A new report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) has reaffirmed that Rwanda continues to demonstrate strong economic resilience and sustained development despite ongoing global economic uncertainty driven by various international challenges.
The findings are contained in UNECA’s latest report titled “Macroeconomic and Social Overview 2026: Eastern Africa’s Balancing Act – High Growth, Tight Budgets, and Rising Uncertainty,” which assesses the economic and social performance of countries across Eastern Africa.
According to the report, Rwanda remains among the region’s fastest-growing economies, with its strong performance driven by sound macroeconomic management, strategic investments in key sectors, and long-term economic reforms aimed at fostering sustainable growth.
UNECA noted that Rwanda’s economy has continued to expand across multiple sectors. The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 10% in the first quarter of 2026, supported by strong performances in manufacturing, services, and agriculture.
The report further highlighted that Rwanda’s economic growth has become increasingly broad-based, with construction, manufacturing, and services making significant contributions to the country’s economic expansion.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, Rwanda’s economy recorded an 11.2% growth rate, fueled by increased activity in construction, manufacturing, trade, information and communication technology (ICT), and the services sector.
According to UNECA, this reflects the country’s successful transition toward a more diversified economy rather than relying on a single sector for growth.
The Commission also noted that Rwanda increased its 2025/2026 national budget by 21% compared to the previous fiscal year.
The expanded budget prioritizes investment in infrastructure, agriculture, electricity access, education, healthcare, housing, and the construction of the Bugesera International Airport.
UNECA said these investments align with Rwanda’s ambition of becoming a regional hub for aviation, trade, and services in Eastern Africa.
Prudent Public Finance Management
Regarding public finances, UNECA emphasized that Rwanda continues to manage its public debt prudently, noting that nearly 90% of the country’s public debt consists of concessional loans, which carry favorable repayment terms.
Tourism Continues to Drive Growth
The report also identified tourism as one of Rwanda’s major economic pillars.
According to UNECA, the tourism sector contributed Frw 1 trillion to the economy in 2024, accounting for 9.8% of the country’s GDP, while supporting more than 400,000 jobs in 2025.
The Commission noted that Rwanda continues to attract tourists from across Africa and beyond, particularly in the areas of international conferences, business travel, and leisure tourism.
Social Development Gains Continue
On social development, UNECA commended Rwanda for making continued progress in reducing poverty through sustained investments in education, healthcare, energy, and social protection programs.
The report also highlighted improvements in child health, noting that the under-five mortality rate declined from 45 deaths per 1,000 live births to 36 per 1,000 live births, according to the 2025 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey.
In terms of gender equality, UNECA reaffirmed Rwanda’s global leadership in women’s representation in decision-making institutions.
The report states that women hold 63.8% of seats in the Chamber of Deputies, while they account for 50% of the Senate.
Challenges Remain Despite Positive Outlook
Although the report recognizes Rwanda’s remarkable progress, UNECA cautioned that Eastern African countries continue to face challenges, including global economic volatility, rising public debt, fluctuations in international commodity prices, and the effects of geopolitical tensions.
Nevertheless, the Commission concluded that Rwanda is well positioned to sustain its rapid development, thanks to prudent economic governance, continued investment in strategic sectors, and national policies focused on building a knowledge-based economy powered by technology, innovation, and private sector growth.
As Rwanda continues implementing its long-term development agenda under Vision 2050 and the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), the UNECA report concludes that the country has established a strong foundation for achieving its sustainable development goals.
