Rwanda Records Strong 11.8% GDP Growth in Third Quarter of 2025

Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 11.8% in the third quarter of 2025, reaching Rwf 5,525 billion, up from Rwf 4,659 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.

This was announced by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, which said the increase reflects a continued acceleration of economic growth in the third quarter of the year.

NISR noted that the 11.8% growth followed a 6.5% increase in the first quarter of 2025 and 7.8% in the second quarter, indicating steady economic expansion as the year progressed.

The services sector accounted for the largest share of GDP at 57%, followed by industry at 22% and agriculture at 15%, while net taxes contributed 6%.

The agricultural sector expanded by 10% in the third quarter of 2025. Production of food crops increased by 4%, while export crops recorded a strong growth of 35%. Livestock production grew by 6%, and fisheries expanded sharply by 34%, reflecting progress across various agricultural sub-sectors.

The industrial sector recorded a growth of 17%, with mining and quarrying increasing by 14% and construction activities rising by 20%.

The manufacturing sector grew by 14%, largely driven by a 44% increase in cement production, a 28% rise in metal products, and a 25% growth in pharmaceutical production, while food processing increased by 12%.

Within the services sector, information and communication technology (ICT) expanded by 17%, while financial services grew by 10%. However, hotels and restaurants declined by 3%, and health services fell by 16%.

Public administration services grew by 7%, while education services increased by 5%.

While NISR noted that these indicators demonstrate continued economic progress, it also highlighted persistent weaknesses in the health services and hospitality sectors.

Mukanyandwi Marie Louise