Rwanda’s industrial production rose 7.9 percent in January from a year earlier, as manufacturing and utility sectors posted strong gains, signaling sustained economic expansion despite slowing global trade.
The increase follows a 9.4 percent annual average growth, driven by a 7.1 percent jump in manufacturing output, a 20 percent surge in water and waste management, and steady gains in mining and electricity, the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda said in a report.
Food processing led manufacturing growth with a 16.7 percent increase, buoyed by higher production of staple goods, while beverage and tobacco output climbed 13.9%. In contrast, textiles, clothing, and leather manufacturing contracted 8.6 percent, reflecting weaker demand.
“The latest figures highlight the resilience of Rwanda’s industrial sector, particularly in essential goods and infrastructure-related production,” the statistics office said.
Mining and quarrying expanded 4.3 percent, while electricity output rose 4.2 percent amid continued investment in power generation. The water and waste management sector posted the strongest growth, underscoring rising demand for urban services.
The data suggests Rwanda’s industrial sector remains a key driver of economic momentum, with manufacturing and infrastructure sectors offsetting weaker performance in certain sub-industries.
