Rwanda's economy should grow by 7-8 % this year, after expanding by 11.2% in 2008, according to the country’s central bank governor Francois Kanimba.

Kanimba told Reuters this is the fastest pace the country has grown in five years and attributed the growth to the booming agricultural sector which constitutes around 38% of the economy.

Public investment is expected to maintain the growth momentum.

The government of Rwanda has focused on restructuring the tea and coffee sectors and financial system, while investing in energy, transport and telecommunications infrastructure.

Favourable weather and improved farming practices helped the sector grow 15% last year, up from 0.7% in 2007.

The governor however said the global slowdown may hit export earnings in 2009.