Rwanda: economy

What is the GDP growth rate of Rwanda?

Rwanda's economy grew 9.4% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same quarter of 2025, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). Industry grew 18%, services 7% and agriculture 4%. GDP at current prices was Frw 7,174 billion in the quarter.

Quarterly growth is measured at constant 2024 prices. Within industry, construction rose 24% and mining and quarrying 26%. For full years, the IMF World Economic Outlook puts growth at 9.4% in 2025 and projects 7.4% for 2026, while the Ministry of Finance, after the first IMF programme review, projects 7.8% for 2026. NISR publishes GDP each quarter, about ten weeks after the quarter ends.

Official sources: NISR: GDP national accounts, Q2 2026 · IMF DataMapper: Real GDP growth, Rwanda · MINECOFIN: IMF first review statement

What is the inflation rate in Rwanda?

Urban consumer prices in Rwanda were 17.2% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, up from 15.7% in August, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). Food and non-alcoholic drinks rose 20.9% over the year and energy 45%.

The urban index is the headline measure used for monetary policy. The full September report also shows rural prices up 22% and the all-Rwanda index up 20%. Urban inflation was 7.3% in September 2025; the Ministry of Finance links the rise to higher international oil and fertilizer prices. The National Bank of Rwanda's medium-term target is 5%.

Official sources: NISR: Consumer Price Index, September 2026 · NISR: CPI report, September 2026 (PDF)

What is the central bank rate in Rwanda?

The National Bank of Rwanda raised its Central Bank Rate by 0.5 percentage points to 8.75% at its August 2026 Monetary Policy Committee meeting, according to the BNR press briefing presentation, August 2026.

The Central Bank Rate is the benchmark rate for the interbank market and for bank lending. The increase followed headline inflation of 14.5% in July 2026; the bank projects inflation will stay above 8% in 2026. The MPC meets quarterly, and its statements and press releases are published on the National Bank of Rwanda website.

Official sources: National Bank of Rwanda: MPC and FSC press briefing, August 2026 (PDF)

What is the GDP per capita of Rwanda?

Rwanda's GDP per person was about $1,156 in 2025, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook, which projects about $1,290 for 2026. The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda puts the resident population at 14,418,145 in 2026.

Dollar figures move with the exchange rate of the Rwandan franc, so they can grow more slowly or faster than real output. NISR publishes GDP per head in Rwandan francs in its annual national accounts.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: GDP per capita, Rwanda · NISR: Key figures

What is Rwanda's trade balance?

Rwanda's formal trade deficit in goods was $255.3 million in August 2026, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). The IMF puts the current account deficit at 9.8% of GDP in 2025 and projects 10.5% for 2026, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook.

NISR publishes formal external trade in goods each month and quarter, covering exports, imports and re-exports recorded by customs. Informal cross-border trade is reported separately. The current account also includes services such as tourism, income flows and transfers such as remittances.

Official sources: NISR: Key figures · IMF DataMapper: Current account balance, Rwanda

What is Rwanda's economic growth rate?

In 2025, real GDP growth in Rwanda was 9.4%, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from -2.8% (2020) to 11.2% (2008). Sub-Saharan Africa median: 4.6%; Rwanda is 2nd highest of 46. Worldwide: 6th of 180.

What is Rwanda's GDP per person?

$1,124: that is GDP per person in Rwanda for 2025, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: $1,351; Rwanda is 32nd highest of 46. Worldwide: 166th of 180.

How does Rwanda's income per person compare after prices?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $4,164 in international dollars. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: $4,425 in international dollars; Rwanda is 26th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 156th of 179.

What share of Rwanda's economy is exports?

According to the World Bank, exports of goods and services in Rwanda was 21.6% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 10.2% of GDP (2005) to 28.4% of GDP (2024). Sub-Saharan Africa median: 26.1% of GDP; Rwanda is 22nd highest of 38. Worldwide: 102nd of 133.

What is Rwanda's current account balance?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2024, is -12.0% of GDP (a deficit). Since 2010 it has ranged from -15.5% of GDP (2016) to -6.6% of GDP (2010). Sub-Saharan Africa median: -4.2% of GDP; Rwanda is 32nd highest of 36. Worldwide: 146th of 162.

What is FDI in Rwanda?

The IMF puts net inflows of foreign direct investment in Rwanda at 5.9% of GDP in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 2.0% of GDP; Rwanda is 9th highest of 46. Worldwide: 31st of 179.

What interest rate do banks charge in Rwanda?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2024, is 16.0%. The peak was 17.3% in 2015 and the low 15.8% in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 16.0%, and Rwanda placed 12th highest of 23. World rank, highest first: 20th of 89.