Digital lending platform Numida launches in Rwanda to expand access to business loans

Kigali, Rwanda, March 25, 2026 - A technology-driven lending company has officially launched operations in Rwanda, offering quick, collateral-free loans to small business owners in a move aimed at improving financial inclusion. The platform, Numida, enables users to apply for business loans via a mobile application, with approvals and disbursements made within 24 hours. Loan amounts range from 800,000 Rwandan francs to 12 million francs, with repayment periods of up to 30 days. The launch event took place in Kigali on March 24, 2026, and marks the company’s formal entry into the Rwandan financial market. To access the service, applicants are required to have a smartphone, a national ID, a passport photo, and a legally registered business operating in Rwanda for at least six months, along with documentation from the Rwanda Development Board. Numida Chief Executive Officer Mina Shahid said the platform is designed to support small businesses and aligns with Rwanda’s long-term development goals under Vision 2050, which aims to broaden access to financial services and drive economic growth. Officials from the Central Bank of Rwanda (BNR) confirmed that the company has received the necessary authorization to operate as a non-deposit-taking lending institution, emphasizing that it meets regulatory requirements. A representative from the BNR noted that expanding access to credit is part of the country’s strategy to support entrepreneurship and business development. Early beneficiaries have already reported positive experiences, with small business owners stating that the platform provides faster and easier access to funding compared to traditional financial institutions. Since beginning operations in Rwanda, Numida has reportedly disbursed around 120 million Rwandan francs in loans to approximately 150 entrepreneurs. The company already operates in Uganda and Kenya and has facilitated over 150 million dollars in loans across the region, supporting thousands of small businesses. It aims to expand its reach further in Rwanda throughout 2026.