Rwanda GDP Growth Rate by Year (1961–2023)

Rwanda's GDP growth has shown significant fluctuations over the years, reflecting both external and internal challenges. In the early years, the country experienced periods of negative growth, driven by political instability and global economic shocks. A notable contraction occurred in 1994, with a dramatic decline of -50.25%, largely due to the devastating genocide, which disrupted economic activities and infrastructure.

After the genocide, Rwanda's economy began to recover, with a notable rebound in 1995 at 35.22%, driven by reconstruction efforts and international aid. From the late 1990s through the 2000s, Rwanda experienced relatively steady growth, with annual rates generally between 4% and 13%. The economy benefited from agricultural reforms, foreign investment, and infrastructure development, although challenges like political instability and regional conflicts continued to affect growth.

In the 2010s, Rwanda's GDP growth remained resilient, reaching peaks of 10.86% in 2021 as the country recovered from the pandemic. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a contraction in 2020, with a decline of -3.37%. The economy rebounded in 2021, and growth stabilized around 8% in 2022 and 2023. Rwanda's focus on diversification, infrastructure, and technology continues to support its growth trajectory, despite global economic uncertainties.