Rwanda: IMF Staff Agreement Clears Path for $35.7 Million Disbursement After Strong Programme Performance

KIGALI, Oct 18 – Rwanda has reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund on the first review of its Extended Credit Facility programme, paving the way for access to about $35.7 million once the IMF Executive Board approves, officials said.

The agreement followed Rwanda’s achievement of all measurable targets for end-June 2026 under the 38-month arrangement. The economy grew 9.7 percent in the first half of 2026, though inflation remained elevated at 15.7 percent in August, well above the central bank’s medium-term target, due to price pressures and higher international oil and fertiliser costs. The budget deficit narrowed to 4.8 percent of GDP.

IMF Mission Chief Albert Touna Mama said the outcome reflected strong performance and continued commitment to policies that safeguard macroeconomic stability while advancing development goals.

On X, users including @ali_naka noted Rwanda’s opening of a new route for refined petroleum products via Kenya’s Northern Corridor, while others such as @nkurunzizamose pointed to gains in quality of life under long-term policy continuity.