Rwanda’s Economy Grows by 10% as GDP Reaches Rwf 6.3 Trillion in First Quarter of 2026
Rwanda’s economy has posted a strong and sustained expansion, growing by 10 percent in the first quarter of 2026, driven by solid performance across key sectors including exports, industry, and information technology, according to official figures released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose to Rwf 6.346 trillion, up from Rwf 5.276 trillion recorded in the same period of 2025, reflecting continued economic resilience and diversification.
The services sector remained the backbone of the economy, contributing 52 percent of total output, followed by industry at 24 percent and agriculture at 19 percent. Other sectors accounted for the remaining 5 percent.
Sector performance showed broad-based growth, with agriculture increasing by 8 percent, industry expanding by 13 percent, and services growing by 7 percent during the reporting period.
Export performance was particularly strong, rising by 39 percent overall. This growth was largely driven by a dramatic 86 percent increase in coffee exports, while tea exports slightly declined by 3 percent. Food crop production also recorded a modest growth of 3 percent, supporting domestic supply stability.
Trade activities continued their upward trajectory, with wholesale and retail trade expanding by 11 percent. The transport sector mirrored this performance, also growing by 11 percent, supported by a 10 percent increase in land transport and a 7 percent rise in air transport services.
One of the standout performers was the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, which surged by 22 percent, highlighting Rwanda’s accelerating transition toward a digital and knowledge-based economy. Financial and insurance services also grew by 11 percent, while the education sector recorded a 3 percent increase.
However, the hospitality sector faced challenges during the period, with restaurant and accommodation services declining by 16 percent, reflecting pressures linked to rising input costs and shifting consumption patterns.
Speaking on the economic performance, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa noted that Rwanda’s economy has maintained strong momentum since last year, despite global uncertainties.
He highlighted that the economy grew by 11.8 percent in the third quarter of 2025 and 11.2 percent in the fourth quarter, signaling a sustained period of strong expansion.
Murangwa acknowledged potential external risks, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, but said their immediate impact had been limited as many essential imports had already been secured in advance.
He further emphasized that government remains proactive in safeguarding economic stability, including accelerating key development projects and improving conditions for private sector investment.
The Minister also pointed to ongoing monitoring of food prices, noting that fluctuations in food costs can significantly affect the performance of the hospitality industry.
Overall, the latest data underscores Rwanda’s continued economic strength, with robust growth in exports, industry, transport, ICT, and financial services reinforcing the country’s position as one of the region’s most resilient and fast-growing economies.
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