icyorezo kugira ngo bisubukure neza ibikorwa. Urugero: ibigo bisanganywe inguzanyo, twabishyiriyeho ingamba zo kuzivugurura tumaze kubiganiraho n’abayobozi b’ibigo byahawe inguzanyo. Naho ku bigo byagizweho ingaruka mu buryo byaba ngombwa ko bihindura imiterere yose y’uburyo byakoraga, turimo kuganira n’ababikuriye ngo turebe ikindi cyakorwa. Turimo gukorana n’impuguke kugira ngo zitugire inama mu bya tekiniki ku cyakorwa kandi zizanaduhugurira abakozi bose ku buryo bahinduka abajyanama ku bakiriya bagana banki yacu.
Watubwira imwe mu mishinga mufite ishishikariza ikoranabuhanga banki yatangije igamije gufasha ibigo bito n’ibiciriritse (SMEs) bikorana na yo?
Nka banki, tumaze gushyiraho uburyo koranabuhanga buifasha banki n’abakiriya bayo muri serivisi za banki hakoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga nta wuvuye aho ari. Dufite programu koranabuhanga yihariye ifasha banki gukorana na SMEs yitwa EazzyBiz, yorohereza ibyo bigo bito n’biciriritse kwishyura no kwishyurwa, kugura amafaranga, kohereza amafaranga, n’izindi zerivisi. Turimo kugerageza korohereza ibigo bito n’ibiciriritse (SMEs) gukora bizinesi aho biri hose, harimo kubyorohereza mu nguzanyo bisaba kugira ngo byongere bisubukure ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi byakoraga.
Muri serivisi bakenera, ni gute abakiriya babasha kugeza ibibazo byabo kuri banki?
Abakiriya bashobora kubona serivisi za banki bifashishije programu twabashyiriyeho yitwa Eazzy Banking App, naho ibigo (SMEs) bikabasha kubona serivisi za banki byifashishije EazzyBiz. Urubuga rwacu ni www.equitybankgroup.com , dufite nimero abakiriya bakeneye serivisi bahamagara [455#].
“Dushimishijwe no kubana n’abakiriya bacu mu byo dukora. Turizeza abakiriya bacu ko tureba kure mu byo dukora byose. Mukomeze kutugana.”
Have questions? Please email smeresponseclinic@gmail.com
How is the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda supporting its members in this time of crisis?
How is the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda supporting its members in this time of crisis?
The SME Response Clinic spoke with Aimable Nkuranga, Executive Director of the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda, to understand how the institution is supporting its members in this time of crisis.
I advise clients of MFIs and SACCOs to approach their institutions to express challenges and concerns and if they need to, to renegotiate their loan terms. MFIs and SACCOs are here to support in the best way that they can through this difficult time.
What makes MFIs and SACCOs so important in Rwanda for SMEs?
MFIs and SACCOs are important because of the type of services that they offer. They try to help clients in running their businesses, managing their finances, and understanding how to interact with financial institutions in addition to providing financial services.
What is the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda (AMIR) doing to support members during the COVID-19 crisis?
AMIR has been in close contact with its members, which include SACCOs and microfinance institutions across the country. We have held several meetings and conducted assessments to understand the impact of this situation on their operations. We have gathered ideas that need advocacy and engaged various stakeholders to see how best to support our members. We are currently negotiating with donors and other stakeholders to see how we can set up an emergency fund. We have also helped our members with policy documents and carried out online training. We’re now working to see how we can help institutions better serve clients through digital channels.
What are some of the solutions your members are implementing to support clients during this time?
Our members are allowing their clients to renegotiate payment terms on a case-by-case basis. MFIs and SACCOs are also working on their systems; they are working to implement digital channels so that they can serve their clients without their clients needing to come in. A few of our members are also training their clients on topics such as the usage of digital channels.
Fees and charges for mobile money can be difficult to afford. What can I do?
Check the latest update here.
According to MINICT: If you are asked to pay additional fees or charges for a cashless payment, like mobile money or a credit or debit card, call and report this using the toll-free number 3988.
Fees & Charges
Question: I am afraid of using cash and catching the COVID-19 virus right now. But fees and charges for mobile money can be difficult to afford. What can I do?
Answer: You are in luck! The Government of Rwanda is making sure that it is safer and easier for you to make and receive payments during this uncertain time. What you need to know is:
- There are ZERO charges when you transfer money between your bank account and your mobile wallet. You will have no charge to do so!
- There are ZERO fees when you make payments using your mobile account at a store or other merchant. This is for mobile money transfers, as well as for using POS devices at a shop or merchant.
- In fact, ALL electronic transactions will have no fees during this time of COVID-19.
- MTN will NOT charge fees for using mobile money – to send, receive, or pay bills – until at least June of 2020.
- Airtel is also eliminating fees for sending and receiving mobile money at this time, and mobile payments of utilities are free as well.
Cashing out from your account at an agent, however, still carries fees.
You do not need to worry about touching cash. These measures have been taken to make it easier for you to make your payments and receive money even when many fear to touch money.
Be Safe! Use mobile money and digital services to keep yourself healthy, safe, and fees will not be charged!
Reba ibishya bishya hano.
AMAKURU AGEZWEHO: U Rwanda rwagejeje uburyo bwifashisha ikoranabuhanga mu kwishyura ku bacuruzi n’abatanga serivisi.
Nk’uko tubitangarizwa na Ministeri y’ikoranabuhaga no guhanga udushya: Mugihe cyose uzabwirwa ko ugiye gukatwa amafaranga
Amafaranga umuntu acibwa bitewe no gukoresha mobile money
Ikibazo: Mfite impungenge ko nshobora kwandura COVID-19 bitewe no guhererekanya amafaranga. Gusa nanone, amafaranga baduca bitewe no gukoresha mobile money na yo ni menshi. Ubwo nakora iki?
Igisubizo: Humura! Leta y’u Rwanda iriho irakora ibishoboka byose kugira ngo wishyure cyangwa uhabwe amafaranga mu buryo bukoroheye kandi udashyize ubuzima bwawe mu kaga. Zirikana ko nta MAFARANGA uzacibwa
Ushobora kuvana amafaranga kuri konti yawe ukayohereza kuri terefoni, cyangwa ukayavana kuri terefoni ukayohereza kuri konti ku buntu. Nta yandi ucibwa!
Ushobora kugura ibintu muri butike cyangwa mu maduka ukoresheje konti yawe yo kuri terefoni yawe nta yandi mafaranga uciwe. Ibi wabikora wifashishije terefoni, na twa tumashini twabigenewe bishyuriraho mu maduka (POS).
Nukoresha uburyo BWOSE bwo guhererekanya amafaranga binyuze mu ikoranabuhanga, nta yandi uzacibwa.
NTA yandi mafaranga MTN izaguca nukoresha mobile money wohereza, wakira cyangwa kwishura fagitire kugeza nibura muri Kamena 2020.
Airtel na yo iriho irakuraho amafaranga yose umuntu yacibwaga kohereza no kwakira cyangwa yishura amashanyarazi, amazi, n’ibindi bikunze gukenerwa akoresheje terefoni.
Ibyo ari byo byose kubikuza amafaranga kuri telefoni yanyu ku muajenti hari amafaranga ukatwa.
Si ngombwa ko ugira impungenge zo kongera gukora ku mafaranga. Izi ngamba zose zafashwe kugira ngo woroherezwe kohereza, kwakira no kwishyura udakoze ku mafaranga muri iki gihe.
Irinde! Koresha mobile money na serivisi z’ikoranabuhanga kugira ngo urinde ubuzima bwawe, wizeye ko nta yandi mafaranga ucibwa.
Niba ushaka amakuru ajyanye na KOVIDI-19 mu Rwanda, hamagara nomero itishyuzwa 114
How is the Bank of Kigali meeting customer needs in this crisis?
How the Bank of Kigali meets customer needs in this crisis
The SME Response Clinic met with Santos Musonera, Head of Business of Bank of Kigali, to understand how they are meeting customer needs in this time of crisis.
“This is a very difficult time. As a bank, we are committed to making sure SMEs are supported not just during COVID-19 but also after. SMEs have always played and continue to play a critical role in our economy.”
What steps is Bank of Kigali undertaking to support its customers during the crisis?
The pandemic is driving digital initiatives at the bank. Now, more than ever, the bank is using digital platforms to support our clients. We have expanded our reach on the IKOFI platform, our platform for the agriculture sector, as their businesses have not stopped. It is really helping our customers to be able to transact. We have also established a 24/7 call center with double the staff, speaking all languages, to accommodate all customers.
In addition, the bank is working with clients on their ability to service their loans. Customers can request a grace period on interest and principal for three months, and we are also offering restructuring. We have introduced a new product, Turi Kumwe Special Loan, to support businesses hit by the pandemic. It provides up to two times the customers’ salary and is for a period of twelve months with a three-month grace period for the first payment. We’re also seeing an uptick in a microloan product we offer called Bkquick. The loan is almost instant, and you do not need to come into a branch or submit paper physically.
How should customers engage with the bank?
If you have a request, engage the bank as soon as possible by calling your Relationship Officer or Relationship Manager or via our call center.
- Call center number: 4455
- Twitter: @BankofKigali
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BankofKigali/
- Branch hours: 8.00am to 3.00pm from Monday – Friday, with some branches operating on Saturdays and Sundays. Dial the call center for more information.
- Bkquick loan: Dial *334# for USSD access.
Uko Bank ya Kigali irimo gufasha abakiriya bayo muri ibi bihe bidasanzwe
Itsinda ritanga ubufasha kuri ba rwiyemezamirimo baciriritse ryagereye bwana Santos Musonera, Umuyobozi w’ishami ry’ubucuruzi muri Banki ya Kigali, rimubaza icyo barimo gukora kugira ngo bafashe abakiriya babo muri ibi bihe bidasanzwe.
“Turi mu bihe botoroshye. Muri banki yacu turimo gukora ibishoboka byose ngo dufashe abakora ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi buciriritse, guca muri ibi bihe bya COVID-19 kandi bazakomeze akazi kabo na nyuma yayo. Ibikorwa by’ubucuruzi buciriritse byagize uruhare rukomeye mu bukungu bwacu, kandi bizakomeza.”
Ni izihe ngamba Banki ya Kigali yafashe kugira ngo ifashe abakiriya bayo muri iki gihe kitoroshye?
Iki cyorezo cyatumye tuyoboka inzira y’ikoranabuhanga. Ubu banki yacu irimo gukoresha ikoranabuhanga kuruta mbere hose. Twaguye porogaramu yacu ifasha abahinzi n’aborozi yitwa IKOFI, kuko bo ibikorwa byabo bitahagaze. Ifasha abakiriya bacu mu birebana no kugura no kwishyura. Nanone twashyizeho ikipe ikora iminsi yose amanywa n’ijoro (24/7), kugira ngo ijye isubiza ibibazo by’abakiriya bacu bavuga indimi zitandukanye.
Nanone banki yacu irimo kwita ku bakiriya bafite ibibazo bijyanye n’inguzanyo. Abakiriya bashobora gusaba kongererwa igihe cyo kwishyura inguzanyo, hagendewe ku gihe kingana n’amezi atatu. Nanone tubafasha kuvugurura amasezerano yo kwishyura inguzanyo bafashe. Twatangije n’ubundi bwoko budasanzwe bwo kwaka inguzanyo bwitwa Turi Kumwe Special Loan, mu rwego rwo gufasha abacuruzi bagizweho n’ingaruka z’iki cyorezo. Umukiriya ashobora guhabwa inguzanyo ikubye kabiri umushahara we; yishyurwa mu gihe cy’amezi cumi n’abiri, kandi umuntu akaba ashobora gutangira kwishyura nyuma y’amezi atatu ayihawe. Nanone turimo kureba uko twakwagura ubundi bwoko bw’inguzanyo dutanga yitwa BKquick. Iyo ni inguzanyo yihuse, kandi umukiriya ayihabwa bitabaye ngombwa ko yuzuza impapuro ngo azijyane ku ishami ryacu.”
Abakiriya bafite ikibazo bagana banki bate?
“Niba ufite ikibazo, ihutire kwegera banki uhamagara Urwego Rushinzwe Kwita ku Bakiriya cyangwa umwe mu bakozi barwo cyangwa agahamagara terefoni yacu.”
Terefoni yacu: 4455
Amasaha y’akazi mu mashami yacu: kuva ku wa Mbere kugeza ku wa Gatanu ni ukuva 8:00 (mu gitondo) kugeza 3:00 (z’umugoroba), no mu mashami amwe n’amwe akora ku wa Gatandatu no ku Cyumweru. Ukeneye ibindi bisobanuro wahamagara nomero yacu.
Ushaka inguzanyo ya BKquick: Kanda *334# ukurikize amabwiriza.