Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has announced that Rwanda’s economy continued its strong upward trajectory, growing from 8.2 percent in 2023 to 8.9 percent, exceeding earlier projections.
He made the remarks on Thursday, February 5, during the 20th edition of the National Umushyikirano Council chaired by President Paul Kagame at Kigali Convention Centre.
Dr. Nsengiyumva said the performance reflects the country’s steady implementation of the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which officially began under the 2024/2025 national budget, in line with Vision 2050.
According to the Prime Minister, the government has intensified efforts over the past year to meet NST2 targets, particularly those aimed at improving citizens’ livelihoods. One of the key goals is to increase annual income per capita from USD 1,040 in 2024 to USD 1,370 by 2029, as part of broader efforts to raise living standards.
“The Government of Rwanda is pleased with the continued positive performance of the economy,” Dr. Nsengiyumva said. “In 2024, economic growth rose from 8.2 percent in 2023 to 8.9 percent, surpassing the projected target of 8.3 percent.”
He added that economic momentum has remained strong in the first three quarters of 2025, with average growth standing at 8.7 percent. This was driven by growth rates of 6.5 percent in the first quarter, 7.8 percent in the second quarter, and a sharp increase to 11.8 percent in the third quarter.
The Prime Minister attributed the growth to strong performance across key sectors of the economy.
“This growth has been supported by various sectors, including industry, agriculture and services,” he said. “In the first three quarters of 2025, the agricultural sector grew by an average of 7 percent, up from 5 percent in 2024.”
Government data also show that the industrial sector expanded by 10 percent, while the services sector grew by an average of 9 percent, underscoring broad-based economic expansion.
“These figures demonstrate that our economy is growing at a healthy pace and give us confidence that the targets we have set will be achieved,” Dr. Nsengiyumva noted.
He further pointed out that increased productivity across economic sectors, combined with policies aimed at expanding employment opportunities, has contributed to a reduction in unemployment levels.
During the 20th edition of Umushyikirano, the Prime Minister also reported progress on resolutions adopted at the 2024 National Consultative Forum, noting that 13 resolutions were approved. Of the 41 planned actions, 34 have been fully implemented, while seven are nearing completion.
