KIGALI, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's national poverty rate dropped significantly from 39.8 percent in 2017 to 27.4 percent in 2024, marking a 12.4 percentage point decline over seven years, a survey shows.
The findings are based on the seventh Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey, released Wednesday by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) in the national capital of Kigali. The survey was conducted between October 2023 and October 2024.
The survey shows a substantial reduction in poverty across all regions of the country. While regional rankings remain unchanged -- with Kigali City reporting the lowest poverty levels, and the Southern and Western provinces the highest -- the share of Rwandans living in extreme poverty fell sharply from 11.3 percent in 2017 to 5.4 percent in 2024.
Presenting the findings, NISR Director General Ivan Murenzi noted that the most significant gains were made among rural households, reflecting the impact of targeted government policies. He pointed to the expansion of electricity access in rural areas as evidence of successful infrastructure development efforts.
Beyond poverty reduction, the survey highlights broader socio-economic progress. Between 2017 and 2024, Rwanda's real gross domestic product per capita rose by 37 percent, while household consumption per person increased by 27 percent. Employment among people aged 16 and above also improved, with the proportion of employed individuals rising from 44 percent to 54 percent.
The survey also highlights notable improvements in access to services. National electricity coverage more than doubled, from 34 percent in 2017 to 72 percent in 2024. Mobile phone ownership also surged, with household penetration rising from 67 percent to 85 percent over the same period, signaling increased digital access and connectivity.
Despite the national progress, disparities remain at the district level. Nyamagabe District was reported as the poorest, with a poverty rate of 51.4 percent, followed by Gisagara at 45.6 percent and Rusizi at 44.2 percent.
