The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $250 million (approximately RWF 364.2 billion) loan to Rwanda aimed at supporting economic stability, sustaining growth, and helping the country navigate global economic shocks.
The decision was made by the IMF Executive Board under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), a programme designed to assist countries facing external economic pressures and balance of payments challenges. The support will be disbursed over a period of 38 months.
According to the IMF, Rwanda will immediately receive about $35.7 million in the first tranche, while the remaining funds will be released in phases depending on progress in implementing agreed economic reforms.
The Fund said the financing is intended to strengthen Rwanda’s macroeconomic stability, support inclusive growth, and help maintain investments in social protection and key development priorities amid ongoing global uncertainty.
The IMF noted that Rwanda’s economy recorded strong performance in 2025, growing by 9.4%, a rate that exceeded earlier expectations and reflected robust activity across major sectors.
However, the Fund warned that inflationary pressures have increased in early 2026, with consumer prices rising to 13.2% in April, above the central bank’s target range, contributing to higher living costs.
Trade performance remained relatively strong, driven by increased exports of coffee and minerals, while imports also rose due to ongoing infrastructure and development projects.
Despite this performance, the IMF cautioned that global economic conditions remain fragile, largely due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have pushed up oil and fertiliser prices. These developments are expected to weigh on Rwanda’s economic outlook, with growth projected to slow to below 6.8% in 2026.
The IMF said the programme aims to reduce external financing gaps, strengthen economic resilience, and improve the country’s capacity to withstand future global shocks.
IMF Deputy Managing Director Bo Li said Rwanda has demonstrated strong capacity to manage economic challenges, crediting sound economic policies and strong partnerships with development stakeholders.
He added that continued prudent economic management and efforts to reduce debt vulnerabilities will further strengthen Rwanda’s resilience and ability to withstand global economic volatility.
