Rwandans are living at least nine years longer than most East Africans, according to the latest data released Monday by the Office for National Statistics.
Life expectancy in Rwanda is now 69.6 years, up from 51.2 years in 2002, according to data from the Fifth Population and Housing Census 2022.
According to World Bank figures for 2020, Rwanda is ahead of its counterparts in East Africa and sub-Saharan Africa (without high incomes).
East Africans have a life expectancy of just over 60 years, and Tanzanians are second at 66, behind Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda at 63, Burundi at 61 and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at 60.
South Sudan has the lowest life expectancy at 55 years. In 2020 the World Bank estimated life expectancy in Rwanda at 67 years.
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Rwanda now has a population of 13.2 million, up from 10.5 million in 2012, representing an annual growth rate of 2.3%.
The statements were released during the 18th Rwanda National Dialogue in Umushyikirano, which began on Monday.
The two-day forum is being held this year after being suspended due to Covid-19 restrictions on public gatherings.
The event, chaired by President Paul Kagame, brings together citizens, local government officials, cabinet and parliament representatives, private sector leaders and members of the religious and diplomatic communities.
The annual dialogue, which has been held since 2003, provides stakeholders with a platform to discuss the country’s most pressing issues.
