Rwanda’s GDP grows by 11.8% in the third quarter of 2025

Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 11.8 percent in the third quarter of 2025, reaching Rwf 5.525 trillion, up from Rwf 4.659 trillion recorded during the same period in 2024. The figures were released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), highlighting a strong and sustained economic recovery.

The latest data show that economic growth has been steadily accelerating throughout the year. GDP growth stood at 6.5 percent in the first quarter of 2025, increased to 7.8 percent in the second quarter, and rose further to 11.8 percent in the third quarter.

Services, Industry and Agriculture Drive Growth

The services sector remained the largest contributor to Rwanda’s GDP, accounting for 57 percent of total output. It was followed by industry at 22 percent and agriculture at 15 percent, while net taxes contributed 6 percent.

In terms of growth performance, services expanded by 10 percent and contributed 5.5 percentage points to overall GDP growth. Industry registered the strongest growth at 17 percent, contributing 3.7 percentage points, while agriculture grew by 10 percent, adding 1.5 percentage points to total economic growth.

Agriculture Boosted by Export Crops

Within the agricultural sector, food crops recorded a modest growth of 4 percent, while export crops increased significantly by 35 percent. Livestock production rose by 6 percent, and fisheries recorded a strong growth of 34 percent.

Speaking on the performance, NISR Director General Ivan Murenzi said the sharp rise in agricultural output was largely driven by export-oriented crops, which grew by 65 percent. He noted that coffee production increased by 32 percent, while tea production doubled, recording a 100 percent increase.

Industry Records Strong Performance

The industrial sector posted an impressive growth rate of 17 percent, supported mainly by increased activity in mining, construction, and manufacturing. Mining output grew by 14 percent, construction expanded by 20 percent, and manufacturing increased by 14 percent.

Notably, cement production rose by 44 percent, metal products increased by 28 percent, pharmaceutical production grew by 25 percent, and food processing expanded by 12 percent.

Services Sector: Trade and ICT Lead Growth

Overall growth in the services sector reached 10 percent. Wholesale and retail trade grew by 20 percent, while transport services expanded by 9 percent. Information and communication technology (ICT) services recorded a strong growth of 17 percent, and financial services increased by 10 percent.

However, the hotels and restaurants subsector contracted by 3 percent, while health services declined by 16 percent. In contrast, public administration services grew by 7 percent, education services by 5 percent, and other social services recorded moderate growth.

Government Expresses Confidence in NST2 Targets

Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa welcomed the 11.8 percent growth rate, describing it as encouraging and aligned with the targets set under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which aims for annual economic growth of at least 9 percent.

He noted that economic indicators since the beginning of 2025 show that Rwanda remains on track to achieve its planned growth targets for the year.

The quarterly GDP figures underscore Rwanda’s continued economic momentum, driven by strong performance in industry, services and agriculture, and signal positive prospects for sustained and inclusive growth in the period ahead.