Rwanda Poverty Rate
Poverty headcount ratio at $2.15/day SI.POV.DDAY
Rwanda's poverty rate was 39.89% in 2025, ranked 4th globally. This represents a 3.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Rwanda's poverty rate stood at 39.89% in 2025, a rise of +1.29pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 39.89% by 2025. Rwanda ranked 4th globally.
Rwanda has demonstrated significant progress in reducing its poverty rate over the past two decades. The country's poverty rate peaked in 2000 at 82.30%, a stark reflection of the devastation wrought by the 1994 genocide. However, through sustained economic growth and development efforts, Rwanda has made substantial strides in poverty alleviation. By 2023, the poverty rate had declined to 38.60%, the lowest recorded level. Although still a pressing issue, this represents a notable improvement, with Rwanda ranking below Kenya's 45.31% and Nigeria's 39.16% poverty rates in the global hierarchy. However, Rwanda's progress has been surpassed by Chad, which reported a poverty rate of 32.42% in the same year. As of 2025, Rwanda's poverty rate remains at 39.89%, a slight increase from the 2023 trough. To continue making progress, Rwanda's government will need to prioritize sustainable economic growth and social development initiatives, particularly in rural areas, to maintain momentum and further reduce poverty rates.
Data & projection
| Year | Poverty Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 37.95% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 39.89% | - | - |
| 2025 | 39.89% | +1.29pp | #4 |
| 2023 | 38.60% | −25.20pp | #53 |
| 2016 | 63.80% | −1.40pp | #81 |
| 2013 | 65.20% | −5.00pp | #76 |
| 2010 | 70.20% | −4.00pp | #82 |
| 2005 | 74.20% | −8.10pp | #79 |
| 2000 | 82.30% | – | #55 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Rwanda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw poverty rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda's poverty rate was 39.89% in 2025. Ranked 4th globally. This represents a 3.3% increase from the previous year.
Rwanda's poverty rate peaked at 82.30% in 2000.
The lowest poverty rate in Rwanda was 38.60% in 2023.
Rwanda ranks 4th globally in poverty rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.POV.DDAY. Data sourced from World Bank.
Rwanda's poverty rate is projected to reach 39.89% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The poverty rate of Rwanda in 2025 was 39.89%. This ranks 4th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_rwanda_poverty-rate,
title = {Rwanda Poverty Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/rwanda/poverty-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}