Rwanda’s Economy Expands 10% in First Quarter, Driven by Services
Rwanda’s GDP expanded 10% in the first quarter of 2026, according to the national statistics agency. Services remained the largest contributor to economic activity, followed by industry and agriculture. The country extended a strong growth streak that saw GDP rise 9. 4% in 2025. Rwanda’s economy grew by 10% in the. . .
Rwanda’s GDP expanded 10% in the first quarter of 2026, according to the national statistics agency. Services remained the largest contributor to economic activity, followed by industry and agriculture. The country extended a strong growth streak that saw GDP rise 9. 4% in 2025. Rwanda’s economy grew by 10% in the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest report from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), released on June 16. The expansion was driven primarily by the services, agriculture, and industrial sectors. Services accounted for 52% of GDP, supported by growth in wholesale and retail trade, transportation, and information and communications services. Industry was the second-largest contributor, representing 24% of GDP, with mining, construction, and manufacturing among the main growth drivers. Agriculture contributed 19% of GDP, helped by higher food crop production. Net taxes on products accounted for the remaining 5%. Strong Economic Momentum ContinuesRwanda has maintained solid economic growth in recent years. The economy expanded by 9. 4% in 2025, according to the NISR. As of June 2025, Rwanda’s public debt stood at 74. 8% of GDP, below the government's initial projection of 80. 5%, according to a report released by the Ministry of Finance on April 27, 2026. The improvement reflects what authorities describe as prudent macroeconomic management, the revision of national GDP figures, and the phased financing of major projects such as Kigali’s new international airport and the expansion of national carrier RwandAir. For 2026, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts GDP growth of 6. 8%. Ingrid Haffiny