Founded in 1997 by World Relief as Urwego Community Banking, the bank joined the HOPE International network in 2005, shortly after Peter Greer became HOPE’s president. In 2007, the bank merged with Opportunity International Bank of Rwanda to become Urwego Opportunity Bank.

With the approval of the National Bank of Rwanda, Opportunity International sold its 50 percent ownership of Urwego to HOPE International in 2017, making HOPE a 99 percent shareholder in the bank, with World Relief continuing to own 1 percent. “We are delighted to deepen our long-standing partnership with Urwego,” said Greer. “We are confident in Urwego’s team and have seen their example of Christ-like servant leadership. Together, we will stay true to Urwego’s calling and do everything in our power to support continual operational excellence and significant impact throughout Rwanda.”