Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached RWF 7.174 trillion in the second quarter of 2026, up from RWF 5.799 trillion recorded during the same quarter in 2025, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
The figures show that Rwanda’s GDP grew by 9.4% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year.
The services sector continued to make the largest contribution to the country’s GDP, accounting for 51% of total output. Industry contributed 23%, agriculture 21%, while taxes less subsidies on products accounted for 5%.
Industrial output records strong growth
According to NISR, industrial output increased by 18% in the second quarter of 2026, contributing 3.9 percentage points to overall GDP growth.
Within the sector, output from mining and quarrying activities increased by 26%, while construction grew by 24%. Manufacturing output also increased by 10%.
The growth in manufacturing was largely driven by a 51% increase in the production of metal products, machinery and other equipment.
Manufacturing of non-metallic mineral products grew by 22%, while the production of textiles and leather products increased by 13%. Food processing also recorded a 2% increase.
Services sector continues to drive the economy
The services sector grew by 7% in the second quarter of 2026, contributing 3.7 percentage points to overall GDP growth.
Wholesale and retail trade increased by 18%, while transport services grew by 7%.
Information and communication technology services recorded strong growth of 29%, while financial services increased by 4%. Administrative and support services grew by 9%, while accommodation and food services increased by 5%.
On the other hand, public administration services declined by 3%, while health services fell by 39%.
Agriculture grows by 4%
Agriculture also contributed to Rwanda’s economic growth in the second quarter of 2026, expanding by 4% and contributing 1.0 percentage point to overall GDP growth.
Output of food crops increased by 5%, while export crop production declined by 20%.
Livestock production grew by 6%, forestry also increased by 6%, while fishing recorded a significant 66% increase.
GDP expenditure
In terms of expenditure, NISR reports that household and consumer spending accounted for 74% of GDP, while government consumption accounted for 14%. Gross fixed capital formation and other investment activities amounted to 25% of total GDP.
Exports of goods and services increased by 19%, while imports rose by 36%. Gross fixed capital formation also increased by 32%.
The latest NISR figures indicate that Rwanda’s economy continued to expand in the second quarter of 2026, driven primarily by growth in industry, services and agriculture.
