Rwanda Inflation Rate Continues to Soar

Rwanda's overall inflation rate climbed further to 15.9% in August 2026, a fresh high since September 2023, from 13.8% in July. Inflation has now accelerated for five consecutive months. Strong price pressures stemmed from transportation (27.5% vs 27.5% in July); communications (27.6%); housing & utlities (19.9% vs 20.5%); food & non-alcoholic beverages (16.7% vs 12.6%) and restaurants & hotels (13.7% vs 12.8%). On a monthly basis, the CPI surged by 2.6%, the steepest increase in four motnhs, after a 0.3% rise in the prior month.

Rwanda’s annual inflation rate rose to 13.8% in July 2026 from 12.7% in June, marking the highest level since September 2023 and the fourth consecutive monthly increase. The acceleration was mainly driven by higher inflation for food (12.6% vs 8%), particularly vegetables (17.3% vs 11.8%), as well as furnishings (10.4% vs 10.2%) and education (11.8% vs 11.3%). Meanwhile, inflation eased for housing and utilities (20.5% vs 23.3%), transport (27.5% vs 29.1%), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (11% vs 13.5%), restaurants and hotels (12.8% vs 13.4%), health (2.5% vs 6.5%) and clothing and footwear (2.8% vs 4.7%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.3%, slowing from 0.4% in June.

Rwanda's annual inflation rate rose for the third month to 12.7% in June 2026, the highest level since October 2023, up from May's 12.3%. Prices climbed further for transportation (29.1% vs 28% in May); housing & utilities (23.3% vs 21.8%); recreation & culture (11.3% vs 8.5%) and food & non-alcoholic beverages (8% vs 7.6%), especially meat (14.7%) and vegetables (11.8%). At the same time, prices remained elevated for health (65%); alcoholic beverages & tobacco (13.5%); restaurants & hotels (13.4%); education (11.3%), furnishings & household equipment (10.2%) and miscellaneous goods & services (9.2%). On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.4%, after a 0.6% increase in the month before.