ABOUT RWANDA:

Rwanda has experienced a strong GDP growth rate of 7% annually over the past two decades - making it one of Africa’s most celebrated development success stories. Despite experiencing its first recession since 1994 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IMF still predicts Rwanda’s GDP growth to rebound to 5.1% by the end of 2021. Rwanda has instituted significant economic and structural reforms which have sustained its strong economic growth, reduced inequality, and improved human development indicators. Rwanda now seeks middle-income country status by 2035 and high-income status by 2050. A pivotal policy to achieve this goal is Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), which sets out an ambitious yet achievable development pathway from 2017-2024. The Rwandan government is also determined to transform Rwanda into a regional trade, logistics and conference hub by investing significantly in Rwanda’s transport and hospitality infrastructure. Rwanda’s strong economic performance, together with its growing population and welcoming business environment, makes it an exciting hub for future investment and trade.   

Capital: Kigali

Currency:  Rwandan franc (FRw)

Population: 13.4 million (December 2021 est.)

Population Growth: 2.5% (2020 est.)

Language: Kinyarwanda (official) 93%, French (official) <1%, English (official) <1%, Swahili/Kiswahili (est. 2017, commonly used in commercial centres) <1%

Government Type: Presidential republic

Economic Overview: Rwanda’s economy has undergone rapid industrialisation due to successful government policy. Rwanda’s major foreign export earners include mining, tourism, coffee, and tea. Continued growth in these sectors will be critical for economic development and poverty reduction. Prior to the pandemic, Rwanda saw a 10% GDP growth rate in 2019. Similar economic growth, fuelled by Rwanda’s exciting tourism and foreign investment opportunities, is expected once normalised international travel is reinstated. 

Access and Logistics: Rwanda is a small and landlocked country bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi. Rwanda’s main gateway is the Kigali International Airport which caters for domestic and international destinations. The major Bugesera International Airport is under construction and is due to be completed in 2022 with significant enhancement of passenger and cargo capacities. There are no major sea ports in Rwanda. However, the Rwandan government is investing heavily in domestic and cross-border railway infrastructure projects which will connect Rwanda to East Africa’s ports and surrounding countries.

Embassy Contact Details:

Rwanda's diplomatic representation to Australia is from its High Commission in Singapore.

RWANDAN HIGH COMMISSION IN SINGAPORE 

Telephone: +65 6884 4621

Email: infosingapore@embassy.gov.rw 

The Australian High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya is accredited to Rwanda.

AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION IN KENYA: 

Telephone: +27 12 423 6000

Email: Consular.Nairobi@dfat.gov.au