Speaking at the official opening of the Giants of Africa Festival held at BK Arena in Kigali, President Kagame said:

“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.”

He went on to stress the significance of the event, saying it serves as a reminder that:

“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.”

The week-long festival, founded by Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri, celebrates youth, sports, culture, and community development across Africa.

Masai Ujiri praised the Rwandan leadership and highlighted the importance of empowering Africa’s youth, saying:

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

Giants of Africa currently operates in over 16 African countries, using sports as a platform to train and inspire thousands of young people through leadership and self-awareness programs.