According to the report, Rwanda ranks behind South Sudan, whose economy is projected to grow by 10.5%, and Ethiopia, which is expected to record growth of 9.2%.
Rwanda is followed by Guinea, with projected growth of 7.2%, while Sudan, Niger and Benin are each expected to grow by 7%.
The projections place Rwanda among the economies growing significantly faster than the average for sub-Saharan Africa, where the IMF forecasts economic growth of 4.5% in 2026.
Rwanda’s projected growth is also well above the global economic growth forecast of 3.1%.
The latest projections follow a strong performance in 2025, when Rwanda’s economy grew by 9.4%.
During the first six months of 2026, the country’s economy expanded by 9.7%, reflecting continued growth across several economic sectors.
Figures from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) show that the economy grew by 9.4% in the second quarter of 2026. Industry expanded by 18%, services grew by 7%, and agriculture increased by 4%.
During the same period, construction activity grew by 24%, mining and quarrying by 26%, while information and communication activities expanded by 29%.
Where Does Rwanda Rank Among Africa’s Largest Economies?
Although Rwanda is among the countries recording rapid economic growth, IMF figures show that its economy remains relatively small compared with those of many other African countries.
In the ranking of Africa’s largest economies, Rwanda stands at 32nd place, with its gross domestic product (GDP) projected at $18.7 billion.
South Africa ranks first, with an economy valued at $489.1 billion, followed by Egypt at $442.9 billion and Nigeria at $386.7 billion.
Algeria ranks fourth, with a GDP of $331.9 billion, while Morocco is fifth at $195.6 billion.
Among East African countries, Kenya ranks highest in the regional comparison, placing seventh in Africa with a GDP of $151.2 billion.
Tanzania ranks 12th, with an economy valued at $96.2 billion, while Uganda comes 13th, with a GDP of $72.2 billion.
