New York, 15 July 2026 — Rwanda has presented its Third Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the country’s progress, remaining challenges, and acceleration strategies towards achieving the 2030 Agenda.

Presented under the theme “Accelerating Progress Towards the 2030 Agenda,” the review builds on Rwanda’s previous VNR submitted in 2023 and provides an assessment of progress across key development priorities aligned with the country’s Vision 2050 and the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

The VNR examines progress on five SDGs: SDG 6 on Water and Sanitation, SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals. It also highlights progress on gender equality, inclusion, and efforts to ensure that no one is left behind.

Presenting the review, Rwanda highlighted significant development achievements, including a 9.4% GDP growth recorded in 2025, increased life expectancy reaching 70.2 years, and financial inclusion reaching 96 percent among adults.

The review also highlighted progress in social development, with poverty declining from 39.8% in 2017 to 27.4% in 2024, supported by expanded social protection and livelihood programmes. Youth unemployment decreased from 22.7% in 2023 to 19.8% in 2025, reflecting continued investments in skills development, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

“Rwanda has built a strong foundation through Vision 2050, NST2, robust institutions and digital governance systems. We stand as an investment and implementation ready partner, and we invite all our partners to join us in mobilizing catalytic financing, innovation and strategic partnerships to deliver sustainable, inclusive and climate resilient development for all” said Minister Yusuf Murangwa during the Presentation.

Rwanda has also continued to expand access to basic services, with 89.5 percent of households accessing improved water sources and 84.6 percent using electricity as their main source of lighting in 2025. Digital transformation has advanced, with 4G coverage reaching 99 percent of the population and enabling access to more than 200 online public services.

The review calls for strengthened global partnerships and increased investment to bridge the SDG financing gap, as Rwanda continues efforts to accelerate progress towards sustainable development by 2030.