Poverty Reduction in Kigali: A Success Story
Poverty levels in Kigali have significantly improved, with extreme poverty dropping from 11.3% to 5.4% in the last seven years. Compared to other provinces, Kigali boasts the lowest poverty rates, with 9.1% of households considered poor and only 1.1% classified as extremely poor. This indicates notable progress in combating poverty.
Key Insights from the EICV7 Study
The EICV7 study, conducted over 12 months of 2024, has revealed a major reduction in poverty among Rwandans, driven by large-scale job creation and income growth. The survey analyzed data from 15,066 households, highlighting a significant shift in living standards.
The report shows overall poverty in Rwanda fell from 39.8% in 2017 to 27.4% in 2024, while extreme poverty witnessed a dramatic decrease from 11.3% to 5.4% within the same period.
Understanding Income Thresholds in Rwanda
According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), a Rwandan needs a minimum of 560,127 Rwandan Francs (approximately $472) annually to afford basic food and living necessities. This provides a clear benchmark for measuring poverty.
The data further reveals an average annual income per person in Rwanda of approximately $1,040. Between 2017 and 2024, the nation created 1,374,214 jobs, surpassing the target of 250,000 jobs annually. These efforts have been vital in reducing poverty levels.
Milestone Achievements in Poverty Alleviation
The EICV7 findings indicate that over 1.5 million households rose out of poverty in seven years, reflecting a 12.4% reduction in poverty rates during this period. These figures underline Rwanda's commitment to achieving socioeconomic progress.
Final Thoughts
The seventh Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7) underscores the declining poverty rates in Kigali over the last seven years. This achievement highlights how targeted initiatives such as job creation are shaping a brighter future for residents.