Rwanda Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Rwanda's rule of law was 0.28 in 2025, ranked 87th globally. This represents a 34.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Rwanda's rule of law stood at 0.28 in 2025, a rise of +0.07 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.28 by 2025. Rwanda ranked 87th globally.
Rwanda's Rule of Law indicator has shown a significant improvement over the past two and a half decades, with a value of 0.28 in 2025, placing it 87th globally. This represents a notable recovery from its all-time trough of -1.50 in 1996, a year marked by the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide. By comparison, South Africa's Rule of Law indicator peaked at 0.29 in the same year, while Fiji's 2025 value of 0.27 remains below Rwanda's current score. Despite this progress, Rwanda's Rule of Law remains a concern, and the country still faces challenges in ensuring the fair and equal application of laws. The government's efforts to strengthen institutions and enhance transparency may continue to drive improvements in this area. However, a sustained investment in judicial reform and a strengthened anticorruption agenda will be necessary to further enhance Rwanda's Rule of Law and maintain its trajectory towards better governance.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.31 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.28 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.28 | +0.07 | #87 |
| 2023 | 0.21 | +0.06 | #87 |
| 2022 | 0.15 | −0.02 | #88 |
| 2021 | 0.17 | +0.10 | #87 |
| 2020 | 0.08 | +0.01 | #90 |
| 2019 | 0.06 | −0.05 | #90 |
| 2018 | 0.11 | −0.00 | #87 |
| 2017 | 0.11 | +0.02 | #84 |
| 2016 | 0.10 | +0.06 | #87 |
| 2015 | 0.04 | −0.03 | #84 |
| 2014 | 0.07 | +0.22 | #77 |
| 2013 | -0.15 | +0.10 | #98 |
| 2012 | -0.25 | +0.05 | #104 |
| 2011 | -0.30 | +0.03 | #108 |
| 2010 | -0.33 | +0.17 | #112 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Rwanda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda's rule of law was 0.28 in 2025. Ranked 87th globally. This represents a 34.2% increase from the previous year.
Rwanda's rule of law peaked at 0.28 in 2025.
The lowest rule of law in Rwanda was -1.50 in 1996.
Rwanda ranks 87th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Rwanda's rule of law is projected to reach 0.28 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Rwanda in 2025 was 0.28. This ranks 87th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_rwanda_rule-of-law,
title = {Rwanda Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/rwanda/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}