{"id":121386,"date":"2026-04-02T14:16:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T14:16:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/women-drivers-gain-car-ownership-in-bpr-volkswagen-deal"},"modified":"2026-04-02T14:35:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T14:35:51","slug":"women-drivers-gain-car-ownership-in-bpr-volkswagen-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/economy\/women-drivers-gain-car-ownership-in-bpr-volkswagen-deal","title":{"rendered":"Women Drivers Gain Car Ownership in BPR-Volkswagen Deal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Sylvie Kayitesi had spent nearly two years chasing a goal that always seemed just out of reach \u2013 owning a dream car. Now, thanks to a new financing initiative, that ambition is no longer distant but firmly within sight.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have been trying to save, but it seemed impossible,\u201d said the Kigali-based company driver.<\/p>\n

But that narrative is beginning to change.<\/p>\n

The initiative kicked off with 35 female drivers and is expected to expand steadily as more women join the programme.<\/p>\n

Kayitesi is among the first beneficiaries of a newly launched five-year renewable partnership between BPR Bank Rwanda Plc and Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda, designed to empower women drivers with access to affordable vehicle financing.<\/p>\n

Unveiled on Tuesday, March 31, the initiative kicked off with 35 female drivers and is expected to expand steadily as more women join the programme \u2014 marking a significant step toward reshaping gender participation in Rwanda\u2019s transport sector.<\/p>\n

For Kayitesi, the initiative\u2019s impact is immediate and personal \u2014 but also symbolic of a wider transformation underway.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis will help me generate more income and develop myself and others,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Her story underscores a growing momentum among women entering and thriving in the transport industry.<\/p>\n

\u201cYear by year, women are growing. This should encourage those who still think driving is for men,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Breaking barriers to ownership<\/p>\n

At the heart of the programme is a flexible financing model that lowers the entry barrier for women. Beneficiaries can make a down payment starting from 10 per cent, with options of 20 or 30 per cent for more favourable loan terms, while the remaining balance is repaid over up to five years.<\/p>\n

The initiative kicked off with 35 female drivers and is expected to expand steadily as more women join the programme. Courtesy<\/p>\n

For Kayitesi, this is transformative.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow I see it is possible. It will not just be about driving, but also owning,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Her optimism reflects a broader shift the partnership aims to unlock \u2014 turning drivers into asset owners and income generators.<\/p>\n

Closing the gender gap in transport<\/p>\n

Speaking at the launch, BPR Rwanda Plc Managing Director Patience Mutesi said the initiative directly addresses long-standing barriers limiting women\u2019s participation in male-dominated sectors.<\/p>\n

BPR Rwanda Plc Managing Director Patience Mutesi, speaks during the launch of the new initiative.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than half of Rwanda\u2019s population are women, yet sectors like mechanics, construction and driving still have low female participation,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She pointed to limited access to finance as a major obstacle, noting that empowering women economically has ripple effects beyond individual success.<\/p>\n

Mutesi underscored that women\u2019s earnings often support families and contribute to community development, including education. She also urged beneficiaries to strengthen their financial discipline.<\/p>\n

\u201cBanks are here to support your growth. Keeping clear records of your income will make it easier to access more financing in the future,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Driving inclusion, powering opportunity<\/p>\n

For Serge Kamuhinda, the initiative goes beyond financing as it is about redefining the future of mobility in Rwanda.<\/p>\n

Serge Kamuhinda, CEO of Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda addresses beneficiaries at the launch of the new initiative.<\/p>\n

\u201cTransport is essential to daily life. By empowering women, we are connecting them to opportunities and strengthening the sector,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Kamuhinda stated that Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda is targeting to raise women\u2019s participation in its operations within the next five years, a move which implies long-term commitment to inclusivity.<\/p>\n

He added that the partnership with BPR reflects shared values and a sustained focus on women\u2019s economic empowerment.<\/p>\n

Serge Kamuhinda, CEO of Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda and BPR Rwanda Plc Managing Director Patience Mutesi, during the signing ceremony on Tuesday, March 31. Courtesy.<\/p>\n

Officials pose for a group photo with the beneficiaries of a newly launched five-year renewable partnership between BPR Bank Rwanda Plc and Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda<\/p>\n\r\n