Rwanda has made remarkable strides in its fight against poverty, with over 1.5 million people rising above the poverty line in just seven years, according to newly released national statistics.
The findings, published in the Seventh Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV 7) by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), reveal that the country’s overall poverty rate dropped from 39.8/percent in 2017 to 27.4/percent in 2024.
Urban areas saw poverty fall from 18.8/percent to 12.7/percent, while rural communities—where poverty has historically been more entrenched—recorded a sharper decline, from 44/percent to 31.6/percent .
Speaking during the release of the report on April 16, Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente described the milestone as the result of a deliberate and sustained development agenda under the country’s first National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), implemented from 2017 to 2024.
“This transformation didn’t happen by chance,” said Ngirente. “It reflects years of investment, planning, and execution—focused on improving lives and expanding opportunities.”
He credited a mix of targeted government investments, social safety programs, and economic recovery efforts for the gains, particularly in the post-pandemic period. Rwanda’s economy grew at an average rate of 9.1/percent over the last four years, fueling job creation and increased household spending.
“As our economy recovered from the Covid-19 shock, we prioritized inclusive growth,” the Prime Minister added. “We now see direct links between that growth and rising household consumption, improved services, and higher living standards.”
The report also highlighted the role of the Vision Umurenge Programme (VUP), a flagship anti-poverty initiative that supports nearly 410,000 vulnerable individuals. The program provides income through public works, unconditional cash transfers, and low-interest loans to encourage entrepreneurship among economically disadvantaged households.
Despite these interventions, the poverty rate among VUP beneficiaries remains at 40.5/percent, above the national average—indicating the continued need for job-focused support, especially in rural areas.
While celebrating the progress, Ngirente acknowledged that Rwanda’s mission is far from complete.
“We’ve taken meaningful steps, but our ultimate goal is a Rwanda where no one lives in poverty,” he said.