Rwanda’s formal industrial production rose by 3.7 per cent in May 2025 compared to the same month last year, new data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) indicates. The growth is contained in the latest Index of Industrial Production (IIP), a key indicator that tracks short-term changes in the volume of output across mining, manufacturing, electricity, water, and waste management. Construction is excluded due to data limitations. ALSO READ: Nine priority sectors for new industrial policy in Rwanda According to the breakdown, mining and quarrying recorded the strongest performance, growing by 9.7 per cent year-on-year. Water and waste management followed with an 8.7 per cent increase, while electricity output rose by 2.8 per cent. Manufacturing posted a modest 1.8 per cent rise, while gains in food processing rose 6.8 per cent. A 5.9 per cent increase in beverages and tobacco production helped lift the sector, despite a 3.9 per cent decline in textiles, clothing, and leather goods. NISR reported that the annual average growth rate for industrial output now stands at 6.1 per cent. The development, according to the statistics body, is critical in the country’s economic trajectory, particularly in supporting value addition, reducing import dependency, and expanding exports. In August last year, Rwanda unveiled its ten-year industrial policy, which is expected to run from 2024 through 2034. ALSO READ: Rwanda mulls new 10-year policy to boost economy The new policy has five pillars, which include improving industrial capabilities in export-oriented industries, increasing the level of investment and access to finance, as well as developing technology, science, and innovation capabilities. Other pillars include building the required infrastructure and spatial planning, and supporting environmental sustainability and green growth.
