Rwanda

Overview

The first confirmed case was reported on March 14, 2020. Rwanda is currently experiencing a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases. The government has implemented a range of containment measures in response to the pandemic including border closure, suspension of domestic travel, cancellation of public gatherings, institution of teleworking, closure of schools, places of worship and non-essential businesses, and mandatory wearing of face masks.

Reopening of the economy. A gradual easing of lockdown measures was introduced on May 4, with selected businesses allowed to resume operations while adhering to health guidelines. Domestic movement restrictions were partially relaxed but strict physical distancing measures mandated in public buses. Bars and schools remain closed. Steps to reopen the economy include the lifting of restrictions on interprovincial travel, with motorcycle taxis permitted to resume transportation of passengers except in a few areas under lockdown, the reopening of places of worship, and the resumption of selected outdoor sports activities and charter flights. Commercial flights resumed on August 1. Following a hike in infections in Kigali, two major markets were closed for 14 days, public transportation between the capital and other districts prohibited, the nighttime curfew temporarily lengthened, and public offices mandated to work at a further reduced capacity to reinforce social distancing. While a phase of accelerated reopening followed progress in containing the virus, including a gradual reopening of schools, the recent spike in infections has urged the government to reverse previously eased restrictions by tightening movement restrictions, banning social gatherings, limiting office operations and conference activity, and closing recreation facilities. A second wave of infections in January 2021 led to the imposition of a 3-week lockdown in Kigali. A gradual lifting of restrictions is currently underway, with businesses resuming operations and schools reopening. The national vaccination campaign was launched on February 14 with a target of reaching 60 percent of the population by end-June 2022.

COVID-19 Restrictions

Movement Restrictions

Is a curfew in place? Yes
– Movements are prohibited between 9:00 PM and 4:00 AM.
– All businesses must close by 8:00 PM.
– Restaurants and cafés shall resume with 30 percent occupancy limit and shall receive clients until 8:00 PM.
– Bars will remain closed.
– All schools (public and private), including universities remain open.
– Public transport (buses) should not exceed 50 percent capacity. Motorcycle taxis are permitted to carry passengers and must observe strict hygiene.
– Physical meetings may resume but must not exceed 30 percent of venue capacity. COVID-19 testing is required for meetings of more than 20 people.
– Individual and non-contact sports are permitted. Gyms will be permitted to continue operations at 10 percent of venue capacity.

On June 16, 2021, the Government of Rwanda announced the following updated COVID-19 prevention measures, effective at 12:01 AM on Thursday, June 17:

Rubavu District:
- Movements from and to Rubavu District are prohibited. There is a curfew in place from 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM in all of Rubavu District.
Rutsiro District:
- There is a curfew in place from 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM in all of Rutsiro District.
Burera, Gicumbi and Nyagatare Districts:
- There is a curfew in place from 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM in the following individual sectors:
  - Burera District: Cyanika, Kagogo, Kinyababa, Butaro, Kivuye and Bungwe Sectors
  - Gicumbi District: Rubaya, Cyumba and Kaniga Sectors
  - Nyagarate District: Matimba, Musheri, Rwempasha, Tabagwe, Karama and Kiyombe Sectors
Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes
– Travel between Kigali and all other provinces will continue.
– Travel in and out of Rubavu District is not permitted.
– Travelers, including drivers, traveling to tourism entities within Kigali and other provinces and districts are required to complete and submit movement requests through the Tourism Movement Facilitation Form found here. Travelers are also required to send copies of negative COVID-19 test results to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least 24 hours prior to the trip.

Transportation Options

Are commercial flights operating? Yes
Is public transportation operating? Yes
- Public transportation is permitted but must not exceed 50 percent capacity.

Fines for Non-Compliance 

Violations of COVID-19 restrictions may face punishments ranging from fines of up to RWF 50,000 and/or up to five days in police custody (depending on the violation).

Economic Measures

Key Policy Responses as of June 2, 2021

FISCAL

The pandemic is expected to cause a revenue shortfall of 2.2 percent of GDP. The government’s Economic Recovery Plan in response to the pandemic is estimated at about 6.3 percent of GDP. Support to vulnerable households takes the form of a food distribution program (door-to-door provision of basic food stuffs every three days), cash transfers to casual workers, subsidized access to agricultural inputs, and measures to ensure poor households’ access to basic health and education. The government also launched the Economic Recovery Fund (ERF) to support affected businesses through subsidized loans from commercial banks and MFIs, and credit guarantees. It targets SMEs and hard-hit sectors such as the hospitality industry. Tax deferral and relief measures include the following:(i) suspension of down payments on outstanding tax for amicable settlement, (ii) softening of enforcement for tax arrears collection, (iii) extension of the deadline for filing and paying CIT, (iv) fast-tracking of VAT refunds to SMEs, (v) CIT and PIT payments based on current year transactions, (vi) PIT exemption for private school teachers and tourism and hotel employees earning less than RWF 150,000/month, and (vi) VAT exemption for locally produced masks. The 30-day maturity period for the public health insurance scheme premium was removed to expedite access to medical services and the salaries of top civil servants for the month of April was redirected to welfare programs. The “Manufacture and Build to Recover Program” adopted end-2020 provides for VAT exemptions on construction materials and tax credits. The revised FY20/21 budget accommodates additional COVID-19-related spending, including to support the hard-hit transport sector in the form of fuel subsidies, ERF loans, and tax relief.

MONETARY AND MACRO-FINANCIAL

On March 18, the central bank announced liquidity support measures: (i) an extended lending facility worth RWF 50 billion (0.5 percent of GDP) available to liquidity-constrained banks for the next six months. Under this facility, banks can borrow at the policy rate and benefit from longer maturity periods; (ii) Treasury bond purchases through the rediscount window for the next six months; and (iii) lowering of the reserve requirement ratio by 100 basis points, from 5 to 4 percent, effective from April 1. Loan repayment conditions were also eased for impacted borrowers, and charges on electronic money transactions waived for the next three months. On April 30, the central bank cut the policy rate by 50 basis points to 4.5 percent. Charges on electronic money transactions were reinstated on June 22. The central bank restricted dividend distribution by banks and insurers to preserve capital positions. It also issued guidelines to banks and microfinance institutions on the classification and provisioning of restructured loans. The extended lending facility and the T-bond rediscounting window were extended until further notice.

EXCHANGE RATE AND BALANCE OF PAYMENTS

No measures. The central bank remains committed to allowing exchange rate flexibility and limiting foreign exchange market interventions to avoiding excessive exchange rate volatility.