Kigali, May 2025 – Rwanda has released its first official Economic Bulletin, revealing impressive progress across key sectors. The report shows the country’s economy expanded by 8.9% last year, with unemployment falling to 11.1% and inflation stabilizing at 4.8%.
The findings highlight Rwanda’s ability to maintain strong economic performance despite global challenges. Growth has been driven by several factors including increased agricultural production, major infrastructure projects, and expansion in the services sector. Construction and food crop production have been particularly important contributors to this success.
Looking ahead, experts predict the economy will grow by 7.1% this year. Major developments like the new Kigali International Airport and RwandAir’s expansion are expected to support continued growth. The report also notes positive trends in employment, with more jobs being created in hospitality, finance, and technology sectors.
Inflation control has been another success story. After reaching 14% in 2023, consumer price increases slowed significantly to 4.8% last year. While there was a small rise to 6.7% early this year due to higher food costs, the central bank has kept interest rates steady at 6.5% to maintain stability.
The government’s careful financial management has kept debt at sustainable levels despite necessary spending on pandemic recovery. A new tax reform program aims to further strengthen Rwanda’s finances by broadening the tax base over the next five years.
For businesses and investors, the report offers encouraging news. Foreign currency reserves remain healthy, covering more than five months of imports. The growing workforce and stable economic environment make Rwanda an increasingly attractive destination for investment in East Africa.
The Economic Bulletin represents an important step forward in transparency, providing clear, reliable data to help businesses, policymakers and citizens understand the nation’s economic progress. With continued focus on infrastructure, agriculture and digital innovation, Rwanda appears well-positioned for sustained growth in the years ahead.
The full report is available from Rwanda’s Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and the National Bank of Rwanda.
Download report here https://www.bnr.rw/documents/Economic_Bulletin_Vol1_Updated.pdf
