Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has set an ambitious target of collecting Rwf 3.628 trillion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, accounting for more than half of the national budget, according to Commissioner General Ronald Niwenshuti.
Speaking at a briefing this week, Niwenshuti described taxes as the “lifeblood of the economy,” underscoring their role in financing development projects and sustaining public services.
“A country survives because its people work, pay taxes and drive economic growth. Tax is like blood in the human body,” Niwenshuti said. “When we collect taxes, we build roads, schools, hospitals, ensure security — and ultimately create jobs.”
The Rwf 7.032.5 trillion budget approved for 2025/26 allocates 62.8% to infrastructure and economic development, and 21% to social welfare programs. RRA has been tasked with raising 54% of the total.
The target marks a dramatic progression since 1998, when the agency first began operations and collected just Rwf 66 billion. On average, revenues have grown 13% annually.
Niwenshuti said new and revised taxes introduced this year are designed to expand the country’s tax base. The government’s long-term goal is for tax revenue to account for at least 19% of GDP by 2029.
He also defended levies on products such as alcohol, tobacco and gambling, arguing they help discourage harmful consumption while boosting revenue.
Beyond filling government coffers, Niwenshuti said taxes directly benefit citizens by creating jobs through infrastructure projects and generating new business opportunities in supply chains.
“This money eventually goes back to the people. But RRA cannot achieve this alone — it requires cooperation and understanding from all taxpayers,” he said.
