Kagame Unveils Zaria Court, A Step Toward Making Rwanda a Global Sports Hub
On July 28, 2025, Rwandan President Paul Kagame presided over the opening of the Zaria Court in Kigali Sports City, a key project that aligns with Rwanda’s vision of becoming a continental leader in sports, tourism, and innovation.
The event marked a significant milestone in the development of Kigali Sports City, with Masai Ujiri, co-founder of Giants of Africa, and Andrew Feinstein, Managing Director of Zaria Group, joining Kagame for the unveiling. Zaria Court is a multi-functional complex designed to foster sports development, promote community engagement, and drive economic growth in the region.
During his address, Kagame emphasized that while he was not a professional athlete, he was a sportsman at heart, believing deeply in the power of sports to build communities, strengthen families, and create opportunities for individuals. He reiterated that this project was just one step in a larger vision for sports cities across the country. “We are not stopping here. We keep growing,” Kagame said.
The Zaria Court is a state-of-the-art facility featuring basketball courts, training areas, retail spaces, and lifestyle zones. The center is designed to cater to local talent and attract global engagement, ensuring Rwanda’s place in international sports events.
Citing the economic potential of sports in Africa, Kagame highlighted how the sector already contributes approximately $50 billion to Africa’s GDP, supporting millions of jobs. This makes Rwanda’s investment in sports infrastructure a critical move to tap into this growing sector.
Kagame noted that sports have the potential to transform economies and attract international investments. The Zaria Court project is a partnership with Giants of Africa, an initiative led by Ujiri, which focuses on empowering African youth through basketball. Ujiri shared that the goal was not just to build infrastructure, but to create lasting opportunities and nurture African talent.
The facility is part of Kigali Sports City, which also includes the BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium, both of which are set to host major international events in the coming years. With this continued investment in sports, Rwanda is solidifying its position as an emerging hub for sports tourism and events in Africa.
President Kagame’s leadership in promoting inclusive sports development serves as a model for African nations aiming to use sports as a tool for social and economic empowerment. The Zaria Court is just the beginning of a transformative journey for Rwanda, and with upcoming international events, it promises to be a landmark for the country’s sports future.
