Rwanda’s agriculture sector emerged as the leading source of employment in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting the sector’s resilience and central role in the country’s economic recovery.
According to the Labour Force Survey published by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) on April 28, agriculture (excluding subsistence foodstuff production) accounted for 43.7% of all employment.
The services sector followed closely with 42%, while the industrial sector contributed 14.3%. These figures provide a clear picture of the structural composition of Rwanda’s labour market as the country continues to rebound from previous economic disruptions.
Labour Market Trends Point to Recovery
Rwanda’s working-age population (aged 16 and above) stood at 8.4 million during the reporting period. Of these, 4.7 million were employed, while 593,000 were unemployed and 3.1 million fell outside the labour force.
Importantly, the national unemployment rate dropped to 11.1%, down from 12.9% in Q1 2024. The employment-to-population ratio climbed to 56%, and labour force participation rose by two percentage points. These indicators now surpass pre-pandemic levels, pointing to a strong economic rebound.
Also read: Rwanda and DRC Agree to Draft Peace Deal by May 2 Under U.S. Mediation
“This reflects the ongoing economic recovery and a reallocation of previously inactive labour force participants into employment,” NISR noted.
Gender Gaps and Employment Conditions
Despite the progress, a 13-point gender gap in labour force participation remains, with males significantly more likely to be economically active than females.
The majority of employed individuals worked in elementary occupations, followed by services, sales, and craft-related trades. A striking 66.3% of all workers were engaged in short-term or casual contracts, with a higher proportion of women (68.4%) affected compared to men (64.3%). Education appears to be a key differentiator, as contract stability improves with higher educational attainment.
Commuting and Working Hours
Walking continues to be the primary means of commuting, with 84.9% of workers travelling to and from work on foot. Only 8.1% use public transport, and 7% use private vehicles. Among those using public transport, a significant portion (26.1%) reside in Kigali City.
Average weekly working hours fell by 2.5 hours compared to Q1 2024, with men still working an average of five more hours per week than women.
Also read: Rwanda in Talks with U.S. Over Strategic Minerals Deal
Subsistence vs. Market-Oriented Agriculture
Within the agricultural workforce, 47.5% were engaged in subsistence farming. A notable gender disparity persists: 50.7% of female farmers worked in subsistence agriculture, compared to 42.8% of men. Conversely, men dominated market-oriented farming, although female participation in this segment grew by 1.2% in Q1 2025.
Youths demonstrated higher engagement in market-focused agriculture than adults, with 56% involved, against 51% of adults.
The Future
These findings underscore the enduring significance of agriculture in Rwanda’s economy and labour market. As reforms continue and investment in agro-industrialisation and rural infrastructure deepen, there is potential to transition more subsistence farmers into market-driven roles and close existing gender and youth employment gaps. The latest labour trends point to cautious optimism in Rwanda’s economic trajectory.
