Rwanda’s economy expanded by 11.8% in the third quarter of 2025, marking a sharp acceleration in growth driven by strong performance in the services and industrial sectors, according to data released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda.
Gross domestic product rose to 5.53 trillion Rwandan francs, up from 4.66 trillion francs in the same quarter of 2024. The third-quarter performance followed growth rates of 7.8% in the second quarter and 6.5% in the first quarter, signaling sustained economic momentum during the year.
The statistics agency said the services sector remained the largest contributor to the economy, accounting for 57% of total output. Industry contributed 22%, agriculture 15%, while net taxes on products made up the remaining 6%.
Agricultural output grew by 10% in the third quarter, contributing 1.5 percentage points to overall GDP growth. Cash crops recorded the strongest gains, expanding by 35%, while subsistence crops grew by 4%. Livestock production rose by 6%, and fisheries output increased by 34%, reflecting improved productivity across several subsectors.
Industrial activity expanded by 17%, contributing 3.7 percentage points to overall economic growth. Construction remained a key driver, with output rising by 20%, supported by ongoing public and private investment projects. Mining and quarrying increased by 14%, while manufacturing also grew by 14%.
Growth in manufacturing was largely fueled by higher production of construction-related materials. Cement output surged by 44%, while production of metal products increased by 28%. Pharmaceutical manufacturing rose by 25%, and food processing expanded by 12%, highlighting broad-based gains within the sector.
The services sector grew by 10% in the third quarter, contributing 5.5 percentage points to GDP growth. Wholesale and retail trade expanded by 20%, reflecting increased domestic demand, while transport services grew by 9%.
Information and communications technology services rose by 17%, and financial services expanded by 10%. Public administration services increased by 7%, while education services grew by 5%. In contrast, hotel and restaurant activity declined by 3%, and health services contracted by 16%.
The NISR said the strong third-quarter performance underscores Rwanda’s continued economic recovery and diversification, supported by investment, expanding services and industrial activity, despite uneven growth across some sectors.
