The 5^th Population and Housing Census by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) has revealed that the country’s life expectancy has increased from 51.2 years and 64.5 years in 2002 and 2012 respectively, to 69.6 years in 2022.

This puts Rwanda among the nine African countries - Morocco, Algeria, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya - with the highest life expectancy.

The findings were announced at the occasion of the 18^th National Dialogue Council also known as Umushyikirano, an annual home-grown initiative that brings together national leaders at all levels and ordinary citizens for an open discussion on the progress made by the country, existing challenges and how they can be addressed. The two-day event held on February 27-28 took place at Kigali Convention Center.

According to NISR, the increase in the country’s life expectancy can be attributed to increased access to health services and putting in place initiatives that promote the wellbeing of Rwandans.

The latest findings also shown an increase in the country’s population, from 10.5 million in 2012 to 13.2 million in 2022, with an annual population growth rate of 2.3%.

This could translate to increased economic growth and workforce among other things; as well as, demand for food, water, housing, energy, healthcare, transportation, and more, as noted by Uzziel Ndagijimana, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, during a panel discussion on the first day of the National Dialogue Council.