Rwanda’s international trade performed well in 2025, with exports rising 11.4% and imports increasing 5.8%, the National Bank of Rwanda reported Thursday.
Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye shared the figures during a briefing on monetary policy and financial stability on March 19, 2026. She also said Rwanda’s economy grew 9.4% in 2025, exceeding the National Strategy for Transformation II (NST2) target of 9.3%.
Hakuziyaremye attributed the trade growth to government policies promoting industrial production and export expansion. “Rwanda’s international trade continued to perform strongly in 2025, reflecting significant efforts to boost exports and implement industrial development policies,” she said.
Exports rose 11.45%, while imports increased 5.8%. Key imported items included petroleum products, sugar, and rice, which are in high domestic demand. Rwanda’s top exports included coffee, minerals, and other goods.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics, released on March 16, 2026, showed that Rwanda’s 2025 exports earned more than $2.26 billion. Quarterly export receipts were $616.21 million in Q1, $488.45 million in Q2, $563.65 million in Q3, and $599.15 million in Q4.
Major export destinations included the Democratic Republic of Congo, China, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Uganda.
Hakuziyaremye said strong trade performance contributed to the Rwandan franc’s stability against the U.S. dollar. “The Rwanda franc depreciated by 4.4% in 2025 compared with a 9.4% depreciation in 2024,” she noted.
Other factors supporting the currency included foreign exchange inflows from tourism, remittances, and other sources.
The National Bank’s report underscores Rwanda’s growing integration into regional and global markets, and highlights the role of industrial development, strategic exports, and prudent economic policies in maintaining currency stability.
