BPR Bank Rwanda has launched a platform to facilitate the buying and selling of shares among minority shareholders, opening a structured channel for investors seeking either to increase their stake or sell their shares.
The platform, unveiled at the bank's headquarters in Kigali on Monday, June 22, is currently restricted to existing and registered shareholders as part of efforts to resolve legacy shareholding issues before any wider participation.
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Strengthening shareholder management after restructuring
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Speaking at the launch, BPR Bank Rwanda Managing Director Patience Mutesi said the initiative marks another milestone in a broader process aimed at strengthening shareholder management following the bank's restructuring and merger.
"BPR currently has two categories of shareholders, with KCB Group holding 87.56 per cent of the bank's shares while minority shareholders collectively own the remaining 12.44 per cent."
According to Mutesi, the bank first prioritised updating shareholder records, a process that has so far covered 42 per cent of minority shareholders.
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Share valuation and improved performance
The exercise was followed by issuance of share certificates and a valuation process conducted in 2025 to establish a clearer market reference for shareholders.
While the nominal value of a BPR share remained at Rwf1,000 after the merger, the recent BPR valuation determined the share value within the range of Rwf2,371 and Rwf2,906.
"That means the value of a BPR share has almost tripled within three to four years after the merger, which reflects the progress the bank has made," Mutesi said.
Since becoming a commercial bank in 2007, BPR had not distributed dividends because of profitability challenges. Following improved performance after the merger, shareholders received dividends for the 2024 financial year and approved another payout during the annual general meeting held in May 2026.
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Digital platform to boost transparency and efficiency
Mutesi said the latest platform responds to demands from shareholders who wanted a simpler and more transparent way to trade their shares.
"We partnered with BK Capital to provide a system that is seamless, transparent and efficient to facilitate the buying and selling of shares, primarily among our minority shareholders," she said.
She added that BK Capital was selected after reviewing several proposals and identifying the brokerage firm as the partner best aligned with the bank's shareholder structure and service requirements.
For now, access remains limited to existing shareholders.
"We want to give current shareholders first priority to increase their shareholding. At a later stage, depending on demand, the opportunity may be extended further," Mutesi said.
Regulatory framework and merger commitments
Pascal Nyiringango, a member of BPR Bank Rwanda's Board of Directors, said the temporary limitation is guided by commitments made during the merger rather than an attempt to exclude investors.
"We are not restricting shareholders per se. We are guided by the shareholding agreement signed during the merger and any future adjustments will have to be discussed and approved through shareholders' meetings," he said.
Minority shareholders welcome the move
Representing minority shareholders, Romuard Mukwiye said the platform addresses a challenge that shareholders had faced for years.
"We have been waiting for such a mechanism because some members wanted to sell and recover the value of their investment while others wanted to increase their stake, but there was no organised process," he said.
Mukwiye added that improved profitability should encourage shareholders to remain invested.
"The bank went through difficult years but it has now recovered and is operating profitably. We encourage members to continue investing in its future," he said.
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Theogene Rutayisire, Manager for Shareholder Relations at BPR Bank Rwanda, said transactions will initially be processed digitally through forms available on the bank's website and designated email channels before expanding to branch level in later phases.
He said shareholders may receive proceeds through mobile money/Airtel Money, although bank accounts remain the preferred option because they simplify transfers and reduce transaction costs.
How to use the platform
A person who wishes to buy or sell shares can, in the first phase, visit the BPR website to download the application forms for buying, selling, or matching orders, or use the BPR Buy and Sell Shares Page link BPR Buy and Sell Shares Page, The forms can also be requested via info@bpr.rw or sharetrading@bpr.rw. Once fully completed, they should be sent to sharetrading@bpr.rw together with the applicant's identification details.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the purchase or sale of shares, please call BK Capital on 0788143434/0788143141 or send an SMS/Whatsapp to 0798284430 or email registrar@bk.rw.
