Rwanda Among Africa’s Fastest-Growing Economies This Year, IMF Projects.
Rwanda is projected to record economic growth of 7.8% in 2026, placing it among the fastest-growing economies in Africa, according to figures from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) October 2026 World Economic Outlook
The figures show that Rwanda ranks third among the African countries highlighted for their projected economic growth, behind South Sudan, whose economy is expected to expand by 10.5%, and Ethiopia, projected to grow by 9.2%.
Rwanda is followed by Guinea, with projected growth of 7.2%, while Sudan, Niger and Benin are each expected to record growth of 7%.
Rwanda’s projected growth is significantly higher than the average of 4.5% forecast for sub-Saharan Africa and the 3.1% expected for the global economy in 2026.
The forecast follows strong economic performance in 2025, when Rwanda’s economy grew by 9.4%. During the first half of 2026, the economy expanded by 9.7%, reflecting continued growth across several sectors.
Figures from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) show that the economy grew by 9.4% in the second quarter of 2026. Industry expanded by 18%, services by 7% and agriculture by 4%.
Construction recorded growth of 24%, while mining and quarrying increased by 26%. Information and communication activities grew by 29% during the same period.
Despite its strong growth rate, Rwanda remains a relatively small economy compared with many other African countries.
According to the IMF figures cited in the report, Rwanda ranks 32nd among Africa’s largest economies, with its gross domestic product (GDP) projected at $18.7 billion.
South Africa ranks first, with an economy valued at $489.1 billion, followed by Egypt at $442.9 billion and Nigeria at $386.7 billion.
Algeria ranks fourth, with a projected GDP of $331.9 billion, while Morocco occupies fifth place at $195.6 billion.
Among East African countries, Kenya ranks seventh in Africa, with a projected GDP of $151.2 billion. Tanzania ranks 12th at $96.2 billion, while Uganda is 13th, with an economy valued at $72.2 billion.
The figures highlight Rwanda’s strong economic growth relative to many countries on the continent, even as the overall size of its economy remains considerably smaller than those of Africa’s largest economies.
