In conversation with new BPR Bank MD, Patience Mutesi

Patience Mutesi assumed the position of Managing Director at BPR Bank Rwanda PLC on February 1st of this year, succeeding George Odhiambo, who now leads the National Bank of Kenya. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Mutesi delved into the intricacies of the recent merger between KCB Rwanda and BPR Bank, now known as BPR Bank Rwanda PLC. The merger brought together the corporate strength of KCB Rwanda and the extensive retail network of BPR, creating a unified entity with 154 branches catering to retail, SME, and corporate clients across Rwanda. The integration process involved aligning strategies, products, and services to ensure a seamless customer experience. Mutesi highlighted the successful culmination of the integration, leading to positive feedback from customers despite initial teething issues. The bank's focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and green financing showcases its commitment to driving private sector-led growth and contributing to Rwanda's economic development. Furthermore, Mutesi touched on the bank's expansion plans within the East African region, leveraging the KCB Group's presence in eight countries to facilitate trade and offer real-time fund transfers. Embracing digital transformation, BPR Bank aims to enhance operational efficiencies and meet customer demands through innovative digital solutions. Mutesi emphasized the importance of digital inclusion and green financing in the banking sector's outlook for 2023, signaling a continued focus on supporting business recovery and fostering financial inclusion through collaborative efforts with fintech and telecommunications partners.