Rwanda’s growing domestic revenue collection is strengthening the government’s drive toward economic independence, as officials point to improved tax compliance and digital systems as key pillars of long-term development.
Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), honored top-performing taxpayers for the 2024–2025 fiscal year during a ceremony in Kigali held on 12th, citing their role in helping the country exceed its revenue targets at a time when foreign aid continues to decline.
RRA collected 3,099 billion Rwandan francs ($2.3 billion) in tax and non-tax revenues during the fiscal year, surpassing its target of 3,041.2 billion francs. The performance represented 101.9% of the target and a 17.4% increase compared with the previous year.
Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva said the results highlight the importance of domestic resource mobilization as a sustainable foundation for national development.
“Paying taxes is a sign of responsibility and commitment to the country,” Nsengiyumva said, adding that reliance on unpredictable external assistance undermines long-term planning.
Rwanda, like many developing countries, has seen foreign aid steadily decline. Nsengiyumva said external funding has dropped from 37% of the national budget 15 years ago to 8.3% today, calling the trend a clear signal for the country to rely more heavily on its own resources.
Finance and Economic Planning Minister Yusuf Murangwa said revenues collected by RRA accounted for 55.1% of the national budget in 2024–2025, compared with 44.7% five years ago.
Murangwa said the government will continue to prioritize private investment and economic transformation, noting that 62.8% of the current budget is allocated to growth-oriented sectors. He said the allocation reflects confidence in the country’s ability to sustain economic progress through domestic financing.
RRA Commissioner General Ronald Niwenshuti credited the revenue gains to stronger collaboration with taxpayers and the expansion of digital tools designed to simplify compliance.
“We are committed to making tax processes easier and more transparent,” Niwenshuti said, expressing confidence that RRA will meet its 2025–2026 target of collecting 3,728.2 billion francs in tax and non-tax revenues.
The Private Sector Federation welcomed the government’s approach, with Chairwoman Jeanne Françoise Mubiligi praising efforts to improve transparency and accountability in public finance management.
Twenty taxpayers were recognized across seven categories, based on timely tax payments, compliance with tax laws, use of electronic billing machines and the absence of tax arrears or formal repayment agreements.
RRA also honored an outstanding consumer from Kigali for consistently requesting electronic billing receipts, highlighting the role of citizens in strengthening domestic revenue collection.
