The 2025 report by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) shows that last year, Rwanda registered investments worth 2.62 billion USD (approximately 3,800 billion Rwandan francs) across 799 projects, up from 612 projects recorded in 2024.
Rwanda is steadily strengthening its position as one of Africa’s most competitive destinations for investment, tourism and trade, according to the latest 2025 Annual Report released by the Rwanda Development Board.
The report paints a picture of an economy gaining momentum across multiple sectors, with strong growth in investments, rising tourism revenues, and resilient export performance, all pointing to increasing global confidence in Rwanda’s economic direction.
In 2025, Rwanda registered investments worth USD 2.62 billion across 799 projects, a notable increase from 612 projects in 2024. These investments are expected to generate more than 38,000 jobs, with key sectors such as real estate, manufacturing and mining leading the way. The figures highlight not just interest in Rwanda as a market, but confidence in its ability to turn investment commitments into real economic activity.
Foreign investment also showed strong growth. According to the latest Foreign Private Capital survey, Foreign Direct Investment inflows rose to USD 872.9 million, marking a 21.8% increase from the previous year. This continued rise reflects a stable policy environment and ongoing reforms that make it easier for businesses to operate and grow.
Tourism remained one of Rwanda’s strongest performing sectors. Revenues reached USD 685 million, supported by 1.49 million visitors, as the country continued to attract travelers through experiences like gorilla trekking and expanding national park offerings. At the same time, Rwanda strengthened its position as a hub for international events, with the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) segment generating USD 94.7 million.
High-profile events played a major role in boosting visibility and visitor numbers. Among them were the UCI Road World Championships 2025, a historic first for Africa, alongside entertainment and global gatherings such as Move Afrika Kigali featuring John Legend, the Mobile World Congress, and the Basketball Africa League.
Rwanda also continued to leverage global partnerships to boost its international brand through the Visit Rwanda campaign. The country renewed its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain until 2028 and signed new deals with Atlético de Madrid, as well as U.S. teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Rams. These partnerships are expected to increase global exposure and attract high-value tourists and investors.
On the trade front, Rwanda’s exports remained resilient, reaching USD 3.6 billion, driven by mining, agriculture and horticulture. Services exports also grew, while air cargo volumes increased, strengthening the country’s connectivity to key global markets in Europe and the Middle East.
Beyond sector performance, Rwanda continued to earn recognition on the global stage. It achieved Africa’s highest score in the World Bank’s B-READY Report for regulatory quality and maintained a strong ranking in the Rule of Law Index by the World Justice Project further reinforcing its reputation as a reliable place to do business.
To support this growth, RDB pushed forward reforms aimed at improving service delivery and the business environment. The expansion and digitization of the One Stop Centre is expected to simplify access to over 400 services across more than 20 institutions, making it easier for investors and entrepreneurs to operate efficiently.
The establishment of the National Lottery and Gambling Commission also marked a step toward stronger regulation and oversight in emerging sectors.
Speaking on the results, RDB CEO Jean-Guy Afrika emphasized that the country’s progress reflects a consistent focus on building a competitive and predictable business environment that supports long-term growth.
As Rwanda moves forward with its Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and its 2025–2030 strategy, the focus remains clear: attract more investment, expand exports, grow high-value tourism, and continue driving innovation.
Overall, the 2025 performance signals a country that is not only growing, but doing so with direction, ambition, and increasing global relevance.
RADIOTV10
