NISR said Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current market prices was estimated at Frw 5,53 trillion in Q3 2025, up from Frw 4,66 trillion recorded in the same period last year. The expansion marks a continued acceleration in growth, following increases of 7.8% in the second quarter and 6.5% in the first quarter of 2025.
'In the third quarter of 2025, GDP grew by 11.8 per cent following the growth of 7.8 per cent in Q2 and 6.5 per cent in Q1,' NISR Director General Ivan Murenzi told members of the press in Kigali on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Services remained the backbone of the economy, accounting for 57% of GDP, while industry contributed 22% and agriculture 15%. Net direct taxes made up the remaining 6%.
Sectoral data show that industry was the fastest-growing sector, expanding by 17%, followed by services at 10% and agriculture at 10%.
Within agriculture, growth was underpinned by a strong rebound in export crops, which increased by 35%. This was largely driven by a 32% rise in coffee harvests and a 100% increase in tea production. Food crop production also returned to growth, rising by 4%, compared with a 10% contraction in the same quarter of 2024.
The industrial sector posted broad-based gains. Mining and quarrying grew by 14%, with quarrying expanding by 20%, while mining rose by 2%. Construction activity surged by 20%, reflecting sustained infrastructure development, while manufacturing grew by 14%.
Manufacturing growth was led by a 44% increase in non-metal products, mainly cement, alongside a 28% rise in metal products and 25% growth in chemical products, including paints and soaps. Food processing expanded by 12%.
Services growth was anchored in trade and transport. Wholesale and retail trade increased by 20%, while transport services grew by 9%, supported by a 10% rise in land transportation. Information and communication services expanded by 17%, and financial services grew by 10%. However, hotels and restaurants contracted by 3%, reflecting continued pressures in the hospitality segment. Public administration services increased by 7%, education services by 5%, while health services declined by 16%.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
