Rwanda R&D Spending
Research and development expenditure as % of GDP GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS
Rwanda's r&d spending was 0.85% in 2025, ranked 39th globally. This represents a 6.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2016–2025.
Overview
Rwanda's r&d spending stood at 0.85% in 2025, a rise of +0.05% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.85% by 2025. Rwanda ranked 39th globally.
Rwanda's research and development spending has demonstrated a steady upward trend, with the country's R&D expenditure reaching 0.85 of its GDP in 2025, a notable increase from the 0.65 recorded in 2016. This growth places Rwanda at rank 39 globally, ahead of Namibia and in close proximity to peer countries such as Latvia and Luxembourg. The country's R&D spending has been steadily rising, with no indication of a reversal in trend. As of 2025, Rwanda's R&D spending has reached its all-time peak, surpassing the 0.65 low set in 2016. This upward trajectory is likely driven by the government's focus on innovation and economic diversification, as Rwanda continues to develop its knowledge-based economy. However, a decline in foreign investment or a shift in government priorities could potentially alter this trend, impacting Rwanda's R&D spending trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | R&D Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.87% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.85% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.85% | +0.05% | #39 |
| 2023 | 0.79% | +0.04% | #6 |
| 2019 | 0.76% | +0.11% | #48 |
| 2016 | 0.65% | – | #47 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Rwanda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw r&d spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda's r&d spending was 0.85% in 2025. Ranked 39th globally. This represents a 6.7% increase from the previous year.
Rwanda's r&d spending peaked at 0.85% in 2025.
The lowest r&d spending in Rwanda was 0.65% in 2016.
Rwanda ranks 39th globally in r&d spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Rwanda's r&d spending is projected to reach 0.85% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The r&d spending of Rwanda in 2025 was 0.85%. This ranks 39th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_rwanda_rd-spending,
title = {Rwanda R&D Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/rwanda/rd-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}