During the National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano) on February 5, 2026, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva highlighted the progress achieved since the program's implementation.
NST2 is designed to strengthen Rwanda's economy over five years, with a focus on strategic sectors that contribute to sustainable growth.
According to the Prime Minister, Rwanda's economy is growing at an encouraging rate where it currently stands at 8.7%. Quarterly growth stood at 6.5% in the first quarter, 7.8% in the second, and 11.8% in the third.
This growth was driven by agriculture, industry, and services, with agriculture expanding by 7% (up from 5% in 2024), industry by 10%, and services by 9% on average.
'These results show that our economy is steadily gaining momentum, giving confidence that we are on track to achieve our goal,' Dr. Nsengiyumva said.
The growth in production across sectors has been complemented by policies to create jobs for Rwandans. As a result, the unemployment rate fell from 16.8% in 2024 to 11.7% by the end of 2025, down from 24.3% in 2022.
NST2 had set a goal of creating 250,000 jobs annually. By the end of 2025, over 800,000 jobs had been generated since 2024, with more than 760,000 or 93% being non-agricultural positions.
Exports also recorded strong growth, rising from $3.5 billion in 2023/2024 to $5.7 billion, marking a significant increase, on track toward a target of $7 billion by 2029.
'This growth in exports is helping narrow the trade deficit and strengthen Rwanda's capacity for self-reliance,' the Prime Minister noted.
Revenue collection also improved, reaching 3,000.2 billion Rwandan francs, while domestic savings rose from 12% to 15.6% of GDP. The government continued investing in the 'Ejo Heza' saving scheme, with Rwf 52.8 billion mobilized in 2024/2025, alongside reforms to Saving and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs).
Private investment increased from $2.2 billion to $2.7 billion, with a long-term target of $4.6 billion annually.
Dr. Nsengiyumva emphasized that these achievements in just two years demonstrate Rwanda's potential, while urging continued collaboration to fully realize NST2's objectives.
In agriculture, fertilizer use has more than doubled since 2017, reaching 74 kg per hectare, with a target of 94.6 kg per hectare by 2029. Irrigated land expanded from 71,000 hectares in 2023/2024 to over 74,000 hectares, with a long-term goal of 134,000 hectares. Terracing projects now cover 146,000 hectares, aiming for 167,000, and mechanized terraces exceed 1.04 million hectares.
In livestock, annual milk production has grown from over 700 million liters in 2017 to more than 1 billion liters.
Industry development continues to be a priority, focusing on mining, agro-processing, livestock, and construction materials. Yet, challenges remain, including low productivity in agriculture, livestock, and industry, which affects prices. Targeted measures are being implemented to boost output.
Industrial zones in Rwamagana, Musanze, Muhanga, Bugesera, and Kigali have been strengthened to increase production, create jobs, and enhance value chains for international trade.
Mining sector output rose by 12% from 9% in 2023, while industrial production in 2025 averaged an 8% increase. Tourism earnings grew to $647 million from $620 million, with a target of $1.1 billion under NST2.
Investments in tourism infrastructure, including Kigali's new airport and hosting international events, support this growth. In 2024/2025, this sector contributed $108 million, up from $95 million, with a target of $224 million.
Rwanda also hosted global events, including the Cycling World Championship and archery competitions, boosting its international profile.
The development of urban master plans is progressing, with 25 of 28 completed. Access to electricity reached 82.9% of households and 89% in development zones, up from 86% at NST2's start.
In the energy sector, the government has begun constructing energy storage facilities while expanding electricity generation through several projects.
These include the Nyabarongo II hydropower plant, expected to provide 58 MW; the peat plant in Gishoma producing 15 MW; a methane gas project with a capacity of 100 MW; and the peat power plant in Gisagara, which has been upgraded to deliver 80 MW, up from the current 25 MW.
Access to clean water now reaches 84% of all villages, up from 80% in 2023/2024.
In recent years, water treatment plants have been established, including the Saki plant with a capacity of 11,000 cubic meters per day and the Ngororero plant producing just over 3,000 cubic meters daily. Efforts have also been intensified to reduce water loss in distribution networks.
Road construction and maintenance have been strengthened to improve connectivity for farmers and livestock producers, helping them bring their products to markets. The country now has around 4,200 kilometers of feeder roads, 600 kilometers of national roads, while new projects are expanding heavily used routes in Kigali and modernizing intersections using advanced technology.
To improve public transport in Kigali, the government has introduced the Ecofleet company to enhance service delivery in the sector.
Rwanda has reduced air pollution by 28%, with a target of 38% by 2029. To achieve this, wetland restoration projects have been launched alongside a large-scale tree-planting program aiming to plant 72 million trees, of which over 26 million have already been planted.
In healthcare, the Prime Minister highlighted significant improvements. Maternal mortality has decreased from 105 per 100,000 in 2023/2024 to 97 per 100,000 in 2025, while under-five mortality dropped from 45 to 39.4 per 1,000 children.
The government has prioritized expanding the healthcare workforce fourfold and accelerating key projects, including Masaka Hospital, the expansion of King Faisal Hospital, and facilities in Ruhengeri, Muhororo, and Kabgayi.
In education, major reforms this year have focused on improving the quality of learning and aligning it with labor market needs.
Rwanda continues to work with the private sector to develop technical, vocational, and skills-based schools to produce a more skilled workforce.
The goal is to increase the proportion of students in technical and vocational programs from 38% to 60% of all secondary school students.
IGIHE
