As per figures released on March 16, 2026, the country’s GDP in 2025 was estimated at over 23 billion Rwandan francs (Rwf), up from Rwf 19.9 billion in 2024.
Services made up the largest portion of this growth, contributing 52% to GDP, while agriculture and industry followed closely behind, contributing 20% and 22%, respectively.
Agriculture saw a 7% increase, with food crop production growing by 3%. Export crops like coffee and tea grew significantly, with coffee production rising by 60%. Other crops, including pyrethrum and sugarcane, also increased by 4%.
The industrial sector showed strong growth, with mining and quarrying rising by 17%, construction increasing by 11%, and manufacturing growing by 10%. Manufacturing was particularly boosted by a 35% increase in cement production, 21% growth in metal products, machinery, and equipment, and a 24% rise in the production of chemicals, rubber, and plastic products.
The services sector expanded by 9%, with wholesale and retail trade up by 15%, and transport activities growing by 7%. Financial services and public administration services also saw growth.
The figures were released at a time when the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, involving Iran and countries such as the U.S. and Israel, is creating instability. This conflict is also impacting other nations, including the United Arab Emirates, where Rwanda has a significant market presence.
Dr. Yusuf Murangwa, Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, assured that the country is prepared to address the economic consequences of the war, with efforts already underway to manage the situation.
Dr. Murangwa mentioned that Rwanda is working closely with traders and government agencies to find alternative markets for affected goods including vegetables and fruits.
Although the conflict has only been ongoing for two weeks, he pointed out that the full impact will not be immediately felt, and it may take up to three months to assess the situation properly.
One of the steps being taken to mitigate the effects of the conflict is ensuring that Rwanda has enough petroleum supplies, preventing shortages of gasoline and diesel.
The Minister also reassured the public that Rwanda would not be severely affected by the war, emphasizing that the country has managed to overcome difficult situations in the past.
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