Kigali – Rwanda’s economy accelerated in the third quarter of 2025, growing by 11.8%. According to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), this represents a significant increase from the 7.8% growth recorded in the second quarter and the 6.5% posted in the first quarter of the year.

The expansion was broadly based, with strong performances recorded across the services, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, welcomed the figures, stating, “The 11.8% growth is encouraging. We are on track to meet our 7% annual projection, bolstered by strong growth in the service and industrial sectors.”

In nominal terms, the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current market prices was estimated at Frw 5,525 billion for the quarter, a significant rise from the Frw 4,659 billion recorded in the same period last year. The services sector continued to be the dominant pillar of the economy, accounting for 57% of GDP, followed by industry at 22% and agriculture at 15%, with net direct taxes contributing the remaining 6%.

A detailed look at the sectoral performance reveals the engines of this growth. The agricultural sector grew by 10%, anchored by a 4% rise in food crop production. Export crop production saw a remarkable 35% surge, powered by a 32% increase in coffee output and a 100% increase in tea production. The fishing industry also registered a 34% growth.

The industrial sector was a standout, expanding by 17%. This was underpinned by a 14% growth in mining and quarrying, where export volumes of processed Cassiterite soared by 115%, Coltan rose by 8%, and raw Cassiterite increased by 4.3%, though Wolfram exports saw an 8% decline. The construction sector grew by 20%, while manufacturing increased by 14%. Within manufacturing, demand for construction materials drove notable increases: the production of non-metallic minerals like cement rose by 44%, metal products by 28%, and chemicals such as paints and soaps by 25%. Food processing also saw a solid 12% increase.

The services sector, the largest contributor to the economy, grew by 10% overall. This growth was led by a 20% expansion in wholesale and retail trade. Transport activities increased by 9%, driven by a 10% rise in land transport, while air transport remained stable. The information and communication sector grew by 17%, financial services by 10%, and professional and administrative services by 19%. However, not all segments shared in the growth; the hotels and restaurants sub-sector contracted by 3%. Public administration services grew by 7% and education by 5%, but health services recorded a notable decrease of 16%.

This comprehensive performance across primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors illustrates the broad-based momentum behind Rwanda's latest economic acceleration.