The number of vehicles entering Rwanda increased by over 60,000 in 2 years

By The Inspirer.

The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) reports that 268,537 new vehicles entered Rwanda in 2021, compared to 330,166 in 2023. This marks an increase of 61,629 vehicles over two years.

This data is highlighted in the 2024 Statistical Year Book by NISR, which compiles figures collected by the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) across various sectors.

Growing Demand for Driver’s Licenses

The increase in vehicles correlates with a rising demand for permanent driver’s licenses. Over the past three years, 143,864 men and women received such licenses across different categories.

Incentives for Electric Vehicles

Another factor driving this increase is the Rwandan Government’s decision to extend tax exemptions for electric vehicles and motorcycles, ensuring they remain duty-free to encourage adoption.

Cars for Daily Use

The number of personal cars used daily grew from 43,182 in 2021 to 47,098 in 2022, an increase of 3,866 within one year. By 2023, the number reached 51,262, representing an annual growth rate of 9.0%.

Electric Vehicles and Machinery

Electric vehicles continue to play a significant role in the overall increase in the number of vehicles in Rwanda. Construction and heavy machinery, such as Caterpillar equipment, also rose, with 177 units imported in 2021, 196 in 2022, and 218 in 2023.

Growth in Bus Imports

The number of buses entering Rwanda has grown significantly over the past three years. In 2021, 2,084 buses were imported, increasing to 2,287 in 2022 and 2,892 in 2023, reflecting an annual growth rate of 17.8%. Of these, 300 buses were promised by the Government to improve public transportation in Kigali during the National Dialogue Council in February 2023.

Trucks and Pickups

Trucks also saw an increase, from 11,397 in 2021 to 12,823 in 2022, and 14,496 in 2023, marking an annual growth rate of 12.8%. Light commercial vehicles (pickups) rose from 19,890 in 2021 to 22,470 in 2023, growing at an annual rate of 6.3%.

Other Vehicle Categories

Special Engine Vehicles

Increased from 5,047 in 2021 to 6,566 in 2023.

SUVs

Grew from 34,622 in 2021 to 41,543 in 2023, with an annual growth rate of 9.5%.

Minibuses and Microbuses

Increased from 8,741 in 2021 to 10,232 in 2023.

Motorcycles

A dominant category in Rwanda, motorcycles increased from 141,532 in 2021 to 177,187 in 2023, reflecting an annual growth rate of 11.9%.

Trailers

Grew from 1,234 in 2021 to 1,636 in 2023, with a 15.1% annual growth rate.

Semi-Trailers

Increased from 555 in 2021 to 875 in 2023.

Tricycles

Rose significantly from 73 in 2021 to 648 in 2023.

Forklifts

First recorded in 2022 with 101 units, increasing to 138 in 2023.

Overall Vehicle Import Trends

In total, the number of vehicles entering Rwanda grew from 268,537 in 2021 to 330,166 in 2023, reflecting an annual growth rate of 10.7%.