President Paul Kagame offiating at the swearing in ceremony of the new Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, State Minister in the Ministry of Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, and State Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Godfrey Kabera, urged the new leaders to tap into sports potential to inspire talent as well as generate income.
The head of state, this Monday, December 23, 2024 told the sworn in leaders to exploite the full potential of sports, not only to inspire the country but also to generate income. He stressed that sports is now more than just a passion—it’s a business, driven by talent.
“Whether it’s Rwandans or others, talent can be commercialized and turned into revenue,’ the Presidenr said. he said. “This can benefit our country and our people.”
The President pointed to Rwanda’s growing sports infrastructure, such as the newly completed BK Arena, which has hosted major events in basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and table tennis. He also highlighted the upgraded Amahoro Stadium, which now seats 45,000 spectators. These developments, he explained, are part of a broader strategy to make sports more accessible to the public and attract international events to the country.
“By building these facilities, we are opening doors for more Rwandans to participate in sports,” President Kagame said. “It’s not just about local engagement—it’s about positioning Rwanda as a hub for sports in Africa.”
However, the President also made it clear that the new leaders have a challenging task ahead. While progress has been made, the country’s financial resources are still limited. He reminded them that their work involves not just fulfilling their duties but also finding ways to increase funding for the sector.
Kagame further emphasized that the shortage of resources should never be an excuse for inaction. “Every sector faces challenges, but we can’t afford to make excuses. You must focus on results and find innovative solutions,” he said.
Rwanda’s growing influence on the African sports scene is undeniable. The country is set to host the 2025 UCI World Cycling Championship and has already become the first African nation to host the FIA General Assembly in 2024. Rwanda is also working toward bringing Formula One racing to the continent.
With these efforts, Rwanda is steadily building its reputation as a leading sports destination in Africa. The President’s message was clear: sports can drive the country’s development, but it requires vision, dedication, and the ability to unlock new sources of funding.
