IMF Approves $250 Mln Programme for Rwanda Amid Rising External Risks

June 10, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

The International Monetary Fund has approved a new 250 million US dollar financing programme for Rwanda aimed at helping the country manage mounting external pressures, contain inflation and sustain economic reforms as global financing conditions tighten.

The IMF Executive Board on Monday approved a 38-month arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility, granting Rwanda access to 185.031 million Special Drawing Rights, equivalent to about 250 million US dollars.

An immediate disbursement of 26.433 million SDR, or roughly 35.7 million US dollars, was also authorised.

The programme is designed to support macroeconomic adjustment while preserving social and development spending, rebuilding fiscal and external buffers, and advancing reforms intended to strengthen private sector-led growth.

The IMF said Rwanda’s economy remained resilient despite external shocks, with economic growth reaching 9.4 percent in 2025, exceeding earlier expectations. However, inflation accelerated in early 2026, rising to 13.2 percent year-on-year in April and moving above the central bank’s target range.

The fund said the war in the Middle East had increased risks to Rwanda’s outlook through higher global oil and fertiliser prices, which are adding pressure on inflation, public finances and the current account balance.