CEO Winter School 2025 – Kigali: A Milestone for Regional Microfinance Collaboration.
The Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda (AMIR), in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Association of Microfinance Institutions (ZAMFI), has successfully hosted the CEO Winter School 2025 — a landmark event held from 18th to 19th August 2025 at Sainte Famille Hotels, Ltd.
Bringing together nearly 100 Chief Executive Officers of MFIs, Managing Directors of District SACCOs, policymakers, financial sector regulators, industry experts, and consultants from Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Kenya, the Winter School created a powerful learning and exchange platform to address current challenges, anticipate future trends, and design transformative strategies for the microfinance sector.
The Winter School was officially opened by:
Hon. Godfrey Kabera, Minister of State for National Treasury, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and Prof. Charity Manyeruke, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Rwanda.
Their participation underscored the importance of microfinance as a strategic driver for inclusive economic transformation in the region.
Under the theme:
“Forging Sustainable Partnerships in the Microfinance Ecosystem for Wealth Creation”,
the workshop aimed to:
Foster long-term partnerships between MFIs and key ecosystem players
Provide a reflective and engaging space for sector dialogue
Share best practices and innovations from Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Promote microfinance as a tool for inclusive wealth creation, not just poverty alleviation
Explore emerging frontiers like digital transformation, green finance, and AI in microfinance
Throughout the two-day event, participants explored critical and emerging issues, including:
Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence in Microfinance.
Technology and ICT Integration
Green and Climate Financing
Leadership and Strategic Partnerships
The Winter School concluded with the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to participants. Delegates expressed gratitude for the rich learning experience and networking opportunities the event provided.
