Kigali, Rwanda – August 2025 — President Paul Kagame delivered a powerful message at the official opening of the Giants of Africa Festival at BK Arena, urging Africans to embrace their potential and step confidently into global leadership.

“Africa must acknowledge that it is a giant. Giants grow, thrive, stand tall, and have self-confidence. Africa should never again be left behind by the rest of the world — this must stop,” President Kagame declared to a cheering crowd.

A Festival to Empower Africa’s Youth

The Giants of Africa Festival, launched by Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri, is a week-long celebration of youth empowerment, sports, culture, and community development. The 2025 edition in Kigali brought together athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders from across the continent.

President Kagame emphasized that events like this go beyond sports, serving as platforms to unlock Africa’s vast talent and creativity:

“A few people gathered here have the power to awaken the talents and potential of millions across Africa to uplift them and keep driving our continent forward,” he said.

Masai Ujiri: Investing in Africa’s Next Generation

Masai Ujiri, the visionary behind the Giants of Africa initiative, praised Rwanda’s leadership and reiterated the importance of investing in young Africans:

“Giants of Africa is not just about basketball — it’s about believing in African youth, their ideas, and their ability to lead the world,” Ujiri said.

Since its founding, Giants of Africa has expanded to over 16 countries across the continent. The organization leverages basketball to instill leadership, confidence, and life skills in thousands of young people through specialized training camps and empowerment workshops.

Rwanda: A Growing Hub for Youth and Sports Development

Hosting the Giants of Africa Festival further cements Rwanda’s reputation as a regional leader in youth development, sports innovation, and pan-African unity. Through strategic investments and partnerships, Rwanda is fast becoming a hub for sports tourism, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment initiatives.

The BK Arena — now a symbol of this transformation — has hosted several high-profile events, helping to position Kigali as a center for continental and global engagement.

Looking Ahead: A Self-Reliant Africa

As the festival unfolds with activities ranging from sports clinics to cultural showcases, the message is clear: Africa’s future lies in the hands of its youth. President Kagame’s rallying call to “believe in ourselves” serves as a reminder that confidence, unity, and visionary leadership are key to Africa’s transformation.