CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Hatana Program (Phase 3)
Accelerating finance readiness and strategic growth
for Rwandan SMEs
A high-impact, four-month journey designed to unlock growth, strengthen governance, and prepare Rwandan Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to confidently access affordable financing.
Secure your spot in Cohort 1 today.
Applications close on September 5th, 2025
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Overview
The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), in partnership with the African Management Institute (AMI), is proud to launch Phase 3 of Hatana– a Technical Assistance Program, a high-impact, four-month journey designed to unlock growth, strengthen governance, and prepare Rwandan Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to access affordable financing confidently.
Rooted in the understanding that SMEs are key drivers of Rwanda’s economic transformation, the Hatana Technical Assistance Program takes a holistic and adaptive approach to enterprise development, strengthening core business practices such as:
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Strategic planning
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Operational efficiency
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Talent management
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Financial structuring and access to finance
This is more than a training; it’s a strategic journey toward resilience, growth, and access to finance.
As a participating SME, you will benefit from:
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Personalized growth plan: Collaborate with experts to create a tailored roadmap aligned with your vision and needs
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Essential tools & content: Access proven resources, templates, and courses in English and/or Kinyarwanda covering finance, operations, and more.
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1:1 & Group coaching: Get guidance from experienced business coaches to implement stronger business practices.
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Peer networks: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs to share insights and solutions.
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Dynamic Learning Sessions: Boost Your Skills and Confidence Through Interactive Workshops.
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Finance & compliance: Gain clarity on accessing funding and building systems to engage confidently with banks and investors.
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Certificate of achievement: Celebrate your progress with a formal recognition of your growth.
This program is FULLY SPONSORED.
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The program targets established Rwandan Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with strong growth potential, especially those seeking to improve operations and access affordable loans through financial institutions.
Eligibility criteria:
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Registered business in Rwanda with at least 50% local ownership and 75% private ownership
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Operational for at least 3 years
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Annual turnover:
Between FRW 1–20 million (Small enterprise)
Between FRW 20–500 million (Medium enterprise)
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Employ at least five (5) permanent staff
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Operate in one of the following sectors:
Construction materials and related value chains
Agro-processing and related value chains
Textiles and related value chains
Light manufacturing (e.g., medical consumables, electronics)
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Must not have received an Hatana Tubigeraneho program-funded loan or participated in an AMI capacity building within the last 24 months
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The deadline to apply is September 5, 2025
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Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage.
Start your application now!
Overview
The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), in partnership with the African Management Institute (AMI), is proud to launch Cohort 1 of the Hatana Technical Assistance (TA) Programme - a powerful, seven-month journey tailored for Rwanda’s high-potential Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The Programme is designed to unlock business growth and build finance-readiness through a rich, practical experience that includes:
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Expert-led coaching sessions
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Peer learning and support networks
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Tailored tools and content designed for real-world SME challenges
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Hands-on strategies to scale your business sustainably
Start your journey
Tailored Support through
FIRST+ II Financial Inclusion
Business Growth
Whether you’re looking to enter new markets or scale your operations, FIRST+ II Financial Inclusion will provide the strategies and resources to help you succeed.
Financial Access
Learn how to secure the financing and investments needed to fuel your growth.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with a powerful network of peers, and agribusiness experts across Africa.
About AMI
The African Management Institute (AMI) is Africa’s leading learning and development company, with a decade of experience in powering the performance of the continent's ambitious businesses, organizations, and people.
We provide practical programmes, tools, and training that target specific business, organizational and individual performance outcomes.
We believe...
skilled people build thriving businesses
thriving businesses create quality jobs
and quality jobs drive prosperity and dignity.
About Hatana & the partnership with BRD
In April 2020, the Government of Rwanda (GoR) established an Economic Recovery Fund (ERF) to support the recovery of businesses hit by the COVID-19 pandemic so that they can survive, resume operations and safeguard employment, thereby cushioning the economic effects of the pandemic.
The Access to Finance for Recovery and Resilience (AFIRR) is a project designed to further support the ERF by increasing access to finance towards businesses post COVID-19.
The component of the project that is implemented by BRD Plc is referred to as Hatana- ERF 2, and provides affordable long-term financing for commercially viable projects in the manufacturing value chains.
As part of this effort, The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), has partnered with the African Management Institute (AMI) to equip 50 growth-ready SMEs with the skills, strategies, and confidence to scale, improve governance, and access the capital they need to thrive through the Hatana Technical Assistance (TA) Program.
Need more information:
Visit: hatana.brd.rw
Email: rwanda@africanmanagers.com
Phone: +250 78 733 9435 (AMI) / +250 79 150 1068 (BRD)