IMF Projects Strong Economic Growth for Rwanda in 2026



Economy

24, Jan-2026     Mugisha R. John


The International Monetary Fund says Rwanda is among the countries expected to post strong economic growth in 2026, with gross domestic product projected to expand by 7.2%.


Rwanda’s National Institute of Statistics reported that the economy grew by 11.8% in the third quarter of 2025, up from 7.8% in the second quarter and 6.5% in the first quarter.

The services sector was the main driver of growth, contributing 57% to GDP. Agriculture accounted for 15%, while industry contributed 22%.

Across Africa, the IMF projects South Sudan will record the continent’s fastest economic growth, with GDP expected to rise by 48.8%. Guinea follows with projected growth of 9.3%.

Several other countries, including Ethiopia, Benin, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia, are expected to see GDP growth ranging between 4% and 4.5%.


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