The urban index, which serves as the headline measure for monetary policy, rose 2.7 percent on a monthly basis compared to August 2026. The annual average inflation rate between September 2026 and September 2025 stood at 11.5 percent, while the annual average underlying inflation rate was 10.5 percent.
Nationally, the overall Rwanda CPI increased by 20 percent year-on-year and 5 percent month-on-month. Rural inflation rose 22 percent annually and 6.5 percent from August, with rural food and non-alcoholic beverages up 10.6 percent on the month and rural vegetables up 16 percent.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages, the largest component of the urban basket at 27 percent weight, increased 20.9 percent annually and 5.3 percent monthly, making it the biggest driver of September's monthly rise. Vegetables rose 35.1 percent year-on-year and 10.9 percent in a single month, while meat prices were up 33.6 percent annually but eased 1.8 percent from August.
Transport and housing costs remain elevated. Urban transport prices rose 22.4 percent year-on-year and 0.2 percent month-on-month, while housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels rose 18.3 percent annually and 0.1 percent monthly. Restaurants and hotels rose 18.9 percent year-on-year and 2.8 percent on the month.
NISR's core index, which strips out fresh food and energy prices to capture underlying price trends, rose 11.4 percent year-on-year and 1.3 percent month-on-month. Fresh products rose 27.9 percent annually and 7.7 percent monthly.
The energy index rose 45 percent annually and 0.2 percent monthly, while the local goods index increased 19.8 percent and the imported goods index rose 9.7 percent over the same period. On a monthly basis, local goods rose 3.4 percent and imported goods 0.5 percent.
NISR's CPI is based on a basket of 1,622 products, with more than 29,482 prices collected each month in urban areas and 10,744 in rural areas. The urban CPI serves as the headline index for monetary policy purposes.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages, the largest component of the urban basket at 27 percent weight, increased 20.9 percent annually and 5.3 percent monthly, making it the biggest driver of September's monthly rise.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on October 9, 2026, recognising Pillay, 85, for her work on international justice, international law and human rights.
Pillay served as an ICTR judge from 1995 and became the tribunal's president in 1999. Based in Arusha, Tanzania, the tribunal was established by the United Nations in 1994 to prosecute individuals responsible for the Genocide against the Tutsi and other serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Rwanda and neighbouring states that year.
Pillay was elected president in 1999, becoming the tribunal's second head after Laïty Kama. She was re-elected in 2001 and served at the ICTR for eight years, including four as president.
Role in landmark Akayesu case
Pillay was among the judges who presided over the trial of Jean-Paul Akayesu, the former mayor of Taba commune in Rwanda.
On September 2, 1998, Trial Chamber I of the ICTR, comprising judges Laïty Kama, Lennart Aspegren and Pillay, found Akayesu guilty of genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, murder, torture and rape, among other crimes.
The judgment marked the first time an international criminal tribunal had convicted an individual of genocide. It also established an important precedent by recognising that rape and other forms of sexual violence can constitute acts of genocide when committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a protected group.
The ruling addressed sexual violence against Tutsi women during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and contributed to the development of international jurisprudence on genocide and sexual violence in conflict.
Other international judicial roles
Pillay also served in proceedings involving Jean Kambanda, who was prime minister of Rwanda's interim government in 1994.
Kambanda pleaded guilty to genocide and crimes against humanity and was sentenced to life imprisonment. His case marked the first time a former head of government had been convicted of genocide by an international criminal tribunal.
After leaving the ICTR, Pillay was elected a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2003. In 2008, she was appointed United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, serving until 2014.
Born in Durban, South Africa, to a family of Indian Tamil origin, Pillay grew up under apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination. Before taking up international judicial roles, she practised law in South Africa and challenged the discriminatory system. She later became the first Black woman to serve as a judge of South Africa's High Court.
The Nobel Peace Prize carries a monetary award of 12 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to approximately $1.2 million.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on October 9, 2026, recognising Pillay, 85, for her work on international justice, international law and human rights.
The two drivers, alongside Mercedes' George Russell, expressed support for bringing Formula 1 back to Africa, which has not hosted a race since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, near Johannesburg.
Reports surfaced this week, suggesting that an agreement could have been reached for Rwanda to host a race, with an announcement potentially expected as early as next week. However, Formula 1 is yet to officially confirm the development.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, seven-time world champion Hamilton reiterated his long-standing call for the championship to return to Africa.
'I haven't really got any news for you. I saw something on people posting online, but I've always said that we need to have a Grand Prix in Africa,' he said.
'It is, for me, the most important continent, to be honest, the most beautiful continent. We're on all the other continents but that one and there should be no reason for it.'
Seven-time world champion Hamilton has been advocating for the championship to return to Africa.
Hamilton said Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali had made efforts to advance the possibility of an African race, expressing hope that the discussions would yield positive news.
'It's something I've been pushing for in the background, and Stefano has been amazing. He's flown to Africa so many times over the last couple of years, speaking to lots and lots of different people, so I hope that he has some news for me soon,' he added.
Four-time world champion Verstappen also welcomed the prospect of Rwanda joining the calendar, recalling his visit to the country in 2024, when he attended an FIA awards ceremony after winning the Formula 1 drivers' championship.
'For sure, if that's possible, it would be great. We want to race in a lot of different places in the world, so I really hope that it can be pushed through,' the Red Bull driver said.
'I've been once to Rwanda. We have to wait to see if it's all going to go through, but I think we're all very excited if that would happen.'
Four-time world champion Verstappen also welcomed the prospect of Rwanda joining the calendar.
Russell, who drives for Mercedes, also backed the possibility of an African Grand Prix, saying his visit to the continent earlier this year had left a positive impression.
'I would be very excited if these rumours were to come true. I was in Africa earlier this year and I really, really loved my time there,' he said.
'Formula 1 is a worldwide sport. Africa is the only continent we don't race on, and it's about time we had a race there.'
Rwanda's F1 bid gathers momentum
Rwanda has been pursuing plans to host a Formula 1 race, with discussions involving the sport's leadership gaining attention in recent years.
President Paul Kagame reinforced the country's ambitions in 2024 when Rwanda hosted the General Assembly of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body for world motorsport.
In 2025, Kagame held further discussions with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Domenicali on the possibility of bringing the championship to Rwanda.
Rwanda is among several African countries that have expressed interest in hosting Formula 1, alongside South Africa, Morocco and Nigeria.
South Africa has continued to pursue a return to the calendar, with Kyalami and Cape Town previously considered as potential venues.
South Africa's Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie appeared to acknowledge Rwanda's progress in a post on X this week.
'We are happy for Rwanda's 2030 F1,' he wrote on October 7. 'They have worked on it longer than SA and deserve it.'
McKenzie nevertheless maintained that South Africa remained determined to secure its own race, arguing that the continent could accommodate more than one Grand Prix.
Formula 1's calendar currently allows for a maximum of 24 races a season under its commercial agreements. Several existing race-hosting contracts are due to expire before 2030, potentially creating opportunities for changes to the schedule.
A permanent circuit is reportedly being planned about 40 kilometres from Kigali, near the new Kigali International Airport under construction in Bugesera District.
If Rwanda secures a place on the calendar, it would mark Formula 1's return to Africa after more than three decades and position the country among the destinations hosting one of the world's most prominent motorsport championships.
Formula 1 is the world's premier motorsport championship.
The delegation comprises former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde.
Their visit to Kinshasa follows meetings with AFC/M23 leaders in Goma and discussions with President Paul Kagame in Kigali on October 7, 2026, focusing on the root causes of the conflict.
The DRC presidency announced that President Félix Tshisekedi was scheduled to receive the delegation on October 9.
The facilitators are expected to brief the Congolese government on the outcomes of their consultations with the different parties before reporting to Togo's President Faure Gnassingbé, who is leading the AU's mediation efforts.
During their visit to Goma, the delegation met AFC/M23 representatives, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), humanitarian organisations and members of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism.
Following the meetings, the facilitators urged all parties to engage in the Doha peace process in good faith, respect the ceasefire and cooperate with mechanisms tasked with monitoring its implementation.
AFC/M23 coordinator Corneille Nangaa called for any agreements to include concrete measures whose implementation could be verified.
He also warned that the group would continue fighting if government forces attempted to retake Minembwe, an area in South Kivu that has experienced prolonged fighting.
The AU facilitators have emphasised that their efforts go beyond securing political agreements, with a focus on delivering tangible improvements for civilians. These include protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian access and safeguarding essential services such as education.
AFC/M23 controls large areas of North Kivu and South Kivu following offensives in early 2025 that saw the group seize the major cities of Goma and Bukavu.
The DRC presidency announced that President Félix Tshisekedi was scheduled to receive the delegation on October 9.
From unadvertised internships and career mentorships to high-value industry partnerships, professional relationship-building has become an essential pillar of long-term career growth.
As American executive coach and Stand Out author Dorie Clark notes, active networking creates 'accidental collisions' that open doors traditional applications simply cannot. For students and recent graduates, these connections offer access to market intelligence, unlisted job opportunities, and practical advice on navigating industry expectations.
However, experts caution that networking is often misunderstood. It is not about collecting contact cards or sending transactional connection requests on LinkedIn.
Former executive and career mentor Jayson Gaignard emphasizes that meaningful networks are built on genuine relationship maintenance rather than quick wins: 'Amazing people become more amazing over time.' The goal should be cultivating authentic, mutually beneficial dialogues rather than making immediate demands.
While digital platforms like LinkedIn, X, and Instagram have democratized access to industry leaders across the globe, the process remains intimidating for many.
Early-career professionals often struggle with imposter syndrome, worrying they have little value to offer established experts. Address this by shifting your perspective: young professionals can bring fresh industry insights, digital literacy, and enthusiasm.
Dorie Clark, who is also a Top 50 global management thinker, suggests approaching outreach by 'making an offer that would be legitimately valuable to them', such as sharing a relevant article, engaging thoughtfully with their published work, or offering assistance on a project.
Crucially, experts stress that connections alone are not a substitute for core competence. A strong recommendation might secure an interview, but technical capability, reliability, and professionalism dictate whether someone stays in the room. Ultimately, networking is a long-term strategy rather than a shortcut to employment.
In a fast-evolving global economy, the most resilient careers are built on a foundation of proven skills matched with an active, supportive professional ecosystem.
For the next generation of workforce talent, the central question is not just what you know, but who you connect with, and how consistently you invest in those relationships over time.
From unadvertised internships and career mentorships to high-value industry partnerships, professional relationship-building has become an essential pillar of long-term career growth.
The four astronauts splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles on October 8, 2026, bringing their extended space mission to an end.
During their time in orbit, they travelled more than 100 million miles and completed over 3,792 orbits around Earth.
The returning crew comprised NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.
Their spacecraft, Crew Dragon Freedom, touched down at 8:34 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.
SpaceX recovery teams subsequently reached the capsule and brought the astronauts and spacecraft aboard a recovery vessel.
The astronauts underwent routine medical evaluations before preparations for their return to shore and onward travel to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Meir and Fedyaev completed their second space missions, while Hathaway and Adenot experienced spaceflight for the first time.
Beyond travelling millions of miles, the crew conducted scientific investigations aimed at improving human health and supporting longer journeys into space.
One experiment explored methods of producing stem cells in space, which could potentially contribute to future cell-based medical treatments.
Another demonstrated technology for producing intravenous fluids on demand, an approach that could prove valuable during extended missions far from Earth.
Researchers also investigated how bacteria responsible for pneumonia might contribute to lasting heart damage.
The findings could help improve understanding of cardiovascular health.
Other studies examined nutrition in space and how individual physical characteristics influence blood flow during spaceflight.
Such research is important for understanding the health challenges astronauts face during prolonged exposure to microgravity.
The experiments could help scientists develop better ways to protect astronauts as space agencies prepare for more ambitious missions.
Crew-12 also recorded important milestones in space exploration.
Meir completed four spacewalks during the mission, bringing her career total to seven.
This placed her third among NASA women for the highest number of career spacewalks, behind former astronauts Peggy Whitson and Suni Williams.
Adenot completed three spacewalks, becoming the first French woman to venture outside the International Space Station.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised the crew and the thousands of professionals whose work supported the mission, highlighting the importance of building experience and confidence for repeated human spaceflight.
With the astronauts safely home, the mission adds valuable scientific knowledge and operational experience to preparations for future journeys beyond Earth's orbit.
NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 astronauts returned to Earth aboard the Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles.
The decision was announced on Thursday, October 8, by Vice President JD Vance and officials from the US Department of Labor, who said the action was intended to protect American jobs and address alleged abuses of employment-based immigration programmes.
The decision has affected companies including Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Capgemini, according to the Department of Labor.
The suspension is from the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme, a certification that allows employers to hire a foreign employee to work permanently in the United States. Under this requirement, employers must demonstrate that qualified American workers are not available for the positions before sponsoring foreign talent for permanent residency.
Vance singled out Microsoft, alleging that the company laid off 6,000 American workers last year while benefiting from thousands of H-1B visas and green card applications. He argued that companies should not dismiss American employees while relying on foreign workers to fill positions.
Expressing the administration's stance during the announcement, Vance said, 'Our message to Microsoft is not that we want to harm your company… it's that we want your company to thrive, but we want it to thrive by employing and empowering your fellow Americans.'
Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling said the department would stop accepting new applications and processing pending permanent labor certification applications involving the targeted companies while investigations continue.
Sonderling stated, 'We will not accept any new or process any pending permanent labor certification applications involving these companies.'
Microsoft defended its hiring practices, saying the vast majority of its US employees are American citizens. The company also said that approximately 80 per cent of its H-1B visa applications in the previous fiscal year involved extending or changing the status of existing employees rather than hiring new workers. Addressing its position in an official statement, Microsoft noted,
'Microsoft only files H-1B petitions for those who meet the rigorous standards of this visa category.'
The measure does not amount to a blanket suspension of the H-1B visa programme. Instead, it restricts the targeted companies' access to the PERM process, a key route through which eligible foreign workers can obtain permanent residency in the United States.
The announcement forms part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to scrutinise employment-based immigration programmes and address allegations of visa fraud and unfair competition with American workers.
The decision was announced on Thursday, October 8, by Vice President JD Vance and officials from the US Department of Labor, who said the action was intended to protect American jobs and address alleged abuses of employment-based immigration programmes.
The agreement was signed during a recent visit to Rwanda by Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut Mayor Haim Bibas. The signing followed a meeting between Bibas and Rwanda's Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana, and involved Kigali Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva.
'Through this partnership, Kigali and Modi'in-Maccabim-Reut will deepen collaboration in key areas, including smart city development, urban planning, sustainable green mobility and culture,' the City of Kigali said.
'The agreement will also promote the exchange of knowledge, expertise and innovative solutions to support the sustainable development of both cities.'
The agreement was signed during a recent visit to Rwanda by Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut Mayor Haim Bibas.
The partnership is expected to support cooperation in sustainable urban development and the use of smart city solutions to improve services and the quality of life for residents.
Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut is a planned municipality in Israel's Central District, located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Formed in 2003 through the merger of Modi'in and the neighbouring communities of Maccabim and Re'ut, the city has grown into a modern urban centre with a population of approximately 100,000.
The city was designed with an emphasis on organised residential neighbourhoods, public parks, cycling routes and accessible public transport. Its master-planned layout provides a potential reference point for exchanges on urban planning, infrastructure development and the integration of green spaces into growing cities.
The city was designed with an emphasis on organised residential neighbourhoods, public parks, cycling routes and accessible public transport.
Located near major road and railway links, Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut also serves as a residential base for professionals working in Israel's technology and business centres, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The agreement comes as cities increasingly explore technology-driven approaches to managing urban growth, improving public services and developing sustainable infrastructure.
For Kigali, cooperation with the Israeli municipality could provide opportunities to exchange experience in areas such as smart city planning, innovation and efficient urban management.
The agreement also creates a basis for broader engagement between residents and institutions in the two cities through cultural exchanges and the sharing of professional expertise.
The two mayors welcomed the partnership as a new chapter in cooperation between the cities, which are seeking to advance innovation and sustainable urban development for their residents.
The signing followed a meeting between Bibas and Rwanda's Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana.
From DJs and live music to crowded clubs, street food and late-night gatherings, the night can stretch until sunrise in some of the continent's biggest cities.
However, Kigali follows a different rhythm.
In August 2023, the Rwandan government introduced new rules governing nightlife and other non-essential services, setting closing times of 1 a.m. on working days and 2 a.m. on weekends. The measures, which took effect in September that year, were introduced as part of efforts to control noise pollution and regulate night-time entertainment.
The Rwandan government introduced new rules governing nightlife and other non-essential services, setting closing times of 1 a.m. on working days and 2 a.m. on weekends.
For some residents, the limits contribute to a quieter and more orderly city at night. For nightlife lovers, however, the early closing time can mean the party ends just as the night is reaching its peak.
The closing hours are part of wider regulations governing entertainment venues. Kigali also has strict noise-control requirements aimed at protecting public safety, community wellbeing and reducing noise pollution.
Entertainment venues are expected to be soundproofed or keep their sound levels low enough not to disturb surrounding communities. Authorities conduct inspections, and venues that exceed permitted sound levels can be required to use calibrated sound meters. Violations of noise or closing-time regulations can result in fines or temporary closure.
In Rwanda, entertainment venues are expected to be soundproofed or keep their sound levels low enough not to disturb surrounding communities.
The result is a nightlife scene that is more controlled than in some neighbouring capitals.
But Kigali has another advantage: safety.
Kigali is widely regarded as one of Africa's safer capitals, with relatively low levels of violent crime and a strong perception of personal safety. Numbeo's city data, for example, gives Kigali a high perceived safety level for walking alone at night.
That sense of security changes the experience of going out.
The city is relatively easy to navigate at night, with visible policing and transport options that allow people to move between entertainment spots and get home after a night out. Moto-taxis and ride-hailing services make late-night transport more accessible.
Strict drink-driving enforcement and restrictions on public drinking outside licensed venues further contribute to the city's orderly streets.
Then there is cleanliness.
Kigali's nightlife does not usually spill into the kind of high-density street chaos seen in some of Africa's larger entertainment capitals. The city's streets remain notably clean, even as people move between restaurants, bars, hotels and intimate lounges.
The Africa Report's 2025 ranking of Africa's cleanest cities placed Kigali first, based on a survey of 7,877 respondents, most of whom were permanent residents of the cities surveyed.
It is a quality that also shapes the way the city feels after dark.
That does not mean Kigali lacks energy. It simply expresses it differently.
The city's nightlife is developing around a balance between entertainment and the orderly character for which Kigali is known.
In Rwanda, entertainment venues are expected to be soundproofed to limit noise pollution.
There is also a different approach to street food in Kigali.
Unlike cities where street food vendors are a constant presence during the day and into the night, Kigali's streets do not have the same density of informal food sellers.
Street vending has long been restricted as part of efforts to organise commercial activity and improve hygiene, safety and the use of public spaces. City authorities have instead worked to move vendors into designated markets.
For someone used to cities where you can step out of a nightclub and immediately find a roadside vendor serving a hot meal, Kigali can feel different.
The issue is also connected to public health.
Rwanda's health authorities place strong emphasis on food safety, hygiene and the prevention of food- and waterborne diseases. National guidelines call for stronger hygiene practices throughout the food chain and inspections of food establishments and food handlers. The Rwanda Biomedical Centre has also highlighted food contamination as a public-health concern.
For those still hungry, options can include brochettes in neighbourhoods such as Nyamirambo, food at some hotels and restaurants that operate late, or designated food areas such as Biryogo.
That is different from cities where street food is itself a major part of the nightlife experience.
Kampala: when the night is only getting started
Across the border in Uganda, Kampala offers a very different nightlife experience.
Kampala has developed a reputation for entertainment that continues deep into the night.
The city has developed a reputation for entertainment that continues deep into the night, with some clubs and lounges operating until 4 a.m., 5 a.m. or even 6 a.m.
Music is at the centre of the experience, with Amapiano and Afrobeats featuring prominently in many entertainment venues. Different neighbourhoods also offer a range of experiences, from casual bars to more sophisticated lounges and clubs.
For someone used to Kigali's closing times, Kampala can therefore feel like the night has only just started when Kigali's clubs are preparing to close.
Revellers walk outside a nightclub in Kampala.
Nairobi: variety is the attraction
Nairobi offers another version of African nightlife.
The Kenyan capital has a diverse entertainment scene that includes nightclubs, rooftop bars, lounges, live music venues and restaurants that also stay open into the early morning hours.
Revellers enjoy a night out at a club in Nairobi, Kenya.
Rather than having one dominant nightlife identity, Nairobi offers different experiences depending on the neighbourhood, venue and crowd.
Some nights are centred around live music or relaxed rooftop settings, while others are built around clubs and late-night parties. The city's variety is part of what makes it attractive to different types of nightlife audiences.
Lagos: where nightlife meets entertainment culture
Then there is Lagos, where nightlife is closely connected to Nigeria's huge music and entertainment industry.
Revellers at a club in Lagos.
Afrobeats, celebrity culture, concerts, beach parties and nightclubs all contribute to a nightlife culture that can continue well into the early morning.
Some nightlife guides describe clubs in Lagos reaching their busiest period between about 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., hours when Kigali's entertainment venues are already required to be closed.
Afrobeats, celebrity culture, concerts and nightclubs fuel Lagos' vibrant nightlife well into the early morning.
For young people seeking an all-night entertainment experience, Lagos, Kampala, Nairobi and other African cities operate on a very different timetable from Kigali.
So, where does Kigali stand?
The comparison shows that there is no single African nightlife formula.
Kampala, Nairobi, Lagos and other African cities offer nights that can stretch towards sunrise. Many provide a wide range of entertainment experiences, from busy street scenes to large clubs and all-night parties.
Kigali operates differently.
Its nightlife is shaped not only by closing times but also by safety, cleanliness, noise control, public order and the interests of surrounding communities.
The result is a city where nightlife tends to be more contained, cleaner and increasingly oriented towards restaurants, hotel bars, rooftop venues and elevated lounges rather than high-density street chaos or around-the-clock party hubs.
That gives Kigali a nightlife identity of its own.
You can still dress up, meet friends, listen to music, drink, dance and stay out late. But the experience is less about chasing sunrise and more about the quality of the evening itself. Perhaps that is what makes Kigali's nightlife different.
The number of fraud cases declined to 2,879 in the second quarter from 4,128 during the same period in 2025.
The amount involved also fell by 26%, from Rwf637 million in the second quarter of 2025 to Rwf471 million in the same period this year.
However, only 3.6% of the amount involved in fraud during the second quarter had been recovered, highlighting the continued challenge of tracing and recovering funds after fraudulent transactions.
BNR Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye presented the figures on Thursday, October 8, during the presentation of BNR's second Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Statement for 2026 at the Kigali Serena Hotel.
Hakuziyaremye said fraud and cyber risks remain key operational concerns as the use of digital financial services continues to expand.
'With digitization, one of our key operational concerns is around fraud and cyber fraud,' Hakuziyaremye stressed.
Governor Hakuziyaremye said the number of fraud cases declined to 2,879 in the second quarter from 4,128 during the same period in 2025.
The decline in fraud comes as digital payments grow rapidly across the country.
The value of electronic payments reached the equivalent of 341% of GDP in the first half of 2026, up from 321% during the same period last year.
Retail payments also increased by 36% to Rwf27.8 trillion in the first six months of 2026, from about Rwf20.4 trillion a year earlier.
Mobile payments were among the key drivers of the growth in digital transactions.
BNR has continued to strengthen measures to address fraud and other risks linked to the rapid adoption of digital financial services, including enhanced electronic know-your-customer requirements and closer monitoring of payment service providers.
The central bank has also urged users to remain vigilant against scams, with social engineering and other deceptive tactics continuing to be used to trick customers into authorising fraudulent transactions.
Financial outlook
In the period under review, the economy grew by 9.7% with industry leading growth, followed by services. The central bank expects the economy to grow by 7.8% for the full year.
Rwanda's economy grew by 9.7% in the first half of 2026.
However, inflation remained a key concern, averaging 11.2% in the first half of the year before rising to 15.7% in August, driven mainly by higher food, energy and transport prices. BNR expects inflation to average about 13.9% in 2026 before easing below the upper target band of 8% in the second half of 2027.
The financial sector also continued to expand, with total assets rising by nearly 23% to Rwf17.5 trillion in the first half of the year. Bank lending increased by 22% to Rwf6 trillion.
BNR Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye presented the figures on Thursday, October 8, during the presentation of BNR's second Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Statement for 2026 at the Kigali Serena Hotel.The briefing brought together government officials, financial sector leaders, and development partners.Bank of Kigali CEO Dr Diane Karusisi follows the briefing.Nick Barigye, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, follows the presentation.
