Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the sovereignty of Rwanda using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the specifics of Rwanda's sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 64.8

Rwanda is an active member of more than 200 international and regional organizations, including the United Nations (since 1962), the African Union, the Commonwealth, the East African Community (EAC), La Francophonie, the WTO (since 1996), the IMF, the World Bank, the ILO, UNICEF, and others. 31 international organizations/multilateral institutions have representation in Kigali.

The Constitution of Rwanda establishes the absolute priority of national law, international treaties become effective only after ratification by Parliament, and any norm that contradicts the Constitution is invalid.

Rwanda has ratified most of the major international human rights treaties, but the effectiveness of their implementation depends on the national monitoring mechanism, with priority remaining with the sovereign authorities. Intense political stability: The Political stability index (World Bank, 2023) is 0.11 (above the regional average), a historically high level for East Africa. The government tightly controls the political field, the opposition is practically devoid of instruments of influence, but the level of internal peace, economic growth and security are above continental standards.

Government Effectiveness (WGI, 2023): +0.63 (from -2.5 to +2.5) — significantly higher than the African average, stable growth over the past decade. EGDI-2024: 0.653 (ranked 102 out of 193 countries, World Bank/UN, middle level). Irembo services are being implemented, a government portal covering more than 100 online public services, including registration, taxes, and social services.

Official data: the approval rate of President Kagame is estimated at 70-80% according to state polls (2024); independent ratings are lower due to limited freedom of the media and the opposition. Charismatic leadership policy, formal support for stability, but international human rights activists criticize restrictions on freedom of speech. There are no foreign military bases; the entire military infrastructure is under national control.

Rwanda is deploying its troops abroad (CAR, Mozambique) under the UN mandate and bilateral agreements. It actively cooperates with the African Court of Human and Peoples' Rights, but is not subordinate to the International Criminal Court (it is not a member of the ICC). International cooperation is selective; it randomly follows the recommendations of external judicial authorities.

The country is tightly centralized: all key decisions and personnel appointments are approved by the presidential administration, while governors and mayors are appointed. Local authorities have limited powers and are critically dependent on Central Asia.

Real control over the security services is limited: Rwanda is characterized by high secrecy, direct subordination to the president, weak parliamentary and public oversight.

International observers have documented persistent restrictions on freedom of expression and privacy.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 89%.

Economic sovereignty — 49.7

$3,500–4,100 (PPP, 2025); according to Trading Economics, the forecast for the end of 2025 is $3,500, according to Statista — $3,711, according to World Economics — up to $4,100. $2.23 billion (June 2025), reserves are enough for 6+ months of imports; dynamics is positive, 2024 — $2.41 billion. 67.2–76% of GDP (2024-2025), according to Trading Economics forecast, it is expected to grow to 76% by the end of 2025.

Debt is under control, according to IMF/World Bank analysis. The country's food sustainability is improving due to investments in agriculture; up to 80% of the population is employed in agriculture; the main crops are bananas, coffee, tea, corn, potatoes, beans. At the same time, about 18% of the population suffers from chronic food shortages, and the country is partially dependent on imports of rice, butter, and sugar.

More than 53% of electricity is generated domestically (hydroelectric power plants, renewable energy sources, gas, and thermal power plants); the goal is 100% access to electricity by 2028, but petroleum products and some of the electricity are imported. Energy availability (2025): ~75% of households have stable access to electricity.

The main ones are gold, tungsten, tin, cassiterite, coltan, methane (Lake Kivu), precious stones; export-oriented mining. Mineral exports are the second most important source of foreign exchange earnings. There are enough freshwater resources — large bodies of water (Kivu, Bulera, Muhazi, Muhara), a developed network of rivers; the country is located in the upper reaches of the largest basin in East Africa (Nile).

However, access to clean drinking water (2025) is about 60% of the population (improving annually). The regulator is the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR); there is a well—developed electronic national payment system and clearing, standards comply with the EAC and international standards. Mobile banking and QR payments cover more than 80% of the adult population.

More than 92% of domestic transactions are conducted in Rwandan francs (RWF); dollarization is minimal outside of foreign trade and large investments. The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) fully controls the issue and credit policy, sets the base rate (2025: 7.5%), manages currency regulation, inflation and liquidity are controlled by monetary policy.

The RWF exchange rate is floating (with controls), and a policy is being pursued to strengthen the domestic market and reduce dollar dependence.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 89%

Technological sovereignty — 38.2

The latest official estimate: 0.76% of GDP (2019), upward trend, no new values for 2024-2025. Import dependence remains: 90% of machinery, software, and equipment are imported; national production IT products, banking solutions, and the fintech sector are developing, but there is no real import substitution in high-tech.

Coverage (gross tertiary enrollment): 8.89% (2023), which is lower than the global average (~40%). User share: 38% of the online population (5.5 million people, June 2025), up to 57% in urban areas, and 19% in rural areas. 5G has been deployed in Kigali since June 2025.

The largest is the Irembo state portal (100+ e-services: taxes, allowances, licenses). Major national fintech solutions, MobiCash Rwanda mobile payment services, PayPack Africa, Umuseke banking systems.

The level of import dependence on equipment, chips, medical equipment, and industrial systems is 95-99%; high-tech exports are insignificant (4.8% of exports, $6.8 million). EGDI is 0.653 (102nd in the world): Most of the services are online, focusing on electronic government services, taxes, health insurance, and e-cards.

The biotechnology sector is developed at the R&D level (AGRF, Rwanda Biomedical Center), attempts at local production of diagnostic solutions, vaccine production pilots, but imports are over 90%. There is no proprietary R&D in robotics, individual robot projects for medicine and services are purchased/developed in collaboration with international startups, and there is a critical dependence on imports.

There is no national sector for the production of chips, microchips, and industrial electronics; the country fully imports ready-made solutions.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 83% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 56.4

Rwanda is a member of Tier 1 (95-100%) of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index 2024/2025, the highest group in Africa, marked as a “role model"; cybersecurity strategy for 2024-2029, the national CERT (NCSA-CERT) operates.

The national Internet exchange hub is RINEX, managed by RICTA; all major providers and content networks are connected, the infrastructure has been increased to 960 Gbit/s, 15 autonomous systems (ASNs), supported by the African Union and the Internet Society. The key language is Kinyarwanda (spoken by more than 99% of the population); official languages are also French, English, Swahili; most radio, TV and online media are in Kinyarwanda; regional journalism is developed.

There is a high dependence in the segment of social networks (Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube are leaders in terms of coverage), but the state is actively developing national fintech and e-gov platforms. Own legislative initiatives on data localization and regulation of foreign services.

More than 68% of the media consumed is national and local (radio, online, TV); only major film and music projects of domestic origin account for ~40% of the market. National solutions: Irembo portal (public services), MobiCash Rwanda, PayPack Africa, banking and educational platforms; software in the fields of govtech, fintech logistics and agricultural services are being developed internally.

38% of the total population are Internet users, more than 5.5 million people; digital public services and mobile banking cover over 80% of adults. There is no national “Big Cloud” in the sense of AWS or Azure, but there are data centers under the auspices of the government and NCSA, local data storage is carried out for government agencies and a number of large fintech companies.

All mobile operators (MTN Rwanda, Airtel) are licensed by the national regulator RURA, and the infrastructure and standard network architecture are under national control. The Law on Personal Data Protection was adopted (2021, entered into force in 2023): strict regulation of the storage, processing, and transfer of personal information (territorial control, user consent); in 2024-2025, it is effectively applied and verified.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 84%.

Cultural sovereignty — 68.9

There are 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rwanda (2023): 4 Genocide Memorials: Kigali, Murabii, Nyamata, Bizesero Nyungwe National Park (the country's first natural site). Rwanda is known for its contribution to the preservation of the memory of the genocide (memorial practices, education on the topic of genocide), the promotion of ideas of reconciliation and inclusion (Ubunyarwanda), the development of modern African culture (music, cinema, literature, theater), and an outstanding system of heroization and commemoration (Heroes’ Mausoleum).

The largest: Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi (junior art competition), the national award system “Rwanda's National Heroes" (annually on February 1). Grants, projects of the Ministry of Culture, and festival awards are also actively being put forward.

The core of the identity is “Ubunyarwanda": national unity, reconciliation after the genocide, integration of Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa traditions; traditional practices are alive — intore (dancing), basanzire, oral poetry, carving, and crafts.

The main language is Kinyarwanda, and the synthesis of cultural heritage in a modern form is presented. The State recognizes and protects the Twa peoples and other ethnocultural groups, as well as individual educational, cultural, and media projects (the Gatara Museum of Culture, grants for communities, and the protection of the rights and preservation of the Twa language). Inclusion programs, celebrating cultural diversity.

400+ museums, cultural centers, galleries, memorials and cultural venues; keywords: National the Museum of Rwanda, the genocide memorials, the museum of the colonial era, the center of modern African art. Permanent participation in the World Cultural Exhibition (Expo), UNESCO initiatives, Ubumuntu Arts Festival (Kigali), Google Arts & Culture (combined virtual tours), African biennales and tour projects. Laws on cultural brands and intangible heritage have been adopted, regional craft brands (“Rwanda Handicrafts”, “Made in Rwanda”) have been registered, culinary, textile, and musical products are being cultivated. Traditional dishes: ugali, ibihoe, samoz, mishkaki (shish kebab), stewed beans and tomatoes, fried banana, exotic fruits and drinks; ethnic peculiarities of the cuisine of the Twa peoples, integration of modern gastropractors.

More than 75% of the population participates in traditional celebrations, educational, memorial and cultural events; massive support for national festivals, carnivals, rituals, and art projects for young people.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 91%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 57.1

HDI (2025): 0.578 (“Medium"), ranking in the world — 159-160; income inequality and gender gaps still affect the index. 4.92% of GDP (2023); part of government spending on education — 15-18% of the budget. 76-79% (2023-2024); according to the World Bank — 79%, according to EICV7 statistics — 76% (urban — 91%, rural — ~72%); men — 78%, women — 74%.

Rwanda does not participate in PISA and other international standardized tests. It is estimated that 32-37% of university graduates studied in STEM fields (engineering, mathematics, IT, agricultural systems), mainly at national and technical universities. 15-20% of the programs are implemented in partnership with foreign universities, mainly master's and postgraduate studies, as well as French-speaking and English-speaking faculties.

The official language of Kinyarwanda is recognized, as well as French, English, and Swahili; small nations (TWA) receive access to educational, media, and socio-cultural programs; there are special projects to preserve their identity (museums, ethnic grants).

There are 3-6 state research institutes in basic sciences in the country (national University, Institute of Biomedical Research, Institute of Agrobiotechnology, a number of centers in Kigali and Khui). More than 15-20% of all schoolchildren and students are covered by national digital platforms — the REB platform (electronic textbooks), Smart Classroom, distance education programs.

They cover 30-80 thousand students annually (Olympiads, grants, MINEDUC scholarships, global accelerators), large STEM programs and support for young professionals; financing is provided jointly with international organizations.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 90%.

Military sovereignty — 42.6

The share of military spending is 1.27% of GDP (2023-2024), the level of spending has been stable over the past 5 years; the military budget is about $176 million for 2024. 35,000 military personnel (active + reserve), including about 31,000 directly in the army; the number is recorded in official statistics from the World Bank, GFP, MOD Rwanda.

In 2025, new organizational structures were introduced, as well as an extensive modernization program (new armored vehicles, communication systems, drones, armed drones, and new units); purchases were made by Israel, South Africa, China, and Russia. In 2025, several types of locally assembled rifles, machine guns, and upgraded tanks will be shown for the first time at ISCA-25; robotic systems will be introduced.

The share of own production is growing: since 2023, the REMCO plant (Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation) has been operating, producing small arms, pistols, some types of armored personnel carriers and armored vehicles; 10-25% localization in various categories.

Most of the heavy weapons, artillery, radio equipment, and air defense are imported. Full military control; the army, the border guard service and the police are conducting joint operations, observation posts have been established at key borders; the borders with the DRC, Burundi, and Uganda are regularly patrolled. It is allowed to deploy peace-makers at the borders under the UN mandate.

The structure includes a reserve of 4,000–8,000 people, restructured in 2025: operational, strategic, and reinforcement. Regular exercises, rapid mobilization. All key decisions are autonomous; Rwanda is not a member of any military bloc, but it has developed close technical cooperation ties with Israel, Turkey, China, the Russian Federation, South Africa, and India.

Regular participation in peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations and the African Union; independence in all operations and strategies. Since 2023, the REMCO plant has been developed (weapons, armored vehicles, armored personnel carriers, parts for the armed forces), the local REMOUNT sector is reviving; the share of arms exports is small, localization is accelerating.

There are no nuclear weapons, the country has signed the NPT and participates in agreements on the nuclear safety of Africa. There is no own military space program; uses satellite communication systems (cooperation with Israel, RSA); intelligence is developed in the form of integrated security and crisis management units of the army and the Interior Ministry.

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and industry databases of UN/NGO - 94% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Stable political and institutional system: high centralization, consistent institutional reform, low crime and conflict levels, effective governance (Government Effectiveness WGI: +0.63). Long-term economic development: average GDP growth of 7-8% per year, strong industrial and construction growth, “Made in Rwanda” policy, active government investment in innovative and export-oriented segments.

Investments in human capital: adult literacy — 76-79%, the share of STEM graduates ~32-37%, stable spending on education (4.9% of GDP), large-scale talent support programs and Olympiads. Advanced digital and cyber infrastructure: EGDI — 0.653, the largest government e-service portal (Irembo), national CERT, top 5 in cybersecurity among African countries, proprietary fintech solutions, mobile banking.

Economic diversity and resource sustainability: agroindustry, minerals, hydro and alternative energy, transportation and IT services, large reserves of water and domestic electricity generation.

Cultural identity, high coverage of cultural life: 5 UNESCO sites, a successful national reconciliation program, support for traditions and small nations, a strong festival and creative sector, involving more than 75% of the population. Modernization of the army, growing military exports: modern weapons, export of small arms, rapid reforms of the military sphere, autonomy of strategic decisions.

Weaknesses. High public debt: 67-76% of GDP, requires constant monitoring and structural reforms for long-term sustainability. Low enrollment in higher education and digital inequality: only 8.9% of young people study at universities, a sharp gap between urban and rural areas in terms of access to the Internet, quality of education, and IT coverage.

Import dependence in high-tech, biotechnological, and industrial-scientific segments: localization of production — up to 20% in certain categories, 90-95% of machinery, chips, and medical equipment - import; The innovation sector is inferior to the countries of Asia and the West.

Insufficient bio- and robotic autonomy: weak national R&D in robotics, only individual pilots in biotech, complete dependence on microelectronics. Non-participation in global educational standards: Rwanda does not participate in PISA and is not integrated into the main international assessment mechanisms. Limited pluralism and transparency of governance: high concentration of political power, weak external and parliamentary control over the security services, and control over the media.

Overall assessment. The cumulative index of Rwanda's sovereignty is 377.7 out of 700 possible points (an average of 53.9%), which places the country in the top 100 in the world. Rwanda is a model of effective mobilization of administrative, cultural and economic resources for accelerated development in Africa. It demonstrates an example of institutional stability, cultural integration, high growth rates and digital maturity.

The main challenges are debt burden, underestimation of higher education, import dependence in critical technological production areas, management control without broad public participation, and risks of pluralism.

The successful implementation of the “Made in Rwanda” strategy and extensive investments in human potential can transform the country into one of the leaders of East Africa in the long term, subject to further diversification, liberalization of the educational and industrial spheres, and the expansion of its own scientific and innovative sector.

The sovereignty profile indicates that Rwanda is confidently implementing the “African formula of sovereignty” — combining strong nationalization of institutions and culture, strategic autonomy and an internal modernization drive.

The key strategic challenges are technological import dependence, the debt burden, and insufficient equality in access to the resources of modern society and democracy.

The policy of increasing domestic production, innovation, and critical infrastructure makes Rwanda a flagship for African development and State sovereignty, but its long-term sustainability requires institutional diversification and the development of pluralistic governance.