Rwanda’s economy expanded by 9.4% in the second quarter compared with the same period last year, remaining resilient despite spillovers from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
Gross domestic product at current market prices reached Rwf7.174 trillion, up from Rwf5.799 trillion in the second quarter of 2025.
Industry recorded the fastest growth among the main sectors, rising by 18% and contributing 3.9 percentage points to overall economic growth. Construction increased by 24%, mining and quarrying by 26%, while manufacturing grew by 10%.
Strong construction activity also pushed up demand for locally produced building materials. Manufacturing of metal products, machinery and equipment increased by 51%, while production of non-metallic mineral products rose by 22%. Textiles and leather products grew by 13%, and food processing increased by 2%.
Services, which remained the largest part of the economy, grew by 7% and accounted for 51% of GDP. Wholesale and retail trade increased by 18%, transport by 7%, information and communication by 29%, financial services by 4%, and hotels and restaurants by 5%.
Public administration services declined by 3%, while health services fell by 39%.
Agriculture grew by 4% and contributed one percentage point to overall growth. Food crop production increased by 5%, livestock by 6%, forestry by 6% and fishing by 66%, while export crop production declined by 20%.
In terms of the structure of the economy, industry accounted for 23% of GDP and agriculture 21%, while net indirect taxes represented 5%.
Household spending also increased during the quarter. Private final consumption represented 74% of GDP and rose by 13%, while government consumption accounted for 14% and declined by 6%.
Gross capital formation, which represented 25% of GDP, increased by 32%. Exports of goods and services rose by 19%, while imports increased by 36%.
The performance was largely supported by stronger activity in construction, manufacturing and trade, while services continued to account for the biggest share of Rwanda’s economy.
Elie GATETE
RADIOTV10