Economy

Radical reforms which have made it easier for businesses to get credit, pay taxes, starting a business have boosted Rwanda's ratings in the World Bank's "Doing Business Report".

Rwanda is the 2nd most reformed country in the World , over six years, after Georgia (2005-2011).

It came in 45th on the overall list, up from 58th last year.

In 2011, Rwanda introduced about reforms to ease doing business in the country. It now takes 1 day to start business compared to 45-days average on the African continent, and 13-days for the rich countries to start a business.

In 2012, the World Bank Doing Business report reflects Rwanda the 3rd easiest to do business in Africa after Mauritius, and South Africa.

Rwanda is the easiest country to do business in East Africa.

Some other key figures:

GDP (purchasing power parity):

• $5.63 billion (2010 )
• $5.26 billion (2009),
• $4.71 billion (2008),
• $3.74 billion (2007)GDP

GDP - real growth rate:8% (2011), 6% (2007 est.) , 5.5% (2006 est.)GDP - per capita (PPP): $900 (2008 est.) , $900 (2007 est.), $800 (2006 est.)GDP - composition by sector:

• Agriculture: 35%
• industry: 22.1%
• services: 42.9% (2008 est.)

Currency: Rwandan franc (RWF) Exchange rates (06 January 2011):

• $1 = Rwf 590.46
• €1 = Rwf 781.47
• ¥1 = Rwf 7.18
• £1 = Rwf 920.76

(latest figures available at the Central Bank website www.bnr.rw )

Other Important links

• Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning
• National Institute of Statistics