Rwanda GDP to grow 8 per cent in 2020, IMF

A vehicle is seen inside the first domestically built car rolled off the assembly line at Volkswagen's new factory in Kigali, Rwanda June 27, 2018. REUTERS/Jean Bizimana

Rwanda’s economy is expected to grow by 8 per cent this year and in 2021 versus an estimated 8.5 per cent in 2019, boosted by private investment and trade, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said.

The small East African nation’s economy relies largely on agriculture, tourism and mining. The government also forecasts it will grow 8.5 per cent in 2019.

It grew 11.9 per cent in third quarter versus 7.7 per cent in the third quarter of 2018, reflecting an improved performance in manufacturing, construction and services.

“Upside risks (to growth) are a continuation of strong private investment, more regional trade, and growth payoffs from large public investment projects,” the IMF said.

Factors that could slow growth include high fuel prices, unpredictable weather and regional issues, the IMF said in a statement late on Friday.

It did not elaborate on those regional issues.

Early last year, Rwanda closed its main border crossing with neighbouring Uganda. It was briefly re-opened to cargo trucks in June but then closed again.

Rwandans were banned from travelling to Uganda, which has accused Rwanda of effectively imposing a trade embargo.

In August, the two countries’ presidents signed a pact agreeing the two sides would respect each other’s sovereignty, refrain from action that destabilises the other’s territory, and resume cross-border activities.