Rwanda’s economy recorded strong growth in the third quarter of 2025, expanding by 11.8 per cent. According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), this marks a sharp increase from the 7.8 per cent growth registered in the second quarter and the 6.5 per cent recorded in the first quarter of the year.
The robust performance was driven by strong activity across several sectors, particularly industry, services, and agriculture, signalling a positive outlook for the country’s economy.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, welcomed the results, saying: “The 11.8 per cent growth is encouraging.
We are on track to meet our 7 per cent annual projection, supported by strong performance in the services and industrial sectors.” In nominal terms, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the third quarter was estimated at Rwf 5,525 billion, up from Rwf 4,659 billion in the same period last year.
Services remained the largest contributor to GDP at 57 per cent, followed by industry at 22 per cent and agriculture at 15 per cent. Net direct taxes accounted for the remaining 6 per cent.
Strong growth across the economy
Figures released on Tuesday, 16 December, highlight the main drivers of Rwanda’s economic expansion. The agricultural sector grew by 10 per cent. Food crop production increased by 4 per cent, while export crops recorded exceptional growth of 35 per cent.
This was largely driven by a 32 per cent rise in coffee production and a 100 per cent increase in tea output. The fishing sector also performed strongly, growing by 34 per cent.
Industry expanded by an impressive 17 per cent, led by mining and quarrying, which grew by 14 per cent. Export volumes of processed cassiterite increased by 115 per cent, while coltan exports rose by 8 per cent and raw cassiterite by 4.3 per cent.
In contrast, wolfram exports declined by 8 per cent. Construction recorded strong growth of 20 per cent, while manufacturing expanded by 14 per cent.
This was supported by increased demand for construction materials, including cement (44 per cent), metal products (28 per cent), and chemical products such as paints and soaps (25 per cent). Food processing also contributed positively, growing by 12 per cent.
The services sector, the largest contributor to the economy, grew by 10 per cent. Wholesale and retail trade led the sector with a 20 per cent increase. Transport activities also improved, with land transport growing by 10 per cent, while air transport remained stable.
The information and communication sector expanded by 17 per cent, f inancial services grew by 10 per cent, and professional and administrative services increased by 19 per cent.
However, some sub sectors recorded declines. Hotels and restaurants contracted by 3 per cent, while health services fell sharply by 16 per cent. Public administration grew by 7 per cent, and education expanded by 5 per cent.
Overall, the figures underline Rwanda’s continued economic diversification and the positive impact of sustained investment in key sectors.
