Rwanda has reached a major milestone in its efforts to eradicate poverty, with over 1.5 million citizens lifted out of poverty over the past seven years, according to the latest Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7). The national poverty rate dropped from 39.8% in 2017 to 27.4% in 2024.
This remarkable 12.4% decrease equivalent to more than 1.5 million Rwandans escaping poverty was revealed during the official launch of the EICV7 survey at the Kigali Convention Centre.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente emphasized that the survey was more than just a statistical exercise; it was a testament to Rwanda’s resilience and strategic vision for a better future.
“The numbers from this report are more than just statistics. They represent real improvements in the lives of our people. Data were collected according to international standards, in collaboration with our partners, to ensure their accuracy and reliability,” said Dr. Ngirente.
“Lifting 1.5 million Rwandans out of poverty is not just a statistic it is a testament to what focused strategy, strong partnerships, and national will can achieve in just seven years.”
The EICV7 survey, conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), also shows that extreme poverty was halved dropping from 11.3% in 2017 to just 5.4% in 2024. This achievement is credited to the implementation of the first National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), which focused on economic acceleration, job creation, and inclusive growth.
According to the Prime Minister, the progress was largely driven by targeted government investments and long-standing social protection programs such as the Vision 2020 Umurenge Programme (VUP), which supports the poorest households through direct support, public works, and financial services.
The country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic also played a critical role. Rwanda recorded an average economic growth rate of 9.1% over the past four years, translating into increased employment, especially among youth.
“Post-COVID economic recovery brought about a surge in employment opportunities, demonstrating how effective planning and implementation can truly change lives,” Dr. Ngirente said.
However, the survey also revealed persistent regional disparities in poverty levels. Districts such as Nyamagabe (51.4%), Gisagara (45.6%), and Rusizi (44.2%) remain among the poorest, while urban areas like Nyarugenge boast the lowest poverty rate at 6.8%.
Dr. Ngirente reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
“We want every family, in every corner of Rwanda, to benefit from our economic development,” he said, adding that upcoming strategies including NST2 and Vision 2050 will continue to prioritize access to education, healthcare, clean water, and energy.
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