Rwanda Approves Smaller 2025/26 Budget After Airport Financing Changes

The updated budget stands at 6.952 trillion francs, down from the previously approved figure. Lawmakers in the Chamber of Deputies adopted the revised finance bill after it was reviewed by the parliamentary committee responsible for budget oversight.

Domestic revenues are projected at 4.662 trillion francs, including 3.655 trillion francs in tax revenue, 516.5 billion francs in domestic borrowing and 490.8 billion francs from other sources such as public assets, goods and services, fines and penalties.

External resources are estimated at 2.289 trillion francs, comprising 1.639 trillion francs in foreign loans and 649.6 billion francs in grants.

Recurrent expenditure is set at 4.836 trillion francs. That includes 1.167 trillion francs for public sector wages, 1.038 trillion francs for goods and services and 536.4 billion francs for interest payments, along with transfers, subsidies and social support programs.

The development budget totals 2.115 trillion francs and will fund infrastructure and other projects across the country.

Finance and Economic Planning Minister Yusuf Murangwa told lawmakers the reduction largely reflects adjustments in how the new Kigali International Airport will be financed, cutting 168.2 billion francs initially planned for the 2025/26 fiscal year.

He also said the repayment schedule for RwandAir loans has been revised, with gradual repayments now expected to begin in the 2026/27 fiscal year.

Despite the overall reduction, foreign financing for development projects is projected to increase, boosting development spending.