Bank of Kigali Celebrates Diwali, Pledges Support to Indian Entrepreneurs in Rwanda

The Bank of Kigali joined the Indian community in Kigali to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, pledging continued financial support to Indians running businesses across Rwanda. The celebration took place on October 11, 2025, at MD Hill Garden in Kimironko, Gasabo District, drawing members of the Indian diaspora and showcasing the community’s cultural traditions.

Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali meaning “a series of lights,” is celebrated over five days, with the third day considered the main day of the festival. Traditionally, it is a time for family reunions, gift-giving, charity, and reflection, with homes decorated with clay lamps and candles.

In Kigali, the festivities included performances by popular Indian artists and musicians, such as Nitin Shankar, Anup Shankar, Mayur Datta, Deepak Walke, Brijesh Shah, Ganesh Thorat, Arif Sheikh, Rupali Ghogare, Jyoti Shankar, Sanchari Sengupta, and Ram Deshpande, with music from iconic Bollywood films delighting attendees.

Mukunzi Darius, Head of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises at Bank of Kigali, expressed the bank’s commitment to supporting the Indian business community in Rwanda.

“We are very happy to celebrate Diwali with Indians living in Rwanda. We appreciate their important role in business, particularly in industry, healthcare, and essential goods,” he said.

Darius emphasized that the bank offers tailored financial services for all sectors, including corporates, SMEs, agribusiness, and livestock, aiming to help Indian entrepreneurs grow their businesses. “To the entire Indian community, we wish that the festival of lights illuminates your lives with happiness, peace, and success,” he added.

According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Indian investors contributed $445.1 million across 35 projects in 2024, highlighting the diaspora’s significant role in Rwanda’s economic development.

The Bank of Kigali’s partnership with the Indian community reflects ongoing efforts to support cross-cultural entrepreneurship and strengthen Rwanda’s growing investment landscape.