Rwanda’s economy expanded by 9.4 percent in 2025, fueled by robust growth in the services and industrial sectors, according to the latest report from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda. The country’s GDP at current market prices rose to Rwf23.387 Trillion from Rwf19.918 Trillion in 2024, underscoring a steady recovery across multiple sectors.
The services sector emerged as the main driver, contributing 52 percent to GDP, while industry and agriculture accounted for 22 percent and 20 percent, respectively. Net direct taxes made up the remaining 5 percent.
The statistics agency highlighted that quarterly growth accelerated through the year, with GDP increasing 6.5 percent in Q1, 7.8 percent in Q2, 11.8 percent in Q3, and 11.2 percent in Q4.
Within services, wholesale and retail trade surged 15 percent, and information and communication services also grew 15 percent, reflecting the country’s expanding digital and commercial activities.
Transport and financial services posted moderate gains of 7 percent each. However, health services contracted 13 percent, and hotel and restaurant services declined 2 percent, reflecting continued challenges in certain service subsectors.
Industry posted an 11 percent expansion, driven by construction and manufacturing. Mining and quarrying led industrial growth with a 17 percent increase, while construction activities rose 11 percent.
Manufacturing benefited from a surge in construction materials: cement production jumped 35 percent, metal products 21 percent, and chemicals and plastics 24 percent. Food processing grew 9 percent, though textile manufacturing slipped 1 percent.
Agriculture grew 7 percent overall, with export crops driving gains. Coffee output rose 60 percent and tea production increased 8 percent, contributing to a 32 percent growth in export crop production. Food crops posted a more modest 3 percent increase.
“The 2025 economic performance demonstrates Rwanda’s resilience and the critical role of services and industry in driving growth,” NISR noted in its annual GDP report. The data suggest that the country is steadily diversifying beyond agriculture, while strengthening industrial and service-oriented activities that can underpin sustainable expansion.
Analysts say Rwanda’s growth trajectory positions it favorably in East Africa, where regional integration and private sector investment are expected to further bolster services and industrial output.
