Bosco Nsabimana, a father of eight children and the owner of a wholesale crop business in Rwanda, had big dreams.
He dreamed of expanding his business while empowering his community financially, spiritually, and emotionally, but there was a problem. The only microfinance institutions he was familiar with didn’t align with his ambitions.
Economic opportunity
So, when Bosco learned about Urwego Finance, HOPE International’s microfinance institution in Rwanda, he was amazed.
“I appreciated Urwego’s commitment to ethical lending practices, such as fair interest rates, transparent terms, and helping clients improve their financial, spiritual, and personal well-being rather than solely maximizing profits like what most banks do in Rwanda,” Bosco shares.
Eager to scale his business and positively impact his community, Bosco took out his first loan ($50 U.S.) from Urwego Finance to purchase more corn, rice, and beans. As he sold these harvests and business profits increased, he took out subsequent loans. With this capital, Bosco purchased more land to build and open more wholesale food stores throughout the country. He also used a loan to purchase two trucks for transporting crops from farms to his storage facilities.
Job creation for the community
Bosco (left) and his employee, who lives with a disability
With his new stores ripe for workers, Bosco has seasonally or permanently employed over 500 people, including youth and people living with disabilities.
Being Urwego’s client was an opportunity for me to contribute to positive social change and make a difference in the lives of others.
True to his word, Bosco and his wife now pay health insurance fees for over 50 people in his community.
A brighter family future
Bosco and his family
In addition to expanding his business and uplifting his community, Bosco’s life at home has changed for the better. His family has found more financial stability!
To improve their living conditions, Bosco built his family’s home. He shares, “Our children have been able to go to good schools for a better education, and our savings have increased.”
Spiritual transformation
“I had worked with so many banks and microfinance institutions in Rwanda. But when I listened to what the Urwego staff was telling us, I was fascinated by Christian principles and values, finding comfort and alignment in conducting financial transactions within a faith-based framework,” Bosco shares.
As a result of Bosco’s relationship with Urwego and faith in Christ, he is now known for creating a positive work environment, contributing to employee morale, and fostering a sense of purpose in the community. In addition, Bosco encourages his workers and community to pray corporately and participate in Bible studies and other faith-based initiatives.
I always share my stories at church and with community members about my experience in personal growth, resilience, and faith. … My dream is to be a light to so many people who are hopeless.
Future dreams
Bosco aims to be the leading crop distributor in the districts where he operates in Rwanda. And he has plans to expand to the rest of the country, with the goal of employing more than 200 permanent employees by 2025.
He shares, “If it wasn’t for Urwego’s loans and good staff, I wouldn’t be empowered and enabled to pursue my goals and aspirations. I have been able to expand my business. Our living conditions have improved dramatically, and this has provided the financial means to take control of our lives, future children, and our community.”
To learn more about the powerful impact of microfinance and the Gospel, visit https://www.hopeinternational.org/what-we-do/the-impact.
