Most Rwandans are optimistic about their financial prospects, with 76% expecting their income to increase over the next year, according to a new TransUnion Rwanda survey.
The findings are from the TransUnion Consumer Pulse Study for the first quarter of 2026, conducted between February 10 and March 9 among 259 Rwandans aged 18 and above.
The survey shows that 16% of respondents expect their income to remain at the current level, reflecting continued confidence among consumers despite ongoing financial pressures.
However, debt repayment remains a concern, with 50% of respondents saying they may not be able to clear all their outstanding loans within the agreed timelines.
Some respondents said they would consider partial repayments, relying on savings, or seeking temporary employment opportunities to meet their financial obligations.
The study also found that 34% of respondents have reduced spending on non-essential items in recent months as they adjust their household budgets.
At the same time, many Rwandans reported investing in digital services and other activities aimed at improving their livelihoods and financial stability.
TransUnion Rwanda Managing Director Didier Mutabazi said Rwanda’s progress in expanding access to financial services must now focus on ensuring citizens can use those services to build wealth and improve resilience.
“Access to financial services is not the end of the journey. The next step is enabling more people to access financial products and services that help them start businesses, build assets and strengthen their economic resilience,” Mutabazi said.
The survey shows that credit remains a key tool for many Rwandans, with 98% of respondents saying loans are important for development.
However, only 42% said they currently have adequate access to the credit services they need, while 37% said they do not require credit and 21% were undecided.
Personal loans and education loans emerged as the most demanded credit products. Demand for personal loans is expected to reach 47% over the next year, while student loans are projected at 28%.
The survey also highlights growing awareness about credit management, with 70% of respondents saying they check their credit information at least once a month. Meanwhile, 96% said regularly monitoring credit records is important.
Mutabazi said the findings demonstrate that citizens increasingly understand the role of responsible borrowing in improving their economic wellbeing.
He called for stronger cooperation among financial sector players to promote responsible lending, build trust in financial data systems and develop solutions that support sustainable economic growth.
