Breaking News RNC Alarmed by Official Data: Rwanda’s Average Paid Employment Wage Falls Below World Bank International Poverty Line

Portland, Maine – July 3, 2026 — The Rwanda National Congress (RNC) expresses deep concern over the latest poverty statistics released by Rwanda’s National Institute of Statistics (NISR) in its 2025 Rwanda Statistical Yearbook.

According to official figures, the average monthly salary from paid employment in Rwanda is RWF 73,948, equivalent to approximately US$50.44 at current exchange rates. Using a standard 22-working-day month, this yields a daily wage of roughly US$2.29 — significantly below the World Bank’s international poverty line of US$3 per day. This indicates that, on average, Rwanda’s entire working population in paid employment lives below the international poverty threshold.

Rwanda also lags behind its East African neighbors. While Kenya reports typical formal sector wages of US$400–1,000 per month, Uganda ranges from US$200–400, and Tanzania US$150–300, Rwanda’s average paid employment earnings remain markedly lower.

The RNC urges Rwanda’s ruling elites to show compassion for the Rwandan people by immediately raising the minimum wage above the US$3 daily international poverty line. Better late than never.

About the Rwanda National Congress (RNC)

Founded in 2010, the RNC is a democratic political organization dedicated to promoting peace, unity, freedom, justice, and democracy in Rwanda. The RNC advocates for accountable governance, respect for human rights, national reconciliation, and the establishment of democratic institutions that serve all Rwandans without discrimination.