Rwanda is emerging as one of Eastern Africa’s strongest economic performers, with growth driven by sound macroeconomic management, strategic investments and sustained reforms, according to a new report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The report highlights Rwanda’s broad-based expansion, projecting the economy to grow by 7.2 per cent in 2026, placing it among Africa’s fastest-growing economies. ALSO READ: Economy grew 10% in first quarter of 2026 The growth was driven by strong performance across the industry, services and agriculture sectors. It also projects Rwanda’s economy to grow by 7.2 per cent in 2026, placing it among Africa’s fastest-growing economies. In Eastern Africa, only Ethiopia, projected to grow by 9.2 per cent, and Uganda, at 7.5 per cent, are expected to post faster growth, while Tanzania and DR Congo are forecast to grow by 5.9 per cent each. ALSO READ: Rwanda ranks among Africa's top performers in debt transparency As noted, Rwanda’s performance reflects sound macroeconomic management, sustained investment in strategic sectors and continued implementation of reforms that support long-term, inclusive economic growth. In a statement issued on Friday, July 31, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning said the report’s findings “underscore the effectiveness of deliberate policy choices and the resilience of our economic fundamentals, even as global conditions remain challenging.” The report notes that Rwanda increased its 2025/26 national budget by 21 per cent compared to the previous fiscal year, prioritising investments in infrastructure, agriculture, electrification, education, healthcare, housing and the development of Bugesera International Airport. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Seven major infrastructure projects nearing completion These investments, it says, are aligned with Rwanda’s long-term ambition of becoming a regional logistics and services hub. Beyond economic growth, the report further commends the country’s prudent public debt management, noting that nearly 90 per cent of public debt is on concessional terms. It says the country's debt management strategy has focused on reducing refinancing risks while financing transformative investments. ALSO READ: Why Rwanda's investor relations, debt transparency matter Tourism also remains a key pillar of the economy. According to the report, the sector contributed Frw1.9 trillion, equivalent to 9.8 per cent of GDP, in 2024 and is projected to support more than 400,000 jobs in 2025. Rwanda also receives one of the highest shares of intra-African tourist arrivals in the region, reflecting its growing role as a destination for business, conferences and leisure tourism. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s tourism revenues hit Rwf1tn in 2025 - report It also ranks Rwanda among Eastern African countries with lower multidimensional poverty index scores, reflecting continued investments in education, healthcare, energy access and social protection. ALSO READ: Kwibohora32: Rwanda’s growth story in key figures The report further highlights improvements in child health, noting that under-five mortality declined from 45 to 36 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the 2025 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey. Rwanda also retained its position as the world’s leading country in women’s representation in Parliament, with women holding 63.8 per cent of seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 50 per cent in the Senate. According to the ministry of finance, the report highlights “Rwanda’s strong economic resilience and inclusive development” despite a challenging global environment. It added that the findings reaffirm the government’s commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability, accelerating private sector-led growth and implementing reforms that support the country's long-term development ambitions under Vision 2050 and the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). ALSO READ: Rwanda’s economy beats expectations, expands 9.4% in 2025 More broadly, the report paints a positive outlook for Eastern Africa, describing the region as Africa’s fastest-growing despite mounting global and domestic challenges. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa projects Eastern Africa’s economy to expand by 5.8 per cent in 2026, well above the continental average of 4 per cent. The growth is expected to be driven by sustained public investment, recovering private consumption and continued infrastructure development in several countries. ALSO READ: East Africa projected to lead regional growth in 2026 However, the report warns that high public debt, tightening fiscal space, climate-related shocks and global economic uncertainty continue to pose risks to the region's growth prospects. It urges countries to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation, improve public spending efficiency and accelerate regional trade and economic integration to sustain growth.
