Rwanda raises social sector spending to Rwf1.711 trillion
Education, health, social protection and water and sanitation together take 22% of the national budget for 2026/2027, a 4.2% rise on the previous year.
Rwf1.711 trillion, or 22% of Rwanda's total national budget, is now allocated to social sectors for the 2026/2027 financial year, a 4.2% increase on the previous year, according to a new report by UNICEF and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN). The money covers education, health, social protection and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
The report was presented in Kigali at an event jointly organised by UNICEF and MINECOFIN, attended by government institutions and development partners. It examines whether the extra spending is improving access to quality schooling, healthcare, social protection and basic sanitation, by setting budget figures against development outcomes. UNICEF and MINECOFIN said reliable data is needed to make sure public investment delivers measurable benefits to children and their families.
The findings are expected to feed into discussions on the 2027/2028 budget, where officials will look at how resources can be directed toward children's needs. The report also assesses results achieved through investments in children and identifies areas that need more attention.
Why it mattersFamilies and children in Rwanda will see whether the Rwf1.711 trillion translates into better schools, clinics and clean water when the 2027/2028 budget is drafted.