Rwanda’s economy expanded by 10% in the first quarter of 2026, reaching RWF 6,346 billion, up from RWF 5,276 billion recorded in the same period in 2025, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
The figures, released on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, show broad-based growth across key sectors, with services, industry, and agriculture all recording gains.
The services sector remained the largest contributor to GDP, accounting for 52%, followed by industry at 24%, agriculture at 19%, and taxes on products at 5%.
Services grew by 7% and contributed 3.9 percentage points to overall GDP growth. Wholesale and retail trade expanded by 11%, transport by 11%, financial services by 11%, and information and communication technology (ICT) posted the strongest growth at 22%. Public administration and support services increased by 20%.
Industry recorded the fastest growth at 13%, contributing 3.1 percentage points to overall expansion. Mining and quarrying rose by 20%, construction by 11%, and manufacturing by 15%.
Manufacturing growth was driven by sharp increases in machinery and metal products (52%) and non-metallic mineral products (57%). Chemicals and plastics grew by 21%, while wood, paper and printing rose by 22%. Furniture and related manufacturing declined by 6%.
Agriculture grew by 8% and contributed 1.6 percentage points to overall GDP growth. Food crop production increased by 3%, while export-oriented crops surged by 39%, boosting foreign exchange earnings.
However, some sectors recorded declines. Hotels and restaurants fell by 16%, public administration by 1%, and the health sector by 18%.
Overall, the report indicates continued strong economic expansion driven by industry, services, and agriculture, supporting Rwanda’s growth and job creation agenda.
