Rwanda’s industrial sector has experienced remarkable growth, tripling its output since 2017, thanks to strategic investments in value addition and infrastructure. Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente shared the impressive figures while addressing Parliament, highlighting the sector’s significant contributions to the country’s economic transformation.
According to Dr. Ngirente, industrial production has surged from Rwf 591 billion in 2017 to Rwf 1.68 trillion in 2024. The expansion of manufacturing industries, particularly in agro-processing, textiles, and construction materials, has played a crucial role in this progress.
Across the country, 230 factories are now fully operational and contributing to economic growth, while an additional 98 are under construction. This boom has created more jobs, with employment in the industrial sector rising from 180,000 in 2017 to 259,000 in 2024.
In the 2023/2024 fiscal year alone, industries contributed over Rwf 495 billion in tax revenue, reinforcing their importance in national development.
Food processing industries have flourished, with their output increasing nearly threefold from Rwf 210 billion in 2017 to Rwf 616 billion in 2024. The agro-processing sector, which includes cereal processing, dairy production, cooking oil manufacturing, and tea processing, remains the backbone of Rwanda’s industrial landscape.
The transformation of raw agricultural products into high-value goods has been particularly impactful. The output of processed agricultural goods grew from Rwf 369 billion in 2017 to Rwf 1.08 trillion in 2024, helping reduce reliance on imports and boosting local production.
Other industrial segments have also seen substantial expansion, with beverage production increasing from Rwf 159 billion to Rwf 465 billion, general manufacturing (including construction materials and industrial goods) growing from Rwf 222 billion to Rwf 599 billion, and the textile and leather industry experiencing the most dramatic rise, expanding fivefold from Rwf 34 billion to Rwf 154 billion.
Dr. Ngirente emphasized that industrial growth is key to Rwanda’s broader economic vision. “The expansion of industries plays a vital role in import substitution, job creation, increasing exports, and boosting government revenues,” he said.
Rwanda has been focusing on enhancing the value of its exports. The value of processed agricultural exports rose from $71 million to $141 million in 2024. Meanwhile, exports of minerals, construction materials, and textiles skyrocketed from $146 million in 2017 to over $1.72 billion in 2024.
Cash crops, including coffee, tea, and pyrethrum, have also seen significant growth. Their total export value increased by 56%, from $283 million to $442 million in 2024.
With continued investment in industrial development, Rwanda is well-positioned for sustained economic growth. The country now hosts 85 large and 908 small agro-processing industries, 91 large and 398 small manufacturing plants, and 38 large and 82 small construction material factories.
Rwanda is not only reducing its dependence on imports but also enhancing its position as a key player in regional and global trade. With innovation and investment driving progress, Rwanda’s industrial future looks brighter than ever.
