Languages of Rwanda
What the law says
Article 8 of the Constitution makes Ikinyarwanda the national language and Ikinyarwanda, English and French the official languages, and allows an organic law to add others. Organic Law 02/2017, published on 1 May 2017, added Kiswahili as an official language.1,2
Who speaks what
The 2022 census found that 78.8% of the 8,289,582 people aged 15 and over can read and write. Most literate adults write Kinyarwanda only; around one in five also write English.3
| Languages read and written, aged 15 and over | Share |
|---|---|
| Kinyarwanda only | 54.0% |
| Kinyarwanda and English | 14.1% |
| Kinyarwanda, English and French | 4.1% |
| Kinyarwanda and French | 1.9% |
| Other combinations, including Kiswahili | 4.7% |
| Not literate | 21.2% |
Source: National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: Primary, secondary and literacy, 2022 census3
Schools and business
Under the basic education policy, English is the medium of instruction from primary 4 onwards, with Kinyarwanda in the first three years of primary school. French is taught as an optional language.4
English and French are the languages of business, and almost all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda. Some Rwandans also speak Kiswahili, which is common in trade with East African neighbours.5
Useful Kinyarwanda
| Kinyarwanda | English |
|---|---|
| Muraho | Hello |
| Mwaramutse | Good morning |
| Mwiriwe | Good afternoon or evening |
| Amakuru? | How are you? |
| Ni meza | Fine |
| Murakoze | Thank you |
| Yego / Oya | Yes / No |
| Mwizane | Welcome |
| Murabeho | Goodbye |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Rwanda’s official languages?
Four: Kinyarwanda, English, French and, since 2017, Kiswahili. Kinyarwanda is the national language.
What language are schools taught in?
English from primary 4 onwards, with Kinyarwanda in the first three years. French is optional.
What is the literacy rate?
78.8% of people aged 15 and over in 2022.
Sources
- Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda of 2003, revised in 2015 (PDF)
- RwandaLII: Organic Law 02/2017 establishing Kiswahili as an official language
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: Primary, secondary and literacy, 2022 census
- Ministry of Education: Nine Years Basic Education policy (PDF)
- International Trade Administration: Rwanda business travel
Facts checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information.
