The bank said the programme is aimed at easing the cost of education while building the skills Rwanda needs to support long-term economic growth.

Many beneficiaries have completed their studies and gone on to work in the public and private sectors, while others have started their own businesses, BRD said.

Students have repaid 54.8 billion francs over the past decade, with the money being channelled back into the programme to help finance new students.

BRD has also provided about 66,000 computers to students receiving education loans, helping them access digital learning tools and develop technology skills.

The bank said it would continue working with partners to expand access to education and skills, describing investment in students as an investment in Rwanda’s wider economy.