Kigali, Rwanda — President Paul Kagame officially inaugurated Zaria Court, a landmark indoor basketball arena that forms part of the expansive Zaria sports and lifestyle complex in Kigali. The event coincided with the Giants of Africa Festival, celebrating sports as a unifying and transformative force across the African continent.

Strategically located near key venues like BK Arena and Amahoro National Stadium, Zaria is envisioned as a hub for both elite sports and inclusive community experiences. The multi-purpose development features world-class athletic facilities, luxury accommodations, green parks, and recreational courts — all aimed at promoting sports tourism, youth talent development, and community engagement.

“I may not have played sports professionally, but I’ve always been a sportsman at heart,” said President Kagame during his keynote speech. He emphasized the social and economic value of sports in shaping stronger families, communities, and national identities.

The launch of Zaria Court is part of Rwanda’s broader ambition to develop a dedicated sports city — an evolving initiative designed to elevate the country’s status as a regional hub for sports excellence and investment.

“That’s how the idea of building this sports city came up. And we are not stopping here. We keep growing. We keep going,” Kagame added, signaling ongoing government support for sports infrastructure development.

President Kagame also underscored the massive economic impact of sports across Africa, referencing data that shows the sector generates tens of billions of dollars annually. He urged African leaders and stakeholders to invest more in sports to unlock opportunities for youth and contribute to national development.

“It is no longer something you just watch or hear about. People are beginning to believe — and once they believe and see results, they get even more involved. The sky is the limit,” he stated.

The Giants of Africa Festival, spearheaded by NBA executive Masai Ujiri, aims to empower African youth through basketball and mentorship. The presence of Zaria Court strengthens Kigali’s role as a host for international sports events and training camps, while nurturing homegrown talent.

With facilities like Zaria Court and Kigali’s growing global reputation in sports diplomacy, Rwanda continues to set the pace in Africa’s sports development narrative — transforming dreams into sustainable opportunity.