Key Findings from the Recently Released EICV7 Survey in Rwanda

By Kanamugire Emmanuel

On 16th April 2025, the Government of Rwanda, through the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), released the findings of the Seventh Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7), which revealed that approximately 1.5 million Rwandans have been lifted out of poverty over the past seven years.

Currently, 27.4% of Rwandans live in poverty, while those in extreme poverty now account for 5.4% of the total population. This represents a 12.4% decrease in poverty and a 5.9% drop in extreme poverty between 2017 and 2024.

During the launch of the findings, Prime Minister Dr Ngirente stated that the implementation of the First National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) from 2017 to 2024 saw Rwanda and its partners make significant investments that improved the wellbeing of the population, particularly through direct support programmes and employment initiatives under the Vision 2020 Umurenge Programme (VUP) aimed at low-income households.

The Prime Minister added, “Notably, the country’s swift economic recovery following COVID-19 created numerous job opportunities, especially for young people and those capable of working.”

He went on to explain that in the four years following the pandemic, the economy grew at an annual rate of over 9.1%, driven by the positive performance across various sectors.

As a result of this economic growth, Rwandans are now better able to afford a balanced diet, access quality healthcare, educate their children, and generally enjoy improved living standards.

While acknowledging the progress made, the Prime Minister emphasised that Rwanda still has a long journey ahead in its quest to eradicate poverty entirely. He stressed the need for continued investment in education and skills development to prepare the population for the future job market.

He further stated that the government will continue to invest in essential services such as electricity, water and sanitation, and healthcare.

Dr Ngirente noted that the findings of the EICV7 survey coincide with the launch of the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the Vision 2050 agenda. The data will also be used to track Rwanda’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At present, 14 out of 30 districts have poverty rates above the national average of 27.4%. These include: Nyamagabe (51.4%), Gisagara (45.6%), Rusizi (44.2%), Nyanza (43.3%), Nyamasheke (42.8%), Rutsiro (40.8%), Nyaruguru (39.7%), Kamonyi (39.7%), Rubavu (38.8%), Karongi (38.2%), Kayonza (36.6%), Nyagatare (36.4%), Ngoma (30.9%) and Ngororero (30.2%).

The EICV7 also revealed that in 2024, the proportion of households receiving remittances doubled compared to seven years ago, reaching 59%. The total value of remittances rose to RWF 198 billion from RWF 78 billion in 2017, with RWF 70 billion sent from abroad.

Additionally, the survey showed that households using environmentally friendly fuels increased from 1% in 2017 to 5.4% in 2024. However, 34% of urban households still rely on firewood, compared to 93% in rural areas. Charcoal remains the most used cooking fuel in urban areas (51%), while only 6% of rural households use it.

In Kigali, 23% of households cook with gas, 59% use charcoal, and 17% still rely on firewood.

Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, remarked that the number of households using clean energy remains low and called for substantial investment to make fuels such as gas more affordable.

In education, NISR data shows that primary school enrolment reached 140% in 2024, with 42% of children completing the cycle between ages 14 and 16, up from 31% in 2017.

Access to clean water improved to 90% of the population, up from 87% in 2017, although only 45% of the population report being fully satisfied with their water access.

Some 68% of people reach a water source in under 30 minutes, while 21% take more than 30 minutes. The proportion of households with water access inside the home rose to 16% from 9%, while 39% fetch water from neighbours or nearby public taps, up from 35%.

According to the report, 72% of the population now has access to electricity, a major increase from 34% in 2017. Additionally, 85% of the population owns a mobile phone, compared to 67% in 2017.

In the health sector, approximately 2% of the population aged five and above has a disability. Access to health services has improved significantly, with community-based health insurance now covering 93% of the population.

The Seventh Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7) was conducted from October 2023 to October 2024, building upon the strong foundation laid by previous EICV surveys.