BPR Financial institution Rwanda Plc, a part of the KCB Group, has dedicated Rwf150 million in the direction of the 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally scheduled for July 10–12, reaffirming its place in supporting motorsport development.
The sponsorship, unveiled in the course of the official presentation of the rally on Wednesday, July 8, will assist the organisation of the third spherical of the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC), whereas additionally backing 5 main rally crews.
This 12 months’s version is anticipated to draw greater than 35 crews from seven international locations, competing throughout 18 thrilling phases masking 397.52 kilometres, together with 252 kilometres of aggressive racing.
Talking on the launch, BPR Financial institution Rwanda Chief Operators Officer Godfrey Kariuki Kamau stated the funding displays the financial institution’s perception that sport can drive social and financial transformation.
“Sport stays one of the highly effective platforms to encourage younger individuals, nurture expertise, construct a long-lasting legacy and contribute to financial development,” Kamau stated.
He famous that KCB Group has to this point invested greater than $3.5 million in sports activities improvement throughout East Africa, supporting athletics, soccer, rugby, volleyball, chess, golf and motorsport.
In Rwanda, the group has additionally invested in motorsport over time, serving to drivers and navigators compete in nationwide and continental championships.
Backing rally crews and occasion organisation
In contrast to earlier editions, when the financial institution’s assist targeted totally on sponsoring rally crews, this 12 months's funding has additionally been prolonged to the Rwanda Vehicle Membership (RAC) to strengthen the organisation behind the nation's flagship motorsport occasion.
For this 12 months rally, BPR Financial institution will sponsor 5 crews, Karan Patel, Queen Kalimpinya, Oscar Ntambi, Tinashe Gatimu and Nikhil Sachania, along with their co-drivers.
Kamau stated the partnership goes past motorsport.
“We imagine this occasion is not going to solely showcase the easiest of African motorsport but in addition reinforce Rwanda’s rising status as a number one vacation spot for worldwide sporting occasions.”
Drivers welcome continued company assist
The continued funding has been welcomed by opponents, who say company backing stays important for the expansion of the game.
Rwandan driver Queen Kalimpinya and Kenyan driver Karan Patel, each supported by BPR Financial institution, acknowledged the financial institution’s long-term dedication to motorsport and its rising position in supporting opponents past particular person rally occasions.
“I'm really grateful to have BPR Financial institution supporting us. Up to now, they solely supported us in the course of the Mountain Gorilla Rally, however now they stand with us all through the season,” Kalimpinya stated.
“They supply each monetary and mechanical assist wherever we compete. Whereas it doesn't cowl each expense, it makes an enormous distinction, and we're very grateful for his or her continued dedication to motorsport.”
Patel stated “BPR Financial institution has been a implausible companion, and we're genuinely grateful for his or her continued assist.”
Patel recommended BPR Financial institution’s ongoing partnership, saying his crew is grateful for the establishment’s constant assist over time.
“Their sponsorship has performed an necessary position in serving to us compete on the highest stage, significantly in occasions just like the Mountain Gorilla Rally. Past the monetary assist, having a revered establishment like BPR Financial institution behind our workforce offers us confidence and credibility,” he stated.
“The partnership has grown stronger over time, with elevated assist that displays the belief we've constructed collectively. We're proud to signify the BPR Financial institution model and look ahead to reaching even larger success collectively sooner or later.”
Mountain Gorilla Rally’s rising continental profile
Rwanda Vehicle Membership President Christian Gakwaya stated the sustained backing from BPR Financial institution and different companions has performed a key position in reworking the occasion into one in all Africa's main rallies.
“We’re pleased and honoured to welcome our companions as soon as once more. Their continued assist has helped the Mountain Gorilla Rally develop yearly and appeal to among the greatest drivers on the continent,” he stated.
First held in 1999, Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally has developed into one in all Africa’s premier rally occasions. With stronger company backing, rising worldwide participation and continued funding within the sport.
Organisers imagine Rwanda is effectively positioned to strengthen its standing as one of many continent's main motorsport locations.
With its newest Rwf150 million funding, BPR Financial institution says it’s not solely supporting a rally, however investing in Rwanda motorsport ecosystem. This helps develop native expertise, appeal to worldwide competitors and place the nation as a number one vacation spot for motorsport in Africa.
