Vision Media

Rwanda's GDP Grows 9.4% in 2025 Despite Global Tensions

Mugisha R. John — 2026-03-16T17:12:15Z

Rwanda's economy expanded by 9.4% in 2025, reaching RWF 23.387 trillion, up from RWF 19.918 trillion in 2024, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics.

Services were the largest contributor to growth at 52%, followed by manufacturing at 22%, and agriculture at 20%. Quarterly performance showed a steady rise: 6.5% in Q1, 7.8% in Q2, 11.8% in Q3, and 11.2% in Q4.

The figures were released amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel, which is disrupting trade with other nations, including major Arab markets that are key to Rwandan exports.

Finance and Economic Planning Minister Dr. Yusuf Murangwa said the government is taking steps to mitigate the impact. “Some of our exports are redirected elsewhere. Perishable goods like fruits and vegetables are especially affected. We are working with traders and government agencies to find alternative markets,” he said, adding that the full impact will be clearer after three months.

The government is also ensuring adequate petroleum supplies to prevent shortages of gasoline and diesel caused by global disruptions. Murangwa emphasized that Rwanda's economy is resilient, having successfully navigated past crises.

Sector-specific data showed agricultural output grew 3%, with exports up 32%, largely due to a 60% rise in coffee production and an 8% increase in tea output. In industry, mineral extraction grew 17%, while construction activity rose 11%.

Despite international uncertainties, Rwanda's economy demonstrated strong growth, driven by diversified sectors and proactive government measures to safeguard trade and energy supplies.

Rwandan Soldiers Return Home After Infrastructure Mission in Jamaica

Mugisha R. John — 2026-03-16T17:07:08Z

Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) soldiers returned home Monday, March 16, 2026, after completing a two-month infrastructure and disaster relief mission in Jamaica. They arrived at Kigali International Airport in Kanombe, where they were welcomed by RDF Rescue Unit Commander Gen. Maj. Alexis Kagame.

The commander praised the troops for their dedication and professionalism during their 60-day deployment. “These soldiers led with integrity and commitment. Their conduct exemplifies the core values of the RDF. We did not receive a single complaint during their mission,” he said.

In January 2026, a 100-member RDF engineering team collaborated with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) to repair and rebuild structures damaged by Hurricane Melissa in Montego Bay, St. James Parish. The project focused on restoring homes for affected families as part of a broader humanitarian relief effort.

Using their technical expertise, RDF and JDF personnel repaired and reconstructed damaged houses, aiming to improve living conditions for communities hit by the storm.

Colonel Moses Kayigamba, leader of the RDF engineering team, said the mission went beyond rebuilding infrastructure. “Our troops demonstrated the value of collaboration and solidarity with the people of Jamaica while contributing to long-term disaster resilience,” he said.

The mission highlights RDF's growing role in international humanitarian assistance and disaster response, strengthening ties between Rwanda and partner countries while promoting sustainable recovery for communities affected by natural disasters.

Rwanda Lawmakers Call for Lasting Solution to Illegal Mining

Mugisha R. John — 2026-03-13T17:04:06Z

Rwanda's lower chamber of parliament has called for stronger and long-term measures to curb illegal mining, warning that the practice is threatening public safety, damaging the environment and undermining the country's mineral sector.

The concerns were raised after the parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security presented a report to lawmakers examining cases of mineral theft and illegal mining activities across the country.

Committee chairperson Hope Gasatura Tumukunde said police and the Rwanda Investigation Bureau reported receiving 1,335 case files related to illegal mining between 2020 and 2025.

She said illegal mining activities often take place in private farmland, rivers, state forests and abandoned mining pits, as well as in areas near licensed mining sites.

“These activities destroy farmers' land and damage the environment,” Tumukunde told lawmakers.

The report identified several factors driving illegal mining, including rising global demand for minerals, illegal mineral trading networks and local communities' traditional knowledge of mineral deposits. Some activities also occur near legally licensed mining areas.

Tumukunde said other contributing factors include unprotected abandoned mines, old pits that were never rehabilitated, and cooperation between some licensed operators and illegal miners.

She added that school dropouts and unemployed youth are also drawn to illegal mining by the prospect of quick income.

The report further highlighted weaknesses in the sector, including insufficient security personnel at mining sites, minerals found close to residential areas, and alleged involvement of some local leaders. In some cases, former employees of companies that lost mining licenses continued operating in abandoned sites that had not yet been reassigned.

Lawmakers also noted that illegal miners often find buyers for their minerals, sometimes through intermediaries linked to licensed companies.

According to the report, 53% of mining companies pay workers based on production output, and some do not fully use the government's Inkomane Mining Information System (IMS) designed to monitor mining operations.

Members of parliament proposed several measures to address the problem, including stricter enforcement against illegal miners, stronger security at mining sites and faster issuance of mining licenses.

They also suggested establishing a Mining Chamber within the Private Sector Federation to better organize and regulate actors in the industry.

Lawmakers warned that unrehabilitated mining pits pose serious safety risks, including landslides, accidents and deaths. Authorities recorded 994 unreclaimed mining pits nationwide.

Parliament requested the Ministry of Local Government to outline measures to strengthen district-level mining task forces responsible for monitoring mining activities.

It also asked the Rwanda Development Board to speed up licensing procedures, improve oversight of contracts between the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board and mining companies, regulate subcontractors and ensure full use of the Inkomane monitoring system.

New Leadership, New Hopes: François Twagirumukiza Takes the Helm of Rwanda's Private Sector Federation

Administrator — 2026-03-13T16:52:51Z

On a bright Friday morning, March 13, 2026, business leaders from across Rwanda gathered at the Kigali Convention Center for an important moment in the country's private sector.

The hall was filled with anticipation as members of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) prepared to elect new leaders who would guide Rwanda's business community for the next three years.

When the votes were counted, François Twagirumukiza emerged as the new President of the PSF. Out of 202 members who cast their ballots, 191 placed their confidence in him. Running unopposed, Twagirumukiza succeeded Jeanne Françoise Mubiligi, who had led the federation since February 2023.

For Twagirumukiza, the victory was more than just a leadership appointment—it was the continuation of a journey that began nearly three decades ago.

Twenty-eight years earlier, he had entered the world of business with little more than determination and hope. At the time, he did not even have a clear business idea. Before becoming an entrepreneur, he spent a year and a half working as a teacher. Eventually, he decided to try his hand at business.

“I started simply as an experiment,” he once said. “My only capital was hope.”

That hope slowly grew into success. Today, Twagirumukiza owns two companies, including Eastern Hope, a firm that imports construction materials into Rwanda. Looking back on his journey, he credits Rwanda's stable leadership and supportive business environment for enabling entrepreneurs to grow and thrive.

Alongside Twagirumukiza, other leaders were also elected. Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu was chosen as First Vice President with 184 votes, while Diane Mukasahaha Kamanzi became Second Vice President with 180 votes. New executive committees were also elected to represent sectors such as services, industry, agriculture and livestock, commerce, women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

After the election, the newly chosen leaders spoke about their vision for Rwanda's private sector.

Twagirumukiza emphasized the importance of empowering young people. According to him, the future of Rwanda's economy depends on giving youth the skills and opportunities to start their own businesses.

“We want to help young people become capable entrepreneurs,” he said. “When businesses grow, they create jobs—not only for themselves but for the entire community.”

He also highlighted the need to improve service industries such as hospitality. While Rwanda already has many hotels and service businesses, he believes there is still room to strengthen the quality of services offered.

The new leadership plans to build on the achievements of the previous committee, which had already reached about 70 percent of its goals. Twagirumukiza hopes the new team will push that progress closer to 90 percent.

His deputy, Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu, echoed the importance of collaboration. He noted that no country can achieve sustainable development without a strong private sector.

“Our role is to create jobs, increase the number of businesses in Rwanda, and expand trade beyond our borders,” he said.

He also stressed that PSF serves as a bridge between entrepreneurs and the government—a platform where business challenges can be discussed and solutions developed.

Meanwhile, Second Vice President Diane Mukasahaha Kamanzi emphasized the role of women and youth in economic transformation. She believes that entrepreneurship should not be limited by starting capital.

“Someone can start with very little and still achieve great dreams,” she said.

Mukasahaha hopes the next three years will demonstrate that young people and women are powerful drivers of economic change. In an increasingly globalized world, she encourages Rwanda's youth to think beyond national borders and seize international opportunities.

Founded in 1999, the Private Sector Federation was created to bring together Rwanda's entrepreneurs and advocate for their interests. After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the country needed institutions capable of rebuilding the economy and encouraging private investment. PSF became one of those institutions, working closely with the government to promote business growth and economic recovery.

Today, the federation operates from grassroots levels in local communities all the way to the national stage. It promotes job creation, supports investment, and organizes the annual international trade fair Expo, which attracts businesses from Rwanda and around the world.

As the new leadership begins its three-year mandate, expectations are high. For Twagirumukiza, however, the mission remains simple: empower entrepreneurs, create opportunities, and ensure that Rwanda's private sector continues to grow.

From a young teacher who once entered business with nothing but hope, to the leader of Rwanda's largest business federation, his story reflects the possibilities that determination—and the right environment—can create.

Rwanda, Qatar Move to Strengthen Military and Economic Cooperation

Mugisha R. John — 2026-03-12T07:39:29Z

Rwanda's Minister of Defense, Juvenal Marizamunda, met with Qatar's ambassador to Rwanda, Mansoor Ali Al-Hajri, to discuss ways to strengthen military cooperation and expand broader ties between the two countries.

According to officials, the talks focused on reinforcing existing defense collaboration while exploring opportunities to deepen partnerships in other sectors, including air transport, security, investment and tourism.

Rwanda and Qatar have developed increasingly close relations in recent years, with cooperation spanning several strategic areas. Both countries have signed multiple agreements aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.

On Feb. 12, 2025, the two governments signed a preliminary agreement to remove visa requirements for citizens traveling between the countries. If fully implemented, the measure is expected to make travel and business exchanges easier for Rwandans and Qataris.

Air transport is another key pillar of cooperation. Rwanda's national carrier, RwandAir, maintains a partnership with Qatar Airways, helping expand connectivity between Africa, the Middle East and other global destinations.

Qatar is also a major investor in Rwanda's aviation infrastructure. The Gulf state holds a 60% stake in the construction of the new Kigali International Airport in Bugesera district. The airport, once completed, is expected to handle up to 14 million passengers annually and serve as a regional aviation hub.

Security cooperation has also grown. The Rwanda National Police and Qatar's Internal Security Force, known as Lekhwiya, have signed agreements aimed at strengthening collaboration in maintaining security and combating crime.

This year, Qatar approved a draft law allowing holders of ordinary Rwandan passports to enter the country without applying for a visa.

Rwanda's Digital Push Expands Financial Services Nationwide

Mugisha R. John — 2026-03-11T12:48:49Z

Rwanda's investment in digital infrastructure over the past two decades has transformed financial access, enabling even rural residents to use mobile phones for banking, Prime Minister Dr. Nsengiyumva Justin said Wednesday.

Speaking at the Inclusive Fintech Forum 2026 on March 11, Dr. Nsengiyumva highlighted the role of technology in rapidly expanding financial inclusion. “Digital money transfers have increased significantly, allowing more people to access financial services and actively participate in the national economy,” he said.

Statistics from 2024 show that 96% of Rwandans now have access to financial services, with 92% using banks or Mobile Money. Innovations in fintech allow rural farmers to receive instant payments, young entrepreneurs to obtain loans via mobile phones, and small businesses to reach global markets.

Dr. Nsengiyumva said Rwanda's experience demonstrates Africa's potential to become a hub for business and innovation. “Inclusive financial technology is helping mobilize funds for major projects across the continent, including energy, infrastructure, industry, and citizen empowerment,” he said.

He also noted that digital services have improved government efficiency, making public services faster and more accessible. “Technology is central to expanding financial access, reducing costs, and enabling millions of citizens and businesses to fully participate in the economy,” he said.

Soraya Hakuziyaremye, governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, said the share of adults with access to financial services has surged from 21% in 2008 to 92% today. She stressed the importance of collaboration among African financial regulators to share knowledge, technology, and preserve the value of local currencies.

“Digital currency, efficient payment systems, and advanced technology are now transforming how we transfer money, invest, and regulate financial institutions,” she said. “The future of finance is today, and we must ensure our institutions keep pace with innovation.”

Currently, more than 75% of Rwandan adults have bank accounts, up from just 25% a decade ago, illustrating the rapid growth of financial inclusion in the country.

Senators call for urgent measures to curb water losses

Mugisha R. John — 2026-03-11T07:48:54Z

Rwandan senators have urged WASAC Group to urgently address the high level of treated water being lost through leaks, warning it represents a major financial loss and limits access to clean water for many citizens.

The issue was raised Tuesday as the Senate Committee on Economy and Finance presented a report on government efforts to expand access to clean water. The committee found that about 39.4% of water treated by plants is lost, mainly through leakages in the distribution system.

Committee chair Fulgence Nsengiyumva said the loss rate is too high and called for stronger measures to reduce it. Current plans aim to lower water loss to 25% by 2029, but senators urged authorities to push the figure below 15%.

Senator Alphonse Nkubana proposed introducing modern monitoring technology to quickly detect leaks in pipelines. He said alert systems could help WASAC identify damaged pipes and respond faster, reducing the amount of water wasted.

Other senators warned that leaks not only waste treated water but can also damage infrastructure.

Senator Pélagie Uwera said the losses are a double burden because the country invests heavily in treating water while many citizens still struggle to access it. She also raised concerns that some public water kiosks do not follow tariffs set by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority.

Senator John Bonds Bideri said Rwanda has the capacity to expand clean water access to villages but stressed the importance of reducing water lost before it reaches consumers.

Following the debate, the Senate called on the government to speed up construction of 25 planned water treatment plants, expand water pipelines from 35,001 kilometers in 2024 to 39,639 kilometers by 2029, and replace aging equipment.

Senators also recommended establishing a stronger system to monitor the quality of water supplied to communities, including water provided by private operators in rural areas.

PRISM Project Sets Precedent for Sustainable Small Livestock Farming in Ruhango

Administrator — 2026-03-10T18:58:23Z

Success stories emerging from the implementation of the Partnership for Resilient and Inclusive Small Livestock Markets (PRISM) project are helping districts improve nutrition, raise household incomes, and reduce poverty, beneficiaries say.

As the project approaches the end of its first phase, Ruhango District Vice Mayor for Economic Affairs, Jean Marie Vianney Rusiribana, says lessons learned during implementation will help communities sustain and expand the gains made so far.

The seven-year PRISM project (2019–2026), valued at $28 million, is jointly funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Enabel, Heifer International, VSF Belgium, and the Government of Rwanda.

The project aims to reduce poverty and improve food security by strengthening small livestock value chains across 15 districts in the Northern, Southern and Western provinces, targeting rural men, women and youth engaged in livestock markets.

Changing Lives, One Household at a Time
In the remote hills of Kabagari Sector, beneficiary families are witnessing significant improvements in their incomes and livelihoods through the PRISM model of “starting small and growing bigger.”

Esther Mukamurigo, one of the 30 members of the Twuzuzanye Cyunyu Group, recalls how difficult life was before the project.

Despite her youthful appearance and determination, Mukamurigo says she relied on casual labour just to survive.

Esther Mukamurigo, one of the members of the Twuzuzanye Cyunyu Group

“Most of the time I depended on casual labour for daily wages just to find money to eat and survive,” she said during a media visit to document PRISM success stories that began this Monday.

Her situation began to change when PRISM supported members of her group with 10 chickens each.

Mukamurigo carefully raised the birds and soon started collecting eggs. During her first harvest, she collected about 500 eggs, which she used to expand her poultry activities.

From the initial birds, she grew her stock to 100 chicks, generating an income of about Rwf250,000. Today, her poultry business has expanded to 600 chickens, and she has also invested in six goats using the proceeds.

For her family, the growth has brought stability and new hope.

“As my income increased, my family began to have enough food at home. Eggs and other foods are now more available, and cases of malnutrition in the community have reduced,” Mukamurigo said.

Esther Mukamurigo with her chicken farm in Kabagari sector

With support from PRISM, she now dreams of expanding her poultry business to 25,000 chickens within the next five years.

Skills and Innovation in Livestock Farming
Beyond providing livestock, the PRISM project equips beneficiaries with specialised training in modern farming, financial management, and innovative animal feed production techniques.

Farmers are trained to produce affordable animal feed using innovations such as azolla farming and hydroponic fodder technology.

These methods help farmers reduce the high cost of feeding animals while improving productivity in a livestock sector that often struggles with limited access to affordable feeds.

The knowledge and confidence gained from PRISM training encouraged Mukamurigo to keep expanding her business.

The project also supported farmers to organize into savings groups, allowing members to access small loans to invest in their enterprises.

Mukamurigo joined one of these savings groups and obtained a loan that helped her build a larger poultry house.

“Now my poultry house has the capacity to raise 600 chickens,” she explained.

Encouraged by the profitability of the venture, she and her husband are planning the next step.

“After seeing the profit from chicken farming, we are planning to build a new poultry house that will accommodate up to 2,500 chickens.”

Beyond income generation, the project has also improved the family's nutrition and quality of life.

“We thank the PRISM project for lifting us from poverty,” she said. “Now we can eat eggs every day, and we are able to drink milk.”

Inspired by PRISM's “Passing on the Gift” principle, Mukamurigo has also supported other families in her community.

“I helped one of my neighbours start raising chickens as well. Now their family can also eat eggs every day and access a balanced diet,” she said.

Building Sustainable Farmer Groups
Jeanette Mujawayezu, president of the Terimbere Mworozi Rwoga group, says collective action has been key to sustaining the benefits of the project.

Jeanette Mujawayezu, President of the Terimbere Mworozi Rwoga group

“Working together has helped us plan better and think about bigger projects,” she said. “We first worked in six small groups, but later decided to unite into one strong group so we could support each other and save more money.”

Through their savings and teamwork, the group launched a pig farming project in 2025 with 12 pigs. As the pigs reproduced and some piglets were sold, the group began generating income.

Today, the group has saved Rwf820,000, which they are reinvesting to expand their livestock activities.

the Azolla animal feed pond

Although farmers still face challenges accessing affordable animal feed, Mujawayezu says the introduction of azolla and hydroponic fodder technology is helping reduce feeding costs.

Local Impact and Future Prospects
In Kabagari Sector alone, PRISM has supported 126 farmers to strengthen their livelihoods and move out of poverty.

According to Vice Mayor Rusiribana, the project has also contributed to improvements in key development indicators across the district.

“In the past five years, stunting levels in Ruhango have reduced from 39 percent to 22 percent,” he said, attributing the progress partly to improved access to livestock products and markets.

The district has also invested in infrastructure to support the livestock value chain, including completing a livestock market that had previously stalled, establishing a veterinary clinic, and building a modern slaughterhouse.

Ruhango Vice Mayor, JMV Rusiribana

“We need to sustain these successes so that as we move into the second phase of PRISM, we can further reduce stunting and lift the remaining 8,000 citizens out of poverty,” Rusiribana said.

He added that the skills farmers gained through PRISM will also support the government's Food Basket Sites (FOBASI) initiative, a national programme launching in the 2026A agricultural season aimed at boosting agricultural productivity by 50 percent within four years.

However, Rusiribana acknowledged that more work is needed to expand livestock infrastructure and address persistent challenges such as limited access to electricity and affordable animal feed.

President Kagame Attends Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris

Administrator — 2026-03-10T12:38:37Z

President Paul Kagame attended the second Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris, joining leaders from around the world, officials from international organizations, and heads of financial institutions.

The summit focused on the future use of nuclear energy for civilian purposes and its potential role in advancing national energy and economic development.

Rwanda has committed to promoting nuclear energy and aims to become a leading country in this field on the African continent.

The president's participation comes shortly after an assessment by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Rwanda's readiness to develop a nuclear power plant. The evaluation, which began on March 2 and concluded on March 9, 2026, examined whether Rwanda meets the requirements for establishing a nuclear facility.

To harness nuclear energy, Rwanda plans to build a small nuclear power plant by 2030, increasing the country's electricity supply and developing local expertise, aiming to train at least 300 nuclear energy specialists by that time.

Currently, South Africa is the only African country with an operational nuclear power plant, while Egypt and Rwanda are among the nations developing projects in this sector.

President Kagame's attendance at the summit reflects Rwanda's ambition to advance its energy sector and integrate nuclear power as a key component of its long-term development strategy.

‘Ndi Umunyarwanda' Program Helps Youth Reject Genocide Ideology

Mugisha R. John — 2026-03-10T12:31:22Z

Rwanda's “I Am Rwandan” (Ndi Umunyarwanda) program is showing early success in changing the mindset of young people and reducing crimes linked to genocidal ideology, officials said Monday.

The announcement came during the launch of the program's fifth phase by the organization Unity Club Intwararumuri, in partnership with the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Responsibility (MINUBUMWE), the Ministry of Youth and Arts Development (MoYA), and the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC). Unlike earlier phases that focused on universities, this round targets secondary schools nationwide.

Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, minister of youth and arts development, told students at Lycée de Kigali that the program is already producing tangible results.

“These programs continue in universities, and the results are visible. Crimes linked to genocidal ideology are gradually decreasing,” Utumatwishima said.

The minister stressed that understanding Rwanda's history is essential to preventing division. He said some young people may exhibit harmful behavior due to gaps in historical knowledge or exposure to misleading information on social media.

He also noted that family background can shape young people's perspectives. “Children from families of genocide survivors may experience trauma, while those from families of perpetrators may grow up with ideas of hatred,” he explained.

Utumatwishima urged students to uphold the Ndi Umunyarwanda covenant, describing it as a legacy the nation must preserve for future generations.

Students attending the discussions said the program helps them understand Rwanda's past and their role in promoting national unity.

Delice Ishimwe, a fourth-year student at Lycée de Kigali, said the sessions clarify why unity is crucial for the country's future. Her classmate, fifth-year student Julius Niyonshuti, added that the discussions remind youth they are responsible for continuing Rwanda's journey of reconciliation.

“These discussions help us respect each other and work together as Rwandans,” Niyonshuti said.