The report released on Tuesday, August 4, shows that manufacturing drove the expansion, growing 21.5% year-on-year and contributing 1.9 percentage points to the overall index. The sub-sector carried a weight of 68.1% within the general index, making it by far the largest component of industrial activity.
Electricity output rose 16.5%, contributing 3.3 percentage points to the annual change despite holding a smaller 12.8% weight in the index, the single largest contribution of any activity tracked. Water and waste management increased 11.3%, while mining and quarrying grew 6.9%.
Within manufacturing, chemicals, rubber and plastic products rose 6.3%, non-metallic mineral products increased 6.1%, food processing grew 2.2%, wood, paper and printing rose 2.5%, and metal products, machinery and equipment increased 2.3%. Furniture and other manufacturing was the only sub-sector to contract, falling 5.3% and shaving 0.2 percentage points off the annual change.
On a month-on-month basis, the general index fell 1.9% against May 2026, with manufacturing down 2.7% and electricity down 2.0%. Mining and quarrying rose 37.4% on the month.
The Index of Industrial Production is one of the earliest indicators of economic activity, providing insights into the performance of Rwanda’s industrial sector before broader economic growth data is released. It is closely watched by businesses, investors and policymakers to assess production trends and guide investment and policy decisions.
Workers package fertilizer at the Rwanda Fertilizer Company (RFC) in the Bugesera Special Economic Zone.
The campaign was unveiled at Expo 2026, currently underway at Gikondo, where MoMo Rwanda is showcasing its full range of services and providing customer support to thousands of visitors over the three – week exhibition.
MoMo Rwanda’s presence at Expo 2026 gives customers and merchants a firsthand look at the products behind the campaign. At its dedicated booth, running for the full three weeks of the expo, the company is providing visitors with access to the complete suite of MoMo services, including account registration, MoMoPay merchant onboarding, and hands – on support for digital payments, making the exhibition an extension of the MoMoBae launch itself.
Running for a period of two months, the campaign will reward participants with weekly cash prizes ranging from Rwf 100,000 to Rwf 2 million, a brand – new iPhone 17, a brand – new Samsung A57, and the ultimate grand prizes: two brand – new Mitsubishi trucks, with one awarded to the best – performing merchant and the other to the best – performing customer. MoMoBae is open to both MoMo customers and MoMoPay merchants across Rwanda.
To participate, customers are encouraged to opt in by dialling 18216# then use their MoMo wallets to pay as many merchants as possible, while merchants are encouraged to receive as many MoMo customer payments as possible through their MoMoPay merchant codes.
With the introduction of eKash interoperability for merchant payments, merchants can now receive payments from customers across different mobile money networks, making digital payments more accessible, seamless, and convenient than ever before.
Speaking at the launch, Chantal U. Kagame, Chief Executive Officer of Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd, highlighted the significance of the campaign in driving digital financial inclusion and accelerating the country’s transition to a cashless economy.
“MoMoBae is more than just a rewards campaign; it is a celebration of the evolution of digital payments in Rwanda. The introduction of eKash interoperability on merchant payments marks a significant milestone, allowing customers to pay and merchants to receive payments regardless of their mobile money service provider or network operator.
“This is a game changer for businesses and consumers alike, removing barriers to digital transactions and bringing us one step closer to a truly inclusive cashless economy. Through MoMoBae, we are rewarding the customers and merchants who are embracing this transformation and making digital payments part of their everyday lives.”
The campaign is expected to drive increased adoption of digital payments among both consumers and businesses while encouraging merchants to leverage interoperable payment solutions to grow their businesses. By rewarding transaction activity rather than chance alone, MoMoBae reinforces the value of using secure, convenient, and interoperable digital payment solutions in everyday commerce.
Customers and merchants can transact using participating MoMoPay merchant codes throughout the campaign period to increase their chances of winning. Winners will be selected in accordance with the campaign mechanics and announced throughout the campaign.
MoMo Rwanda has reaffirmed commitment to providing innovative financial solutions that simplify everyday transactions, promote financial inclusion, and support Rwanda’s digital transformation agenda.
Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd is MTN Rwanda’s FinTech subsidiary, established on 27th April 2021 to provide and manage Mobile Money services in Rwanda. The company has about 6.4 million subscribers, over 65,000 Mobile Money agents, and over 60 0,000 MoMoPay merchants across the country.
With continuous innovations in services such as MoMoPay, MoKash Loans & Savings, Tap&Go bus payments, Bill Payments, International & Regional Remittances, and more, Mobile Money Rwanda seeks to position itself at the forefront of driving financial inclusion and supporting the digital economy in Rwanda.
The national carrier said the Kigali route will begin operations on November 18, 2026, as part of a broader expansion strategy aimed at strengthening connectivity across Africa.
The airline announced the Kigali route alongside new flights to Accra, Ghana, which will begin on October 27, 2026, with four weekly services.
Uganda Airlines said the two new destinations will expand its route network while providing passengers with more convenient options for business, tourism and trade. The routes are also expected to strengthen Entebbe International Airport’s position as a regional hub, offering onward connections to destinations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
The Kigali route will link two of East Africa’s fastest-growing economies, supporting travel between key commercial and tourism centres in the region.
“The launch of Accra and Kigali marks another key milestone in Uganda Airlines’ growth strategy,” Uganda Airlines Acting Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake said.
“As Africa’s connectivity continues to grow, these routes will strengthen commercial and tourism links while offering our guests greater convenience and more travel choices. We remain committed to connecting Africa and supporting regional integration through reliable and efficient air transport,” he added.
The entry into the Entebbe-Kigali route is expected to increase competition on one of East Africa’s frequently used regional air connections, where demand has grown due to expanding business, tourism and cross-border activities.
Beyond passenger travel, Uganda Airlines said the new routes will enhance its cargo network by improving access for exporters and importers to key markets in West and East Africa. The services are expected to support the movement of fresh produce, manufactured goods and other time-sensitive cargo.
The launch comes as Uganda Airlines continues efforts to expand its fleet and international reach. In June 2026, the carrier signed a $985 million agreement with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing for the acquisition of 10 new aircraft as part of its long-term growth strategy.
The agreement, signed in the presence of President Yoweri Museveni, includes plans for the delivery of Boeing 737-8 MAX and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from 2032.
Uganda Airlines, which was revived in 2018 after the collapse of the original national carrier in 2001, began commercial operations in August 2019. Since then, it has expanded its network to serve 16 destinations across Africa and beyond from its hub at Entebbe International Airport.
Girma Wake took over as acting Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines in February 2026, as the carrier charts a new path and pursues growth opportunities.
The latest enforcement action, announced on Tuesday, August 4, follows two earlier waves of closures. Rwanda FDA first announced the shutdown of eight manufacturers on Sunday evening before revoking the licenses of another 101 facilities on Monday. With Tuesday’s additional 27 closures, the number of manufacturers affected has risen to 136.
The sweeping crackdown comes amid growing concern over toxic alcoholic drinks, locally known as ibyuma, which the government says have caused dozens of deaths and left thousands battling alcohol addiction.
In a public announcement, Rwanda FDA said it had closed the manufacturing facilities and revoked all associated manufacturing licenses with immediate effect.
The regulator also ordered that every alcoholic beverage produced by the affected manufacturers be withdrawn from the market, instructing manufacturers to conduct an immediate recall through their distribution networks and submit recall reports within three working days.
Distributors and retailers have been directed to stop selling the affected products immediately and return remaining stock to suppliers, while consumers have been advised to stop consuming any products manufactured by the listed companies.
Rwanda FDA further ordered the immediate removal of all advertisements and promotional materials for alcoholic beverages produced by the companies.
The authority warned that additional manufacturing facilities could still face similar action as regulatory inspections and enforcement continue across the country.
Among the companies affected in Tuesday’s announcement are Advent Group Ltd, Speranza Group Ltd, Unique Beverages Ltd, Gisagara Agro-Business Industries Ltd, Umuhonge Co. Ltd, Life Holistic Ltd, Ishya Brewing Company Ltd, Bwiza Coffee Group Ltd, NCWC Company Ltd, East Stone Beverage Ltd and 17 other manufacturers.
The recalled products include a wide range of spirits, wines and traditional banana- and ginger-based alcoholic beverages, including brands such as Mojo Gin, Marksman Whisky, Swag Vodka, Mambo Whisky, Speranza Waragi, Millenium Hills Blended Whisky, GABI Gin, OASIS Wine, Ganira Wine and several locally produced banana and ginger-flavoured alcoholic drinks.
The enforcement campaign follows revelations by Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana about the devastating impact of adulterated alcoholic beverages on public health.
Speaking to IGIHE, the minister said investigations launched by the government found that toxic alcoholic drinks have claimed more than 50 lives this year alone.
“From January through July, more than 500 people sought medical treatment after consuming these alcoholic drinks,” he said.
“They arrived in critical condition, vomiting, suffering from severe diarrhoea; some had lost their eyesight, while others were brought to hospital on stretchers after collapsing at social gatherings, including weddings. Investigations consistently found links to adulterated alcoholic drinks.”
According to Dr. Nsanzimana, more than 100 people have lost their eyesight after consuming the drinks, while a nationwide assessment has identified nearly 11,000 people struggling with alcohol addiction.
“These are only the cases we know about and represent just a small fraction of the actual number. They are people who spend much of their lives intoxicated,” he added.
The minister said the government examined every stage of the supply chain, including manufacturers, regulators, local leaders and consumers, concluding that stronger enforcement and collective responsibility were needed to address the growing public health threat.
Rwanda FDA has warned that failure to comply with the recall directives and other regulatory measures will attract sanctions under applicable laws as the nationwide enforcement campaign continues.
With Tuesday’s additional 27 closures, the number of manufacturers affected has risen to 136.
The minister disclosed the figures on August 3, 2026, while appearing before the Senate Plenary to present progress made in addressing challenges facing industrial parks and outline measures being taken to resolve infrastructure gaps that have slowed their development.
During the session, senators observed that while all industrial parks are connected to electricity and equipped with water supply infrastructure, water shortages remain a persistent challenge in many of the zones.
Kajangwe said the government’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) prioritises the development of infrastructure in four industrial parks located in Muhanga, Bugesera, Rwamagana and Musanze.
He added that the government will continue expanding infrastructure to other industrial parks as resources become available.
The minister also said the government has introduced a digital investment project monitoring system to improve services for both existing and prospective investors and accelerate the productive use of industrial parks.
“To date, 405 investors have been allocated land across all industrial parks in the country. Of their projects, 193 have been completed, 99 are currently under construction, while 122 have not yet started,” Kajangwe told senators.
He revealed that 15 projects have experienced significant delays despite investors having already received land from the government. These include five projects in Rwamagana, four in Bugesera, four in Rusizi and two in Huye.
Kajangwe said the government has adopted a firm approach toward investors who fail to develop their allocated plots within the agreed timeframe.
“Where projects are delayed, the government repossesses the land and reallocates it to investors who are ready to implement their projects without delay,” he said.
So far, the government has repossessed six plots, including five in Rwamagana Industrial Park and one in Musanze Industrial Park.
“These plots have already been allocated to other investors who demonstrated both interest and the capacity to fast-track their projects,” he added.
Senator Evode Uwizeyimana welcomed the move, saying reclaiming land from investors who acquire plots for speculation rather than development was a positive step. However, he argued that the number of repossessed plots remains too low.
“Six is still a small number. You mentioned Rwamagana, but this exercise should be extended to other industrial parks as well,” Uwizeyimana said.
Responding to the concerns, Kajangwe said the ministry is monitoring several other investors who have failed to honour their contractual obligations and that more repossessions will follow.
“Investors who have exceeded the construction deadlines and have not presented any clear plans for developing their plots will have their land repossessed. This is a commitment we have made as the Ministry of Trade and Industry,” he said.
He explained that every investor allocated land in an industrial park signs a contract specifying when construction must begin. The government also reclaims plots from investors who fail to fulfil their financial obligations, including payments owed to the state.
Kajangwe noted that authorities have already identified additional investors who have exceeded the deadlines set in their contracts without starting construction and that they will also lose their plots.
Rwanda currently has 10 industrial parks across the country. Investors are allocated space based on the type of manufacturing activities they intend to undertake. The industrial parks in Nyagatare and Nyabihu are designated for agro-processing industries, while the Musanze Industrial Park primarily hosts manufacturers of construction materials.
Senators have called for stronger infrastructure development in Rwanda’s industrial parksMinister Antoine Marie Kajangwe said investors who have neither paid for nor developed their industrial park plots are on a government list and face repossessionThe Senate commended ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing challenges identified in industrial parks
The complaint, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, challenges the recently enacted levies of 10 percent or 12.5 percent on the vast majority of goods imported from the affected economies. According to the states, these economies collectively account for 99.4 percent of U.S. imports.
The coalition is asking the court to block the tariffs, declare them unlawful, and order refunds for the duties already paid.
The legal challenge centers on the administration’s effort to preserve Trump’s broad tariff regime after federal courts rejected two earlier versions imposed under different statutory frameworks. The states argue that federal officials seized upon Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and forced-labor concerns merely as a pretext to rapidly recreate nearly identical global duties that the Supreme Court previously struck down in February.
“President Trump’s illegal tariffs are nothing more than a tax on hardworking families, driving up the cost of groceries, household essentials, building materials, and countless everyday goods that New Yorkers rely on,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul in a statement.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield echoed the sentiment, highlighting the economic impact on local communities. “Today, we’re filing our third lawsuit against Trump’s illegal tariffs,” Rayfield wrote on X. “Once again, the president is raising costs on everyday goods for Oregon families and small businesses, and once again, we’re leading a multistate coalition stepping up to stop him.”
“After losing at the Supreme Court, the administration is once again trying to illegally raise taxes on families and businesses with a new round of tariffs,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said.
The White House rejected the coalition’s arguments, asserting that Section 301 tariffs have proven to be a “legally durable tool” since the president’s first term and remain so under the current administration.
Joining New York in the lawsuit announced Monday are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.
Monday’s lawsuit marks at least the second major legal challenge to the new duties. A group of small businesses previously sued the administration, advancing a similar argument that Trump cannot leverage new legal authority to circumvent the Supreme Court’s prior invalidation of his overarching tariff agenda.
Photo taken on April 15, 2026 shows a container terminal of the Port of New York and New Jersey, which serves as a critical gateway for trade and a major logistics hub for the Northeast of U.S., in New York, the United States. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)
Whether it’s covering an unexpected expense, taking advantage of a business opportunity, or saving towards a personal milestone, MoFaya gives customers the flexibility to manage their finances with confidence through a simple, secure, and fully digital experience.
MoFaya enables eligible customers to borrow between Rwf 1,500 and Rwf 2,000,000, with flexible repayment periods of 3, 7, 14, or 30 days, allowing them to choose an option that best suits their financial needs.
Interest rates are transparent and competitive, ranging from 2.5% to 9%, depending on the selected repayment period.
In addition to instant access to credit, customers can also save directly through MoFaya and earn attractive interest rates ranging from 5% to 8%, depending on the savings target they choose.
The solution encourages customers to not only meet immediate financial needs but also plan confidently for the future.
Getting Started with MoFaya
Accessing MoFaya is simple and convenient. Customers can dial 1825*6# and follow the prompts to apply for a loan or start saving. Once approved, loan funds are instantly disbursed into the customer’s MoMo wallet, enabling them to transact immediately.
Speaking at the launch, Chantal U. Kagame, Chief Executive Officer of MoMo Rwanda, said: “At MoMo Rwanda, every innovation begins with understanding the everyday realities of our customers. Sometimes people need a little financial support to bridge the gap before payday, respond to an emergency, or take advantage of an opportunity. Other times , they simply want an easy and reliable way to save towards their dreams.
“MoFaya gives our customers the flexibility to do both; from wherever they are, at any time, and directly from their phones. Together with BPR Bank Rwanda Plc., we are making financial services more accessible, more convenient, and more empowering because everyone deserves solutions that help them move forward with confidence.”
The launch of MoFaya reflects the shared commitment of MoMo Rwanda and BPR Bank Rwanda to expand access to inclusive digital financial services.
By combining the convenience of Mobile Money with trusted banking expertise, the partnership enables more Rwandans to access affordable credit and grow their savings through secure, customer – centric digital solutions.
Speaking on the partnership, Patience Mutesi, Managing Director of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, said: “BPR Bank is committed to making financial services more accessible, convenient, and relevant to the everyday needs of our customers. Through our partnership with MoMo Rwanda, MoFaya extends the reach of affordable digital credit and savings solutions to more Rwandans, enabling them to respond to immediate financial needs, invest in opportunities, and build a stronger financial future.
“This collaboration reflects our continued commitment to advancing financial inclusion through innovative, customer – centric solutions that empower individuals and businesses to thrive.”
As Rwanda continues to embrace digital financial services, MoMo Rwanda remains committed to developing innovative solutions that simplify everyday life, empower individuals and businesses, and contribute to a more financially connected nation.
Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd is MTN Rwanda’s FinTech subsidiary, established on 27th April 2021 to provide and manage Mobile Money services in Rwanda.
The company has about 6.4 million subscribers, over 65,000 Mobile Money agents, and over 600,000 MoMoPay merchants across the country.
BPR Bank Rwanda Plc is Rwanda’s largest bank by customer base, with a nationwide network of 73 branches, serving individuals, SMEs, corporates, and institutional clients across the country.
As a member of the KCB Group, the Bank combines deep local expertise with regional strength to deliver innovative, customer – centric financial solutions.
The newly launched MoFaya gives customers the flexibility to manage their finances with confidence through a simple, secure, and fully digital experience. MoMo Rwanda and BPR Bank Rwanda officials unveil MoFaya, a digital financial service aimed at expanding access to credit and savings solutions.
The regulator announced on August 2, 2026, that the action followed regulatory inspections and compliance assessments, with the measures being taken “in the interest of public health.”
Rwanda FDA said it had closed the affected manufacturing facilities, revoked their licences and ordered the withdrawal of all products from the market.
Among the affected companies is Ingufu Gin Ltd, whose products listed for recall include Red Waragi, Rabiant Gin, Ngufu Gin, King’s Vodka, Royal Castle Gin, Medal Gin, G&S Rum, New House Potable Spirit, Club Potable Spirit and Hometown Potable Spirit.
NBG Ltd was also ordered to halt production, with products including United Flavoured Gin, Bombastic Coconut Flavoured Gin, Ingwe Flavoured Gin, Amerikaan Flavoured Gin, Maguma Gin and Fimbo Blended Banana Brandy subject to recall.
Other manufacturers affected include SKY Drop Industries Ltd, Africana Buffalo Ltd, NOPA Company Ltd, Roots Investment Group Ltd, Rugali Agro-processing Company and Zhonglu Industrial Liability Company Ltd.
The recalled products from the companies include various brands of gin, whisky, vodka, rum, brandy and other flavoured alcoholic beverages.
Rwanda FDA instructed the manufacturers to immediately begin a full recall process and direct their distributors to collect the listed products from clients and return existing stock to the manufacturers’ premises.
The manufacturers have been given three working days to submit recall reports to the regulator.
Distributors and retailers were also directed to immediately stop selling or distributing the affected products and return remaining quantities to their suppliers, distributors or manufacturers.
“Non-compliance with all the above will result in measures under applicable regulatory provisions,” Rwanda FDA warned.
The authority further urged consumers to immediately stop consuming the listed alcoholic beverages.
Rwanda FDA said additional affected manufacturing facilities will be announced in due course as regulatory enforcement continues.
Rwanda FDA said it had closed the affected manufacturing facilities, revoked their licences and ordered the withdrawal of all products from the market.
On a monthly basis, the general PPI rose 0.4 percent between May and June 2026.
The report, which tracks prices received by domestic producers across mining, manufacturing, and utilities, showed divergent trends between goods sold locally and those destined for export. The local PPI increased 20.6 percent year-on-year and 0.8 percent month-on-month, while the export PPI rose 29.2 percent annually but fell 3.3 percent from May to June.
Mining leads the surge
Mining and quarrying prices jumped 76.5 percent year-on-year and 2.9 percent month-on-month, making it the single largest driver of the overall increase despite accounting for only a small share of the general index by weight. In the export index, where mining carries a much larger weighting, the sector’s growth was the dominant factor behind the annual gain.
A split picture for manufacturers
Manufacturing prices told two different stories depending on the market. For goods sold locally, manufacturing prices rose 19.3 percent year-on-year and 0.9 percent month-on-month, with beverages up 31.9 percent and food products up 20.3 percent over the year. Textiles were the exception, falling 7.2 percent annually.
For exporters, manufacturing prices moved in the opposite direction, falling 12.3 percent year-on-year and 9.8 percent month-on-month, with export food products down 15.2 percent annually.
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply prices rose 34.8 percent year-on-year, though they were unchanged on a monthly basis. Water supply and sewerage prices were flat both annually and monthly.
Why it matters
The Producer Price Index tracks the prices businesses receive for their goods before they reach consumers. Higher producer prices can eventually lead to higher prices for shoppers if companies pass on the extra costs.
The PPI is compiled using a monthly chained Laspeyres-type formula, with prices collected at the factory gate around the midpoint of each month. Weights are based on the value of output reported in the 2024 National Accounts.
Producer prices in Rwanda climbed 22.3 percent in June 2026 compared to the same month last year, driven largely by a sharp surge in mining prices, according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
In a public notice issued on July 30, 2026, RDB, the national regulator of lottery and gambling activities, announced that the suspension takes immediate effect and covers all of the company’s outlets, agents, digital platforms and other gambling-related operations across Rwanda.
The regulator ordered the company to cease all operations immediately and remove all advertising and promotional materials associated with its services.
According to RDB, the enforcement action follows findings that Baron Sports Gaming Ltd had been repeatedly offering casino-style games outside the scope of its approved licence, in violation of the law governing gaming activities.
“The company is required to cease all operations immediately and remove all associated advertising and promotional materials,” the notice states.
RDB also advised members of the public not to participate in any games or activities offered by Forzza until further notice, warning that any continued operation by the company during the suspension period is unlawful and will be subject to further enforcement action.
The regulator used the announcement to remind all licensed lottery and gambling operators to operate strictly within the scope and conditions of their respective licences.
It warned that any unlicensed or unauthorised gambling activity is unlawful and could result in regulatory sanctions, including the suspension or revocation of a licence.
RDB said the move reflects its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Rwanda’s gambling sector, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and protecting consumers and the wider public.
The action against Forzza is the latest in a series of regulatory measures by the Rwanda Development Board aimed at enforcing compliance in the country’s gambling sector. In October 2025, RDB terminated the licence of Inzozi Lotto, the operator of Rwanda’s National Lottery, citing the company’s failure to meet its contractual and regulatory obligations.
Earlier, in August 2025, RDB also suspended the Category D Sportsbook gaming licence of Kings Bet Ltd, accusing the company of persistently breaching the law governing gaming activities and failing to comply with directives issued by the regulator.
The regulator ordered the company to cease all operations immediately and remove all advertising and promotional materials associated with its services.
