NISR said Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current market prices was estimated at Frw 5,53 trillion in Q3 2025, up from Frw 4,66 trillion recorded in the same period last year. The expansion marks a continued acceleration in growth, following increases of 7.8% in the second quarter and 6.5% in the first quarter of 2025.
“In the third quarter of 2025, GDP grew by 11.8 per cent following the growth of 7.8 per cent in Q2 and 6.5 per cent in Q1,” NISR Director General Ivan Murenzi told members of the press in Kigali on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Services remained the backbone of the economy, accounting for 57% of GDP, while industry contributed 22% and agriculture 15%. Net direct taxes made up the remaining 6%.
Sectoral data show that industry was the fastest-growing sector, expanding by 17%, followed by services at 10% and agriculture at 10%.
Within agriculture, growth was underpinned by a strong rebound in export crops, which increased by 35%. This was largely driven by a 32% rise in coffee harvests and a 100% increase in tea production. Food crop production also returned to growth, rising by 4%, compared with a 10% contraction in the same quarter of 2024.
The industrial sector posted broad-based gains. Mining and quarrying grew by 14%, with quarrying expanding by 20%, while mining rose by 2%. Construction activity surged by 20%, reflecting sustained infrastructure development, while manufacturing grew by 14%.
Manufacturing growth was led by a 44% increase in non-metal products, mainly cement, alongside a 28% rise in metal products and 25% growth in chemical products, including paints and soaps. Food processing expanded by 12%.
Services growth was anchored in trade and transport. Wholesale and retail trade increased by 20%, while transport services grew by 9%, supported by a 10% rise in land transportation. Information and communication services expanded by 17%, and financial services grew by 10%. However, hotels and restaurants contracted by 3%, reflecting continued pressures in the hospitality segment. Public administration services increased by 7%, education services by 5%, while health services declined by 16%.
Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of newly appointed officials at Parliament buildings, Kagame said the accusations often come from individuals seeking to pressure Rwanda and wrongly link it to the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“Rwanda signed the agreement willingly, accepted it, and will fulfil its obligations so that, if others also meet their responsibilities, it will lead us to peace,” he said.
He acknowledged that implementing such agreements is challenging, noting that “the path is never easy. Some people do not speak the truth. There are things people wish for, sometimes not even included in the agreement, or they think should have been included. In an agreement, you don’t get everything you want, but you get what is necessary, and others also get what is necessary.”
Allegations that Rwanda breached the Washington agreement stem from the recent advance of the AFC/M23 rebels to the city of Uvira. Some parties have accused Rwanda of supporting the group, claiming it violated the agreement, a claim Kigali has consistently refuted.
Kagame emphasised that Rwanda did not breach any agreements, pointing out that hostilities between the AFC/M23 rebels and Kinshasa coalition forces were already occurring when he travelled to the United States.
“When we went to America, fighting had already been ongoing for days and weeks, and even on the day we travelled, clashes continued in some areas,” he said.
He added that claims suggesting Rwanda’s actions triggered the fighting are false. “The situation already existed; it did not start after the agreements,” he reiterated.
He concluded by reiterating that many of the allegations against Rwanda are based on falsehoods and malice.
The inauguration ceremony also saw the swearing-in of Solange Uwituze as State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Usta Kaitesi as State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Charles Murigande as Senator, and two Court of Appeals judges, Dr. Ntete Jules Marius and Dr. Nshimiyimana Didace.
These minerals are challenging to process because a single stone extracted from the earth can contain a mix of different types of minerals. Additionally, only a few countries are abundant in them.
China currently controls nearly 80% of the global market for processing rare earth minerals. Globally, there are approximately 130 million tons of these minerals. China holds over 44 million tons, Vietnam possesses 22 million tons, Brazil has 21 million tons, and Russia controls 12 million tons. The United States, in comparison, has about 1.2 million tons.
For the U.S., securing rare earth minerals is crucial for maintaining its position as a global superpower. These minerals are essential to its technological leadership, supporting everything from electric vehicles to 5G internet, and reducing reliance.
To illustrate the importance, Apple, one of America’s leading tech companies, has announced it will invest $500 million in mining and processing these minerals within the United States.
The U.S. also aims to capitalize on Ukraine’s vast mineral wealth, which is valued at an estimated $14 trillion. It’s reported that the U.S. plans to replace its dependence on Chinese rare earth minerals with those sourced from Ukraine, given that the country is rich in these resources.
The minerals in question include Bastnaesite, Monazite, Xenotime, Allanite, Eudialyte, Loparite, Gadolinite, Cerite, Samarskite, Fergusonite, Parisite, Fluorite, and others.
These minerals are processed into valuable metals like Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Promethium, Samarium, Europium, Gadolinium, Terbium, Dysprosium, Holmium, Erbium, Thulium, Ytterbium, Lutetium, Scandium, and Yttrium. These are used in various industries, such as electronics, energy production, and medical technologies.
The cost of these minerals can vary significantly. For example, a ton of Cerium may cost between $2,000 and $4,000, while the price of Dysprosium can range from $300,000 to $500,000 per ton. The most expensive mineral is Terbium, which can cost up to $1.5 million per ton.
{{Rwanda’s rich potential in rare earth minerals}}
Rwanda is one of the countries actively developing research in rare earth minerals through advanced technologies. History shows that these minerals have been mined in the country, and their presence continues to be significant today.
Jean Claude Ngaruye, Mining Exploration Division Manager at the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), has told IGIHE that Rwanda has abundant reserves of these minerals.
“These minerals were mined before and after independence. Three types were particularly extracted: Monazite, Zircon, and Xenotime. These minerals are in high demand due to their use in modern technology, with Zircon also being utilized in the nuclear industry.”
The regions with the most significant mining activity are located in Rwanda’s Southern Province. These include areas like Rukarara in Nyamagabe, Nshili in Nyaruguru, and near Munanira rock.
According to Ngaruye, “These sites were part of the former Butare, with one area located in the Gishamvu sector of Huye District.”
Minerals are also found in Musebeya, a region that stretches across Karongi, Nyamagabe, and Nyamasheke.
Monazite, for example, yields metals like Cerium, Lanthanum, Neodymium, Praseodymium, and Samarium, which are essential for producing batteries, audio systems, aircraft engines, and other high-tech devices.
These minerals are highly valuable. For instance, Neodymium is priced at about $70,500 per ton, while Praseodymium costs around $71,350 per ton.
Ngaruye pointed out that the reason these minerals are in such high demand is not due to their low cost but because of their crucial role in technological development and environmental protection.
“Mining is like any other business. When something is in high demand, prices rise. If supply exceeds demand, prices drop. […] The prices of rare earths have decreased, which has led to our reduced interest. You wouldn’t go looking for an unnecessary stone in the market. The reason America is pursuing them so aggressively is to build its own large stockpile and compete with China,” he said.
Despite Rwanda’s wealth of these minerals, Ngaruye observed that the country does not yet have a large-scale market for them. However, he believes there is potential for specific buyers to access these minerals.
“They were present. Although most of the mining has been done in the Southern Province, there are also signs of these minerals in other regions like Rulindo, Gatumba in Ngororero, and other areas. Research could be easy if anyone is interested.”
{{Rwanda’s mining growth}}
Although Rwanda is rich in rare earth minerals, processing these minerals, particularly Monazite, presents challenges. Monazite often contains Uranium and Thorium, which require advanced processing methods and significant investment.
Rwanda’s revenue from mineral exports has seen steady growth, rising from $373 million in 2017 to $1.7 billion in 2024.
The country has set a target of reaching $2.2 billion in mineral production by 2029. This goal includes increasing the processing rate of extracted minerals from 40% to 80%. To achieve this, research will be conducted to identify new mineral-rich areas.
As of May 2025, the RMB has identified over 27,000 new hectares of land with significant mineral deposits.
The ceremony, held at the newly inaugurated United States Institute of Peace, was attended by US President Donald Trump, African leaders, and key international dignitaries.
In his opening remarks, President Trump described the event as “a great day for Africa, a great day for the world, and a great day for these two countries.” He praised the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC for their courage and persistence in bringing the long-running conflict in eastern Congo to a potential close after three decades.
“This compact we are signing today, known as the Washington Accords, formalises the terms agreed to in June, including a permanent ceasefire, disarmament of non-state forces, provisions for refugees to return home, and justice for those who have committed atrocities,” Trump said.
The US Head of State also emphasised the accord’s economic dimension, highlighting the potential for regional economic integration and US investment in the two countries’ mineral wealth.
President Paul Kagame, who spoke after Trump, expressed deep gratitude to all parties involved, singling out President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Senior Advisor Massad Boulos for their pivotal roles in creating a space for breakthrough negotiations.
Kagame emphasised that the responsibility for the success of the accord ultimately rests with African nations themselves.
“If this agreement falters and things do not work out as they are supposed to, the responsibility will not lie with President Trump, but with ourselves,” he said. He reassured that Rwanda will play its part decisively:
“It is up to us in Africa, working with our partners, to consolidate and expand this peace. There will be ups and downs on the road ahead. There is no doubt about it. Rwanda, I know, will not be found wanting. I can assure you of that.”
He framed the accord as a clear path toward a prosperous and stable future for Rwanda, emphasising the country’s commitment to security and development after enduring years of tragedy.
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi also hailed the accord as a turning point, describing it as more than just a document, but “a framework for regional economic integration and cooperation that finally overcomes the cycle of violence, mistrust, and forced displacement.”
He reaffirmed the DRC’s commitment to fully implementing its obligations under the agreement and called for mutual respect and collaboration between the two nations.
The Washington Accord represents not only a formal ceasefire but also a framework for justice, economic cooperation, and regional integration. It aims to dismantle the FDLR militia, composed of remnants of those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who fled to the DRC and have continued to promote genocidal ideology, posing a threat to Rwanda’s security along the border.
The agreement also aims to facilitate refugee returns and create new opportunities for prosperity in both countries.
The signing ceremony was attended by African leaders, including Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, William Ruto of Kenya, João Lourenço of Angola, and Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové of Togo, as well as representatives from Uganda, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the African Union.
The sites, covering a combined 14,020 hectares across the country, are categorised into medium- and large-scale mining zones, with four designated for extraction of the 3Ts (tin, tungsten, tantalum), four set aside for exploration, and two dedicated to gemstone mining.
RMB, which is hosting the mining week, noted that the minerals remain in high global demand due to their use in construction, aviation, military equipment, electronics, batteries, and jewellery.
Among the identified extraction zones is Binyeri in Rukoma Sector, Kamonyi District (70 ha), which contains cassiterite, lithium, and beryllium and is earmarked for medium-scale mining. In Bugesera District, the Musenyi site spans 1,000 hectares and is designated for large-scale mining of cassiterite, coltan, lithium, and beryllium.
Gatsibo District’s Rubiha site (450 ha) contains high-grade cassiterite with purity levels between 90.5% and 99.08%, while the Minazi zone in Gakenke District (700 ha) features cassiterite, coltan, and gemstones.
RMB also listed several exploration zones, including Shyorongi in Rulindo District (3,175 ha), where cassiterite, wolfram, coltan, and gold deposits were identified. Other exploration sites include Kabagari–Kinihira in Ruhango District (1,500 ha) and Bihembe in Rwamagana District (1,600 ha).
In Rubavu District, the Kivumu–Nyamyumba zone (875 ha) contains cassiterite, coltan, wolfram, and beryllium. For gemstones, the Bushekeri–Rangiro area in Nyamasheke District (1,400 ha) hosts sapphire, amethyst, smoky quartz, and ruby, while Kanama in Rubavu District contains tourmaline, sapphire, beryl, and almandine.
RMB CEO Alice Uwase encouraged investors to apply for licences, emphasising financial capacity, technical expertise, and appropriate equipment as key requirements. Applications are open from December 3, 2025, to March 3, 2026, with RMB planning guided site visits in January 2026.
“We expect strong interest. In the last licensing cycle, we received 73 applications for 10 sites, and we anticipate that number will double this year,” Uwase said, urging investors to consider partnerships or joint ventures to meet regulatory thresholds.
This is the second major discovery announcement in 2025. In May, RMB unveiled 10 mineral-rich sites covering 13,454 hectares.
Rwanda’s mining sector, which employs over 92,000 people, generated $1.75 billion in 2024. The country aims to reach $2.2 billion in mineral export revenues by 2029 and increase mineral traceability and collection rates from 40% to 80%.
Rwanda extracts minerals including wolframite, cassiterite, and coltan, processed into tungsten, tin, and tantalum, with an annual production of 8,000 to 10,000 tons. The country also mines gold, sapphire, and lithium, alongside ongoing exploration to identify new deposits. Increasingly, Rwanda is focusing on value addition through local processing.
The Gasabo Gold Refinery, now in its sixth year of operation, has an annual capacity of 96 tons. Director Kayobotsi Bosco told IGIHE that the facility has reached 30% of capacity, 28.8 tons annually. Monthly production has grown from 600 kilograms to 2.5 tons.
“We started by processing about 600 kilograms per month, and now we are processing 2.5 tons per month,” he said, noting the steady growth over the years. Gold processed at the refinery comes from Rwanda and six non-conflict African countries.
“They want us to process their gold. It’s easier to bring it because Rwanda has adequate security,” he added.
Processing yields significant benefits. Gold refined to 99.99% purity sells for over $134,000 per kilogram, compared to about $120,000 for unprocessed gold. Silver, often discarded when gold is sold raw, can fetch more than $1,800 per kilogram when refined. The refinery employs 42 Rwandans and aims to reach 50% capacity, about four tons per month, next year.
Tin processing has also expanded. LuNa Smelter, which began operations in 2018/19, has increased output from 100 to over 250 tons of tin per month, with a purification rate of 99.95%. Interim operations manager Parfait Udakemwa said the plant plans to reach 320 tons next year and targets 600 tons per month within five years. It employs 161 staff and sources cassiterite from across Rwanda.
Rwanda is also adopting advanced technologies in mining. The country has shifted from basic tools to research-driven methods and is now introducing robots to improve safety and efficiency. Through discussions with Zora Robotics, Rwanda plans to deploy robots in underground tunnels to assess ground stability, measure gas levels, and monitor workers.
Zora Robotics CEO Benjamin Karenzi said the company has over 60 robots operating in various sectors and is ready to support mining. Robots, operating on 5G, will inspect tunnels before miners enter and track worker movements, helping to reduce accidents and raise productivity. The technology is already used in South Africa and may cost up to 120 million Rwandan Francs per mine.
The initiative has gained support from investors such as British businessman Ray Power, whose company processes 120 tons of coltan per month in Bugesera. He said improved worker safety strengthens client confidence and long-term cooperation.
Rwanda aims to increase mining export revenues to $2.2 billion by 2029 and raise mineral recovery rates from 40% to 80%. In May 2025, the country identified new mineral zones spanning 13,454 hectares, with more discoveries expected.
The funding, provided through the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), will finance the Revenue Improvement and Spending Efficiency Program-for-Results (PforR). The program aims to modernise tax administration, reinforce public investment management, and promote accountability across government systems, ensuring that development outcomes reach citizens and businesses more effectively.
“This program reflects our strong partnership with Rwanda and our shared ambition to scale up transformational governance reforms that create jobs, strengthen fiscal resilience, and improve service delivery for all Rwandans,” said Sahr Kpundeh, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda, in a statement released in late November.
“By supporting both national institutions and local government structures, the program reinforces Rwanda’s decentralisation agenda and helps ensure that development outcomes reach citizens where they live and work.”
The initiative aims to increase domestic revenue mobilisation by expanding the use of electronic billing machines (EBMs) for VAT compliance and modernising property tax registration and valuation systems. It also seeks to enhance national-level public spending efficiency and transparency through improved project feasibility studies, institutionalised asset management, strengthened procurement, and better oversight of state-owned enterprises.
At the local level, the program focuses on improving planning and accountability, ensuring that districts prepare evidence-based development strategies, publish budget performance reports, strengthen financial management practices, and design viable local economic development projects.
The program is aligned with Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST-2), which emphasises an efficient, transparent, and citizen-centred public sector. It builds on over two decades of World Bank support for Rwanda’s public financial management reforms, which have positioned the country as a regional leader in accountable governance.
The reforms also leverage technology, including piloting AI-enabled functionalities within the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), aimed at reducing operational inefficiencies and enhancing financial oversight.
“This program represents a significant step forward in Rwanda’s efforts to expand its domestic resource base and ensure that every franc is used efficiently,” said Meron Tadesse Techane, World Bank Senior Financial Management Specialist.
“By leveraging technology, strengthening institutions, and incentivizing good practices at both national and district levels, the program will help the government deliver better services, build trust with citizens, and expand opportunities for private sector–led job creation.”
Direct beneficiaries include national ministries, state-owned companies, and all 30 districts, while citizens and businesses will benefit indirectly from a more predictable public finance system, higher-quality services, and better-managed public investments.
The IDA, established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low- or zero-interest loans for projects that stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve lives. Rwanda is among the 40 African countries benefiting from IDA financing.
The national carrier’s Boeing B737-800NG departed Kigali International Airport for Zanzibar and Mombasa on Monday morning.
“This is a milestone for intra-Africa travel. More beaches, more beauty, more East Africa,” the airline said in a post on X.
The new service, which begins just ahead of the holiday season, operates four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flight WB 444 departs Kigali at 9:50 AM, arriving in Zanzibar, Tanzania, at 12:50 PM before continuing to Mombasa, Kenya, where it lands at 2:35 PM. The return flight, WB 445, leaves Mombasa at 5:10 PM, with a brief stop in Zanzibar, arriving back in Kigali at 8:00 PM.
The route marks RwandAir’s return to Mombasa, where it last flew in 2019, and introduces Zanzibar as a fresh addition to its growing East African network. With this expansion, RwandAir now serves three destinations in Tanzania and two in Kenya, further strengthening Kigali’s role as a regional travel hub.
“Returning to Mombasa and introducing Zanzibar is another step forward in our ambitious growth journey,” Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, said in October. “By expanding our East African network, we are giving our customers more opportunities to explore the region, while also opening doors for trade, tourism and stronger ties across East Africa.”
The route is designed to cater to both weekend getaways and extended vacations, offering travellers convenient access to pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-class leisure experiences.
As the recent winner of Skytrax’s Best African Regional Airline award, RwandAir continues to underline its commitment to regional connectivity and enhancing the travel experience. The airline operates a fleet of 13 aircraft, serving over 144 destinations globally through direct flights and codeshare partnerships.
The troops completed their basic military training under the guidance of instructors from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) on Saturday, marking another milestone in the growing defence cooperation between the two nations.
The pass-out ceremony, held at Camp Kassai Military Barracks in Bangui, was presided over by President Faustin Archange Touadéra, who applauded the newly enrolled soldiers for their commitment and resilience throughout the programme.
Alongside the new recruits, 121 platoon sergeants graduated from a six-month leadership course also delivered by RDF instructors. The group is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping discipline, coordination, and operational efficiency within the ranks of the FACA.
Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, the RDF Army Chief of Staff, attended the ceremony as a distinguished guest. In his remarks, he congratulated the graduates and urged them to uphold professionalism, competence, and discipline as they assume their duties. He encouraged the new platoon sergeants to lead by example and provide consistent support and guidance to their commanders.
Gen Victor Yacoub, Deputy Chief of Staff of the FACA, expressed deep appreciation for Rwanda’s continued support, noting that the RDF has now trained a total of 2,409 soldiers in basic military skills and 300 non-commissioned officers. He commended the trainees for demonstrating discipline and dedication throughout the programme.
The ceremony featured demonstrations of key competencies acquired during training, including marksmanship, martial arts and map-reading skills that highlight the operational readiness of the new recruits.
Rwandan forces first deployed to the Central African Republic in 2014 as part of peacekeeping efforts following civil unrest in 2012. Initially under the African Union mission MISCA, and later the United Nations mission MINUSCA, Rwandan troops have played a key role in protecting civilians, safeguarding UN facilities, and providing security for the Head of State and his family.
In 2020, Rwanda reinforced its support through additional troop deployments and military training programs for the Central African Republic’s armed forces.
He was speaking at a roundtable with the press on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
In recent weeks, political instability has rocked both Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar, with coups unfolding in each country amid growing public discontent.
In Guinea-Bissau, the military seized control on November 26, 2025, a day before the results of a contentious presidential election were to be announced.
The military detained the sitting president and declared a one-year transitional government, led by Horta Inta-A Na Man. This sudden move has left the nation in uncertainty, with the army’s actions raising concerns about the true motives behind the coup.
Similarly, Madagascar experienced a coup in October 2025, following weeks of youth-led protests driven by frustrations over water and power shortages, rising living costs, and rampant corruption.
The unrest culminated when an elite military unit, refusing to suppress the protests, moved to oust President Andry Rajoelina.
The military declared the dissolution of key government institutions and the formation of a transitional government, responding to the growing public sentiment that leadership had failed to address critical issues.These coups add to a broader trend of military takeovers in Africa, echoing similar unrest.
Responding to a journalist’s question on what such coups reveal about the state of governance on the continent, Kagame recalled his first reaction to the coup in Guinea-Bissau, noting that he initially questioned whether the military was staging a coup against itself.
“When I heard it first, I thought somebody was carrying out a coup against himself,” Kagame remarked, further adding that he still needed time to fully confirm what had occurred.
However, he emphasized that such incidents typically reveal significant underlying problems in leadership. He expressed his belief that, in many cases, coups signify widespread dissatisfaction with the current governance, suggesting that “where coups are taking place, there must be something wrong.”
Drawing from past incidents, including the political instability in Madagascar, Kagame underscored a recurring pattern.
“Once there is a coup, maybe 90% of the time, it means in that place there has been a problem,” he explained.
The President also critiqued the international community’s inconsistent praise of certain African leaders, noting that these coups often serve as a wake-up call, exposing the false narratives propagated by some global powers about stability in Africa.
“These coups only happen to tell these people you’ve been telling lies,” he said.
Addressing the concerns of young Africans, Kagame acknowledged the frustration felt by many, though he urged for greater responsibility and understanding.
He argued that rather than succumbing to reckless behavior, leaders must work to ensure that young people feel included and responsible for their country’s progress.
“It’s our responsibility to do something so that they have no need to do that,” Kagame asserted, emphasizing that open dialogue and transparency from leaders could help prevent violent uprisings.
Kagame remarked that he believes there are “good coups and bad coups,” depending on surrounding circumstances.
“There might be a coup by somebody who got high-handed, and high anyway, just got high-handed, and became reckless and thought because he has a gun he will go and take power. That’s a bad coup,” he said.
“But if somebody, a group of people say no, enough is enough. These guys have been telling us lies, they’ve been doing this, they’re enriching themselves, cheating us. You can’t have it anymore, it’s stinking. And they go for whatever form they do it, I think I am okay with it. I know it will be misunderstood, but I am happy to take the risk. I’m okay with that,” he added.
However, he also cautioned that for such movements to be legitimate, they must lead to meaningful change and not repeat the same mistakes of those they overthrew.
“If you come and do the very things you overthrew people for, or do worse, then why did you come out to the coup?” Kagame asked, suggesting that such a scenario would warrant another uprising.
