RUSAGARA MUVUNANKIKO Valens
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has underscored the growing impact of sports investments and international partnerships on the country’s economy, tourism, and youth development, speaking during the BAL Investors Summit.
Addressing investors, government officials, and sports stakeholders, Kagame highlighted how collaboration between countries, leagues, and people creates amplified benefits that go beyond individual markets.
“When countries come together, when leagues come together, when people come together, the benefits are multiplied by a much bigger factor. You don’t want to have such a good thing isolated in one region or one country.”
The President pointed to Rwanda’s experience in sports-related partnerships, including international branding and hosting major events, as a case study of how sports can drive tourism and global visibility.
He noted that even early critics of Rwanda’s partnerships have gradually recognized their value:
“I’m happy that even for that one who tried to undermine it, in the end saw something in it, attractive. That means they changed their mind somehow and saw that they were wrong.”
Kagame emphasized that the country has recorded tangible gains, particularly in tourism and international conferences, with sports events playing a key role in attracting visitors.
“We can see how it has increased numbers in tourism, people want to come to Rwanda, people come for conferences, they come for indeed events like this. And when the competitions are happening, people want to come and be part of that.”
To potential and current investors in Rwanda’s sports sector, he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to partnership and stability.
“We are going to be good partners. I promise you, you will not at any point feel you made a wrong move.”
Turning to youth empowerment, Kagame urged young people to make deliberate choices that support personal growth and positive association.
“You must start feeling something in you that you can do to develop yourself and then work with others even for their benefit as well. Even the youth have to identify what is right that they should be associated with, that will benefit them, or what’s wrong that they should not associate with.”
He also reflected on Rwanda’s historical journey and the collective mindset of national rebuilding.
“I don’t know of anybody in this country who would want to go back where we have been 30 years ago. It touched every family, every individual, to the point that I think many spend nights sleepless, trying to think of how to improve themselves. Since it touches many people, it’s the whole country that goes to sleep thinking of what they need to do to improve ourselves.”
The remarks come as Rwanda continues to position itself as a regional hub for sports investment, tourism, and international events, with growing partnerships in global leagues and competitions.
President Kagame with fellow leaders and stakeholders at the BAL Investors Summit in Kigali.
Ibyimana Cofi
