Rwanda Secures $190m World Bank-Backed Loan in First Yen Borrowing

Rwanda has secured approximately $190 million through a 15-year loan backed by the World Bank, marking the country’s first government borrowing denominated in Japanese yen.

The financing is expected to support Rwanda’s budget and development priorities, including infrastructure, healthcare, education and agriculture.

The move also represents an effort by Rwanda to diversify its sources and currencies of external financing.

For Rwanda, accessing the Japanese yen market provides another option for raising long-term development financing while strengthening its relationship with international financial institutions.

The government will now have to manage the financing carefully as it balances development needs with the long-term cost of external borrowing.