Verified Facts

Official NameRepublic of Rwanda
CapitalKigali
Population14.1 million
Area26,338 km² (10,169 sq mi)
LanguagesEnglish, French, Kinyarwanda
CurrencyRwandan franc (Fr)
TimezoneUTC+02:00
RegionAfrica / Eastern Africa
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

Quick Facts

GDP (nominal)($12.9 billion estimate)
GDP Per Capita($913 estimate)
Income Classification(Lower-Middle)
Main Industries(agriculture, mining, manufacturing)
CurrencyRWF
Unemployment Rate(approximately 15%)
Ease of Doing Business(ranked 38 out of 190 countries, indicating a relatively favorable business environment)

Economic Overview

Rwanda's economy is a lower-middle-income economy, with a strong focus on development and growth. The country has made significant progress in recent years, with a steady increase in GDP and a decline in poverty rates. Rwanda's economic classification is largely driven by its service sector, which accounts for approximately 50% of the country's GDP. The economy is also driven by agriculture, which employs a significant portion of the population, and mining, which is a growing sector. Rwanda's development level is considered to be relatively high compared to other countries in the region, with a strong emphasis on education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

Rwanda's economic trajectory is expected to continue on a positive path, with the government implementing various initiatives to promote economic growth and development. The country has set ambitious targets to become a middle-income economy by 2035, and is working to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on agriculture. Rwanda's economic growth is also driven by its strategic location, with the country serving as a hub for trade and commerce in the region.

Rwanda's economy is also driven by its strong institutions and business-friendly environment. The country has a relatively low corruption rate compared to other countries in the region, and has implemented various reforms to simplify business procedures and reduce bureaucracy. This has made Rwanda an attractive destination for foreign investment, with the country receiving significant amounts of foreign direct investment in recent years.

Key Industries

IndustryContributionDetails
Agriculture30% of GDPTea, coffee, and pyrethrum are major export crops, while food crops such as maize, beans, and cassava are also important
Mining10% of GDPMinerals such as tin, tungsten, and gold are mined, with the sector expected to grow in the coming years
Manufacturing15% of GDPTextiles, food processing, and construction materials are major manufacturing sectors, with the government working to promote the growth of the sector
Services50% of GDPFinancial services, tourism, and ICT are major service sectors, with the government working to promote the growth of the sector
Tourism5% of GDPTourism is a growing sector, with visitors drawn to Rwanda's natural beauty, including the Volcanoes National Park and Lake Kivu

Trade Profile

Top Exports:

  • Tea, which is one of Rwanda's main export crops
  • Coffee, which is also a major export crop
  • Minerals, such as tin, tungsten, and gold
  • Pyrethrum, which is used in the production of insecticides
  • Textiles, which are manufactured in Rwanda and exported to other countries

Top Imports:

  • Machinery, which is used in various sectors, including manufacturing and construction
  • Fuel, which is used to power vehicles and generate electricity
  • Food, which is imported to supplement domestic production
  • Construction materials, which are used in the construction of buildings and infrastructure
  • Pharmaceuticals, which are imported to meet the country's healthcare needs

Key Trading Partners:

  • Uganda
  • Kenya
  • Tanzania
  • China
  • Belgium

Infrastructure

  • Rwanda has a relatively well-developed transport network, with over 4,000 kilometers of roads, including paved and unpaved roads
  • The country has a growing energy sector, with a focus on renewable energy sources such as solar and hydroelectric power
  • Internet and mobile penetration are relatively high, with over 50% of the population having access to the internet and over 70% having access to mobile phones
  • Rwanda has a relatively well-developed port and airport system, with the Kigali International Airport serving as a major hub for air transport in the region
  • The country is also investing in the development of its rail network, with plans to connect Rwanda to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania

Economic Outlook

Rwanda's economic outlook is positive, with the country expected to continue on a path of strong economic growth. The government is working to diversify the economy and reduce its reliance on agriculture, with a focus on promoting the growth of the manufacturing and services sectors. The country is also investing in the development of its infrastructure, including its transport network, energy sector, and ICT sector. Rwanda is also expected to benefit from its strategic location, with the country serving as a hub for trade and commerce in the region.

The government has set ambitious targets to become a middle-income economy by 2035, and is working to promote economic growth and development through various initiatives. These include the development of special economic zones, the promotion of foreign investment, and the simplification of business procedures. Rwanda is also working to improve its business environment, with a focus on reducing bureaucracy and promoting transparency and accountability. Overall, Rwanda's economic outlook is positive, with the country expected to continue on a path of strong economic growth and development in the coming years.

Related: Cost of Living · Monthly Budget Guide