Kagame explains inspiration behind Kigali’s sports city
Built by former NBA player and Giants of Africa founder Masai Ujiri, the complex includes sports courts, an 80-room hotel, retail and co-working spaces, and a podcast hub.
President Paul Kagame on Monday shared the inspiration behind Kigali’s sports city, which features major facilities such as Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and Zaria Courts.
He was speaking during the official opening of Zaria Court, a $25 million sports and entertainment complex in Kigali.
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Built by former NBA player and Giants of Africa founder Masai Ujiri, the complex includes sports courts, an 80-room hotel, retail and co-working spaces, and a podcast hub.
During a conversation with Ujiri, President Kagame was asked how he envisioned the Sports city.
“I wasn’t a sportsman of any standard,” Kagame responded, "I don’t have very good ideas to do business. But I learnt that I am capable of doing something, and that was to support others in what they can do. While I can’t do business, I can create an environment for those who can, so they can succeed.”
He added that although he never played sports competitively, he was always a sportsman at heart and reflected on what he missed by not participating.
“Given my background and struggles, I set out to always say I can’t do nothing, I always have to do something. If I can be part of a story that brings people together, I am the happiest person.”
He explained that that’s how the idea of building the sports city came about, through discussions on where to start and what could be done in Rwanda.
Speaking on how sports are shaping Rwanda’s economy, Kagame said it has already created many jobs and attracted significant global attention through facilities like the arena and stadium.
When asked how other leaders can be encouraged to invest in sports, Kagame said leaders are more likely to invest in sports when they see real, working examples.
“My simple part is to speak out and think out loud, and show what is possible and the benefits, and also demonstrate what I am talking about that has already happened here in my country and how beneficial it is as an example,” he said.
Kagame said that when thinking about Africa’s youth, he doesn’t “think about borders.”
He emphasised that Africa’s youth are the continent’s biggest asset and called for continued investment to help them realise their potential.
Ujiri thanked President Kagame for his visionary leadership and commitment to sports as a tool for economic growth in Africa.
“When you talk about vision, you talk about leadership, you talk about engaging people, partnerships, everything you can think of in bringing people together, that is what President Kagame stands for.”
“President Kagame has seen sports as a business and economic driver that can really develop a country and our continent. We need that chance.”
Ujiri emphasised that sports infrastructure like Zaria Court builds community, creates value, and contributes to the economy, something he said is often underappreciated in Africa.
The launch ceremony, held as part of the week-long Giants of Africa Festival running through August 2, was attended by several prominent figures, including Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man and President and CEO of the Dangote Group and Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, among others.
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