As of 2024, the top 1% in Rwanda earned 18.94% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 13.42%. Rwanda’s income inequality has decreased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 24.11%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Rwanda in 2024
In 2024, income in Rwanda was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 18.94% of total national income, which is slightly higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 13.42% of income, slightly lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Rwanda | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 18.94% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 52.21% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 13.42% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Rwanda?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Rwanda’s top 1% has decreased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 24.11% of national income. By 2024, this figure had fallen by 5.17 percentage points to 18.94%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Rwanda has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 59.84% while the bottom 50% received 10.13%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 52.21% and 13.42% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 24.11% | 59.84% | 10.13% | 49.71 pp |
| 1986 | 24.11% | 59.84% | 10.13% | 49.71 pp |
| 1992 | 24.11% | 59.84% | 10.13% | 49.71 pp |
| 1998 | 24.11% | 59.84% | 10.13% | 49.71 pp |
| 2004 | 26.45% | 62.27% | 9.23% | 53.04 pp |
| 2010 | 23.69% | 58.98% | 10.51% | 48.47 pp |
| 2016 | 19.89% | 53.94% | 11.84% | 42.10 pp |
| 2022 | 19.08% | 52.46% | 13.19% | 39.27 pp |
How Rwanda Compares Globally
Rwanda vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Rwanda’s top 1% income share of 18.94% is notably higher than the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Rwanda receives 13.42% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Rwanda Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Rwanda ranks 54th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Rwanda ranks 123rd out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Rwanda include Cuba's income inequality, Egypt's income inequality, Taiwan's wealth gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Rwanda?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Rwanda earned 18.94% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Rwanda?
Income inequality in Rwanda has decreased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 24.11% in 1980 to 18.94% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Rwanda?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Rwanda received 13.42% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 52.21%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.