Kigali, Rwanda – Rwanda has once again celebrated the individuals and businesses whose exemplary compliance with tax obligations has underpinned the country’s economic growth and self-reliance.
During the recently held 23rd Taxpayer appreciation day held in Kigali, the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) recognized the top performers in the 2024/25 fiscal year while highlighting a strong start to the 2025/26 fiscal year.
The ceremony, presided over by Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, was held under the theme: “Sora Nsore Twigire” meaning “You pay tax, I pay tax, we become self-reliant”.
The event underscored the critical role of taxpayers in supporting national development, particularly at a time when foreign aid has steadily declined.
Over the past fifteen years, the share of external funding in Rwanda’s budget fell from 37 percent to less than 10 percent, a trend the government sees as a call to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization.
Paying taxes, the Prime Minister said, reflects citizens’ commitment to the country and ensures that essential services, infrastructure, and social programs are sustainably financed.
“The more taxpayers comply, the more the Government reduces reliance on foreign aid, and the more it invests in essential services and development for Rwandans,” he noted.
In the 2024/25 fiscal year, RRA collected a total of Rwf 3,099 billion in taxes and non-tax revenues, surpassing its target of Rwf 3,041.2 billion. This achievement, representing 101.9 percent of the planned target, marked a 17.4 percent increase compared to the previous year.
The authority also reported that the number of registered taxpayers grew significantly, with over 128,000 new taxpayers joining the system.
Local government revenues similarly exceeded projections, reaching Rwf 107.5 billion against a target of Rwf 102.8 billion, highlighting the impact of increased compliance at the district level.
RRA Commissioner General Ronald Niwenshuti emphasised that these achievements were driven by timely and transparent tax payments, as well as the wider adoption of digital tools such as Electronic Billing Machines (EBMs).
He noted that approximately 83,356 end-users requested EBM invoices, contributing to more accurate and efficient tax administration.
Simplified mechanisms for clearing arrears also enabled taxpayers to meet obligations totaling Rwf 240.2 billion, reinforcing a culture of voluntary compliance.
Recognizing excellence across individuals and businesses
The ceremony honoured 20 taxpayers who demonstrated outstanding compliance, integrity, and efficiency in fulfilling their obligations.
Categories included best consumer, best importer and exporter, best EBM users, best in local government taxes, and top-performing businesses across large, medium, small, and micro-enterprise segments.
Among individuals, Maniragaba Elissa from the City of Kigali was named best consumer for consistently requesting EBM invoices and ensuring compliance at every transaction.
Joram Mugwaneza of Gasabo district and Ruth Mukantabana of Nyarugenge district were recognized for their exceptional contributions to local government taxes, reflecting the importance of civic responsibility in funding district-level development initiatives.
Top-performing businesses in the import and export sector included Société Rwandaise de Traitement de Tomates (SORWATOM) Ltd, recognized as the best importer, and FG Investment, honored as the best exporter.
Excellence in EBM usage was celebrated across provinces, with D.D.B Ltd in Southern province, NZAFAMICO Ltd in Northern province, SOSERGI company Ltd in Western province, and 3P Initiative Ltd in Eastern province.
In Kigali, Sanlam Allianz General Insurance and Société Pétrolière Ltd were recognized for effectively integrating EBM systems with their operations.
Business segments also saw clear leaders with BPR Bank Rwanda Plc topping the large taxpayer category, Yussa Company Ltd named the best medium-sized businesses, Landy Industries Ltd as the small taxpayer category, and Cultural Capital Rwanda R&D Ltd emerging as the top microenterprise.
Longstanding contributors, including MTN Rwandacell Plc and Bank of Kigali, were honored for over ten years of consistent excellence, while Jean Bosco Nkundunkundiye, Rwanda charity eye hospital, and Pfunda tea company Ltd were recognized for three consecutive years of outstanding performance.
Taxes as a driver of sustainable development
This year, Prime Minister Nsengiyumva emphasized that the success of Rwanda’s revenue collection is a product of trust between the government and its citizens.
He highlighted the role of taxes in funding essential services, supporting community-based health insurance, school feeding programs, and investments in infrastructure that facilitate business and trade.
He also assured taxpayers that the government remains committed to improving the fiscal environment through enhanced digital services, modernized tax policies, and streamlined procedures for resolving tax issues.
Jeanne Francoise Mubiligi, Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), commended businesses for their contributions to national development.
She pledged continued collaboration between the private sector and government to raise awareness about taxes, promote local production, and strengthen industrial growth. She also urged authorities to address remaining challenges such as delays in VAT reimbursements, which continue to affect cash flow for businesses.
Commissioner General Niwenshuti reiterated that the strong collaboration between taxpayers and RRA positions the authority to achieve its 2025/26 revenue target of Rwf 3,728.2 billion, representing a 20.3 percent increase over the previous year.
He emphasized that ongoing improvements in compliance, taxpayer education, and digitalization would ensure that Rwanda continues to exceed revenue targets, driving the nation’s journey towards self-reliance.
Consistent compliance, integrity, and civic responsibility remain central to building a sustainable, self-reliant economy. Exemplary taxpayers not only set an example for their peers but also underpin the government’s ability to invest in the future of all Rwandans.
