Kigali, Rwanda — President Paul Kagame has officially opened Zaria Court, a world-class indoor basketball arena that serves as the centerpiece of the new Zaria sports and lifestyle complex in Kigali. The launch coincided with the Giants of Africa Festival, a week-long celebration of African sports talent and youth empowerment.
Located near major landmarks like BK Arena and Amahoro National Stadium, Zaria is a state-of-the-art development designed to promote sports excellence, community engagement, and tourism in Rwanda. The complex includes modern sports courts, green public spaces, and luxury accommodation — creating a dynamic environment for athletes, visitors, and local residents alike.
During the opening ceremony, President Kagame spoke passionately about the transformative impact of sports across the continent.
“I wasn’t a sportsman in the traditional sense, but I am a sportsman at heart,” he said. “Sports help build communities, families, and individuals. It goes far beyond the game.”
The Zaria complex is part of Rwanda’s broader vision to create a dedicated sports city, which aims to position Kigali as a leading destination for international sports events and training. Kagame emphasized that this initiative is just the beginning.
“That’s how the idea of building this sports city came up. And we are not stopping here. We keep growing. We keep going.”
Highlighting the economic potential of Africa’s sports industry, President Kagame cited figures showing that sports-related activities across the continent generate tens of billions of dollars annually. He encouraged both public and private leaders to support and invest in the sector.
“This is no longer something to admire from a distance. It’s real. When people see progress, they begin to believe — and once they believe, they get involved. The sky is the limit.”
The inauguration echoed the mission of the Giants of Africa Festival, founded by NBA executive Masai Ujiri, which aims to discover and nurture young African talent while using sports as a tool for education, unity, and empowerment.
With the opening of Zaria Court, Kigali is solidifying its place on the map as a center for African sports development, youth leadership, and global partnerships in athletics.
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