Overview

The 2023 Voluntary National Review (VNR) presents Rwanda’s development progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showing steady gains alongside ongoing challenges. Under the “People” pillar, improvements in life expectancy, poverty reduction efforts and expanded access to basic services demonstrate strengthened human capital development. Social protection systems have been revised to address malnutrition and extreme poverty, while child protection frameworks have reduced child labour and child marriage. Access to clean water, sanitation and electricity has expanded significantly, supported by increased production capacity and improved infrastructure.

In the “Prosperity” dimension, the economy has strongly recovered from pandemic contraction, recording double-digit GDP growth in recent years. Industrial development and employment generation remain priorities, with targeted support for youth and women entrepreneurs. Under the “Planet” pillar, Rwanda has expanded access to affordable and clean energy and adopted more ambitious climate commitments through revised Nationally Determined Contributions. In the “Peace” dimension, constitutional guarantees ensure inclusive participation and sustained stability, supported by strengthened governance and child protection systems. Finally, under “Partnerships,” Rwanda reaffirms its commitment to collaborative SDG implementation, leveraging technology, digital service delivery and regional cooperation to advance sustainable development outcomes.

Recommendations

Strengthen Poverty Graduation Programmes: Enhance targeted social protection and productive asset support to sustainably reduce poverty and vulnerability.
Accelerate Agricultural Transformation: Scale climate-smart agriculture and irrigation to improve food security and reduce malnutrition.
Invest in Health System Resilience: Increase funding for preventive care, non-communicable diseases and emergency preparedness.
Improve Quality and Inclusive Education: Expand pre-primary access, teacher training and digital learning infrastructure.
Deepen Women’s Economic Empowerment: Promote women’s participation in STEM, TVET and entrepreneurship beyond political representation.
Achieve Universal Water and Sanitation: Prioritise urban sanitation infrastructure to meet the 100 percent coverage target.
Expand Clean Cooking Solutions: Promote affordable alternatives to firewood to accelerate energy transition.
Promote Sustainable Job Creation: Support SMEs, innovation and skills development to create high-quality employment.
Strengthen Industrial Diversification: Enhance value addition, export competitiveness and technological innovation.
Reduce Inequality Through Inclusive Policies: Ensure recovery programmes prioritise vulnerable and marginalised groups.
Manage Urbanisation Strategically: Strengthen climate-resilient urban planning and affordable housing systems.
Advance Circular Economy Practices: Improve waste management, recycling and sustainable production systems.
Mobilise Climate Finance: Secure sustainable funding for adaptation and mitigation initiatives.
Strengthen Water Resource Management: Enhance transboundary cooperation and water efficiency measures.
Protect Biodiversity and Restore Land: Scale ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management programmes.
§ Enhance Institutional Accountability: Improve justice accessibility, service delivery and anti-corruption measures.
§ Strengthen Global and Regional Partnerships: Promote innovative financing, South-South cooperation and SDG data systems for 2030 achievement.

Conclusion

Rwanda's 2023 VNR demonstrates the nation's strong and enduring commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The report highlights commendable progress in improving the lives of its citizens, particularly through advancements in health, education, gender equality, and access to clean water and energy. The country is actively pursuing economic recovery and environmental resilience, while emphasizing a "whole-of-society" approach to SDG implementation. Despite these achievements, significant challenges persist, including the lingering economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the high cost of clean energy alternatives, and data gaps. The VNR process has, however, provided crucial insights and reaffirmed the need for strategic interventions. To accelerate SDG achievement, Rwanda will prioritise continued resource mobilisation, strengthening its national statistical system, and fostering robust partnerships. The path forward demands strong leadership, inclusive policy implementation, and robust collaboration across all sectors of society to build a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient future for all Rwandans and contribute meaningfully to global sustainable development.

Social Networks

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Country Focal Point

Kagenza Sakufi Rumongi
Communication Officer
Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the United Nations

Location

Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Kigali, Rwanda

Get Directions

Region

No Poverty

Score: 2
Justification	Poverty stood at 38.2 percent pre-pandemic, and in January 2021, the World Bank estimated that poverty could have increased by 5.1 percent, pushing approximately 500,000 people into poverty due to Covid-19. Poverty reduction remains central under NST1 (2017–2024) and Vision 2050.
Challenges	Covid-19 disrupted informal employment, rural incomes and small enterprises. Inflationary pressures and global shocks further strained vulnerable households.
Progress/ Solution	The Government implemented emergency relief and an Economic Recovery Plan. After a contraction of 3.4 percent in 2020, GDP rebounded to 10.9 percent in 2021 and 8.2 percent in 2022, supporting recovery in livelihoods. The Social Protection Policy was revised in June 2020 to strengthen graduation from poverty.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite recovery, structural poverty and vulnerability persist. Full poverty reassessment awaits updated household survey data.

Zero Hunger

Score: 2
Justification	NST1 prioritises agricultural modernisation, productivity enhancement and eradication of malnutrition, recognising agriculture as a primary livelihood sector.
Challenges	Malnutrition and food affordability remain concerns, especially among rural households. Climate variability continues to affect yields.
Progress/ Solution	Programmes supporting irrigation, land consolidation and livestock productivity were strengthened. Food security interventions were maintained despite pandemic-related disruptions.
Unsolved Challenges	Long-term resilience in food systems and sustainable nutrition outcomes require further scaling of climate-smart agriculture.

Good Health

Score: 3
Justification	Life expectancy increased from 49 years in 2000 to 69.6 years in 2022 (5th Population and Housing Census, 2022), demonstrating sustained health sector improvements.
Challenges	Covid-19 disrupted routine health services and strained health infrastructure.
Progress/ Solution	Expansion of health insurance coverage and strong Covid-19 vaccination efforts strengthened resilience. Community-based health systems remained functional during crisis periods.
Unsolved Challenges	Continued investment is required to strengthen preparedness for future pandemics and non-communicable diseases.

Quality Education

Score: 3
Justification	The Special Needs and Inclusive Education Policy was implemented from 2018/19–2023/24. Learners with Disabilities increased from 23,492 in 2019 to 30,803 in 2020/21, reflecting improved access.
Challenges	Low pre-primary enrolment persists, and infrastructure gaps remain in rural areas.
Progress/ Solution	Trained teachers increased from 3,398 in 2017 to 12,501 in 2020/21. Construction of 1,084 latrines improved accessibility. Digital learning initiatives expanded during school closures.
Unsolved Challenges	Quality enhancement, teacher training and equitable digital access remain priorities.

Gender Equality

Score: 3
Justification	Women represent 61.3 percent of Parliament, 46.9 percent of Cabinet and 51 percent of judges. The Gender Gap Index improved from 0.791 in 2020 to 0.811 in 2022.
Challenges	Female participation in STEM, TVET and higher education remains comparatively low.
Progress/ Solution	Women’s land ownership rose from 42.7 percent in 2013 to 87 percent in 2021, strengthening economic empowerment.
Unsolved Challenges	Gender-based violence and economic disparities require sustained policy enforcement.

Water & Sanitation

Score:3
Justification	Access to improved water sources reached 82 percent (PHC-2022). Rural access rose from 22.6 percent (2005) to 76.7 percent, and urban access from 55.4 percent to 95.7 percent. Sanitation coverage stands at 72.2 percent.
Challenges	Urban sanitation access is 56.4 percent, compared to 78.5 percent in rural areas.
Progress/ Solution	Water production increased from 140,960 m³/day in 2014/15 to 327,852 m³/day in 2021/22 (132.6 percent increase). Beneficiary households increased from 2,045,916 in 2018/19 to 4,535,744 in 2021/22.
Unsolved Challenges	The target of 100 percent sanitation by 2024 has not yet been achieved.

Clean Energy

Score: 3
Justification	Electricity access increased from 17.9 percent in 2012 to 61 percent, including 47 percent on-grid and 14 percent off-grid.
Challenges	Firewood remains dominant at 76 percent, slowing transition to clean cooking energy.
Progress/ Solution	Renewable energy development and off-grid subsidies expanded access to remote communities.
Unsolved Challenges	Accelerated adoption of clean cooking technologies remains necessary.

Decent Work

Score: 2
Justification	GDP per capita increased from US$ 225 in 2000 to US$ 1,004 in 2022. NST1 aims to create 1,500,000 decent jobs (2017–2024).
Challenges	Covid-19 severely impacted tourism, hospitality and services.
Progress/ Solution	2,917 entrepreneurs accessed micro lease (including 1,500 women). 29,676 SMEs were supported, and 5,612 youth-led SMEs received toolkits.
Unsolved Challenges	Sustained high-quality job creation and productivity growth remain critical.

Industry & Infrastructure

Score: 2
Justification	Industrialisation and the “Made in Rwanda” initiative were prioritised to strengthen domestic production during Covid-19.
Challenges	Limited export diversification and high production costs persist.
Progress/ Solution	Construction of the first vaccine manufacturing plant commenced. Logistics platforms and transport infrastructure were expanded.
Unsolved Challenges	Scaling innovation ecosystems and technology transfer remains ongoing.

Inequality

Score: 2
Justification	The Constitution of 2003 (amended 2015) guarantees equality and non-discrimination.
Challenges	Pandemic-related poverty risks widening inequality gaps.
Progress/ Solution	The Social Protection Policy revision in June 2020 strengthened inclusion mechanisms.
Unsolved Challenges	Ensuring inclusive economic recovery remains essential.

Sustainable Cities

Score: 2
Justification	Urbanisation increased from 18.4 percent in 2016/17 to 27.9 percent. The National Land Use Master Plan was revised in 2020.
Challenges	Rapid urban growth pressures housing, sanitation and transport systems.
Progress/ Solution	Urban planning reforms support climate-resilient settlements.
Unsolved Challenges	NST1 target of 35 percent urbanisation by 2024 requires further acceleration.

Responsible Consumption

Score: 2
Justification	Green economy principles are integrated as cross-cutting priorities under NST1.
Challenges	Waste management and recycling systems require expansion.
Progress/ Solution	Sustainable resource management and environmental standards strengthened.
Unsolved Challenges	Transition to circular economy models remains incomplete.

Climate Action

Score:2
Justification	Climate change is embedded as a cross-cutting issue in national development planning.
Challenges	Floods, droughts and landslides continue to disrupt livelihoods.
Progress/ Solution	Green growth initiatives and resilience strategies were implemented.
Unsolved Challenges	Sustainable financing for adaptation and mitigation remains critical.

Life Below Water

Score: 1
Justification	Transboundary agreements include CFA 2010 and MoU with DRC signed in November 2015. Water quality improved from 15 percent (2018) to 79 percent (2020).
Challenges	Water stress rose from 9 percent (2018) to 11.17 percent (2020).
Progress/ Solution	Integrated water resource management increased from 50 percent (2018) to 66 percent (2020).
Unsolved Challenges	Long-term sustainable freshwater ecosystem management remains necessary.

Life on Land

Score :1
Justification	Environmental sustainability is central to Vision 2050.
Challenges	Land degradation and biodiversity pressures continue.
Progress/ Solution	Forest conservation and land restoration programmes expanded.
Unsolved Challenges	Full ecosystem restoration targets remain ongoing.

Peace & Justice

Score: 2
Justification	Women hold 61.3 percent of parliamentary seats. Child labour declined from 5.5 percent in 2013 to 3.6 percent in 2016/17. Birth registration reached 94 percent by August 2022.
Challenges	Institutional reforms strengthened governance and justice systems.
Progress/ Solution	Sustaining legal enforcement and citizen trust requires continued investment.
Unsolved Challenges	Further strengthening of accountability and service delivery systems remains necessary.

Partnerships

Score: 2
Justification	Rwanda presented its second VNR at HLPF 2023.
Challenges	External shocks constrain fiscal space and financing capacity.
Progress/ Solution	The Rwanda Cooperation Initiative supports South-South cooperation. Domestic resource mobilisation improved to support SDG financing.
Unsolved Challenges	Innovative financing mechanisms and stronger global partnerships are required to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: Severely Off-Track

SDG14
SDG15

Country Challenges

Economic Impact of COVID-19: The prolonged repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic heavily impacted economic activity in 2020 and beyond, causing a significant reduction in GDP and affecting livelihoods.
Cost of Clean Energy Alternatives: The relatively high cost of cleaner cooking alternatives continues to hamper the reduction of firewood use, which remains high at 76%.
Data Gaps: The pandemic hindered efforts to produce new data on poverty and inequalities through the planned 6th Integrated Households Living Conditions Survey.
Resource Mobilisation: Despite economic recovery, there is a need for more intensive mobilisation of resources and efforts to achieve the SDGs.
Emerging Challenges: The VNR highlights the need to respond to emerging challenges, including malnutrition, livelihood shocks, and the multidimensional nature of poverty.

Country Lessons Learned

Integration of Global and Regional Agendas: Integrating global and regional development agendas, such as the 2030 Agenda and Africa Agenda 2063, into national development frameworks is crucial for coherent and effective implementation.
Resilience and Recovery: Implementing recovery measures and policies in collaboration with all stakeholders can lead to a strong economic rebound even after significant disruptions like a pandemic.
Human Capital Investment: Investing in human capital development, basic infrastructure, and expanding access to various services contributes significantly to increased life expectancy and GDP per capita.
Whole-of-Society Approach: Engaging diverse actors, including government, private sector, citizens, civil society, and development partners, is essential for fostering national ownership and accelerating SDG delivery.
Technology in Service Delivery: Leveraging technology, such as electronic payments and online government platforms, can play a significant role in enhancing service delivery and improving efficiency.
Ambitious Climate Action: Revising Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to more ambitious climate action agendas demonstrate strong commitment and provides a roadmap for emission reduction.
Constitutional Guarantees for Inclusion: Ensuring constitutional provisions for the participation of all groups, including children, women, youth, elderly, and people with disabilities, in socio-economic and governance structures is fundamental for leaving no one behind.
Continuous Planning and Monitoring: Regular planning and implementation of development frameworks, coupled with continuous monitoring and evaluation, are part and parcel of achieving sustainable development.

World Lessons Learned

Country Contribution

2023: Rwanda's second Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report presented.
2019: Rwanda's first VNR Report submitted.
2020: Economy experienced a 3.4% reduction due to COVID-19.
2021: Economy rebounded with 10.9% growth.
2022: Economy grew by 8.2%.
2022: Life expectancy increased to 69.6 years (from 49 in 2000).
2022: GDP per capita increased to US1,004(fromUS225 in 2000).
2022: Population of 13.2 million people.
2022: Services accounted for 47% of the economy, agriculture 25%, and industry 21%.
2022: 2nd in Doing Business in Africa (World Bank).
2018: 2nd Safest country in Africa (Gallup).
2022: 6th Safest country in the world for solo travelers (Gallup).
2020: 93% financial inclusion (FinScope).
2022: 4th least corrupt country in Africa (Transparency International).
2020: Among the top 10 countries to have narrowed the gender gap (Global Gender Gap).
2012: Proportion of households with access to electricity was 17.9%.
2022: Proportion of households with access to electricity increased to 61% (47% on-grid, 14% off-grid).
2020: Revised Social Protection Policy adopted.
2022: National Child Protection Case Management framework developed.
2013: Percentage of children engaged in child labour was 5.5%.
2016/17: Percentage of children engaged in child labour reduced to 3.6%.
2013: Percentage of children engaged in child marriage (women aged 15-18) was 0.4%.
2015: Percentage of children engaged in child marriage reduced to 0.1%.
2013: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments, regional, and local bodies was 41.9%.
2022: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments, regional, and local bodies increased to 45%.
2023: Water production capacity increased to 327,852 m³ (from 182,120 m³ in 2016/17).
2023: Percentage of surface area of transboundary basins of rivers and lakes covered by an operational arrangement is 100%.
2020: Revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) adopted.
2021: "#CanaChallenge" community-based initiative launched to encourage contributions to light up Rwandan households.
2020: Manufacture and Build to Recover Programme (MBRP) launched.
2020: Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) established.
2021: GDP growth of 10.9%.
2022: GDP growth of 8.2%.
2022: Maternal mortality ratio decreased to 203 per 100,000 live births (from 476 in 2010).
2019/20: Neonatal mortality rate decreased to 19 per 1,000 live births (from 27 in 2010).
2000-2018: Average annual GDP growth of 7.9%.
2019-2022: Average GDP growth of 6.3%.
2021/22: 4G mobile network coverage reached 98.2%.
2017:30% of local governments adopted and implemented local disaster risk reduction strategies.
2022: Rwanda is party to the Basel Convention (2004) and Bamako Convention (2004) on hazardous waste.
2022: Domestic budget funded by domestic taxes was 62.40%.

Rwanda