Kigali, June 20, 2025 

Rwanda’s economy experienced a growth rate of 7.8% in the first quarter of 2025. This positive performance was mainly driven by strong growth in the industrial and service sectors, while the agriculture sector saw modest progress.

According to data released by the National Institute of Statistics Rwanda (NISR), the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current market prices was estimated at Frw 5,255 billion, up from Frw 4,486 billion in the same period last year. The services sector contributed the most to GDP, accounting for 46%, followed by agriculture at 24%, and industry at 23%. Net direct taxes made up 7% of the total.

Yusuf Murangwa, Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, highlighted that while a 7.8% growth rate is encouraging, it still falls short of the 9.3% target outlined in the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

“Under normal circumstances, 7.8% GDP growth is very good. However, as an ambitious nation, we aim for higher growth, which requires the timely and effective implementation of NST2,” he said.

Agriculture Sector 

The agriculture sector grew by 2%. The modest growth was mainly due to a 1% decrease in food crops production, mainly from less successful harvests during Season A. Specifically, maize and bean production declined by 5% and 1%, respectively, compared to a 30% and 18% increase during the same season in 2024. Export crop production, on the other hand, increased by 3%, driven by a 16% rise in coffee production, although tea production decreased by 9%.

Industry Sector

The industry sector grew by 9%, supported by a 7% increase in manufacturing activities. Notably, manufacturing of metal products, machinery, and equipment rose by 22%, while non-metallic mineral products increased by 21%. The manufacturing of chemicals, rubber, and plastics also grew by 15%. Construction activities expanded by 13%, although mining and quarrying declined by 3%.

Services Sector

The services sector grew by 9%, boosted by a 14% increase in wholesale and retail trade. Transport-related services grew by 4%, with transport activities themselves increasing by 1%. Other notable growth areas include hotels and restaurants, which expanded by 5%, ICT services (19%), financial services (8%), and public administration (14%). Education services increased by 5%, while health services saw a slight decline of 1%.