Rwanda Economy Grows 11.8% in Q3 2025, Leading Sub-Saharan Africa

KIGALI, RWANDA — December 16, 2025 — Rwanda’s economy expanded by 11.8% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, marking one of the fastest growth rates recorded in Sub-Saharan Africa this year, according to official national accounts released this week. The performance represents a sharp acceleration from 8.1% growth in the same period of 2024, underscoring sustained momentum across multiple sectors.

Updated 14:20 UTC

Rwanda's economy grew by 11.8% in the third quarter of 2025, up from 7.8% in the second quarter according to the latest data from @statisticsRW

The strong expansion was driven by robust performances across the services (10%), industry (17%), and agriculture (10%) sectors.… pic.twitter.com/VWm4xrQR86

— Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning (@RwandaFinance) December 16, 2025

Data from Rwanda’s statistics authorities show that industry was the primary growth engine, expanding by 17% in the quarter. Construction activity rose by 20%, supported by continued public infrastructure projects and private real estate development. Manufacturing output increased by 14%, reflecting higher domestic demand and regional trade flows, while the mining sector also posted 14% growth, aided by rising export volumes.

The services sector remained the backbone of the economy, accounting for 57% of total GDP, with transport, wholesale and retail trade, hospitality, and financial services showing broad-based expansion. Economists cited by regional media said Rwanda’s ability to combine services growth with rising industrial output differentiates it from peers still heavily reliant on consumption-led services alone.

Agriculture, which contributes 15% of GDP, recorded 10% growth in the quarter. Export-oriented crops were a standout, increasing by 35%, according to official figures. Analysts noted that improved yields, better value-chain coordination, and stronger access to export markets helped cushion the sector against climate-related pressures affecting parts of East and Southern Africa.

Government officials described the results as evidence that long-term investments in infrastructure, skills, and export diversification are gaining traction. Independent economists, however, cautioned that maintaining double-digit growth will require continued fiscal discipline and private-sector expansion, particularly as global financial conditions remain tight.

Across the continent, Rwanda’s performance contrasts with more modest growth rates in many African economies in 2025, as inflation control, debt servicing costs, and external shocks weigh on expansion. Regional development analysts say Rwanda’s model—combining services dominance with a rising industrial base—offers lessons for other African countries seeking to reduce vulnerability to commodity cycles.

For East Africa, the data reinforce Rwanda’s role as a regional growth hub, with spillover effects for trade, logistics, and investment across the bloc. Pan-African policy observers argue that sustained gains in manufacturing and agro-exports could further integrate Rwanda into continental value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Rwanda’s latest figures highlight a broader shift underway in parts of Africa toward economic diversification and productivity-driven growth. While services remain central, the growing contribution of industry and export agriculture signals progress toward more resilient economic structures. If sustained, analysts say this trajectory could strengthen employment creation and regional trade linkages.

Authorities are expected to release full-year 2025 projections in early 2026. Economists will be watching whether construction and manufacturing maintain momentum, and how external risks—ranging from global demand to climate variability—affect growth in the first half of next year.