This year’s event will take place, as tradition holds, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District, attracting local communities, conservationists, international guests, and high-level dignitaries from around the world.

Irene Murerwa, Head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB, said the 20th anniversary of Kwita Izina marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s conservation journey.

“We are excited to celebrate 20 years of Kwita Izina  a powerful symbol of Rwanda’s long-standing commitment to biodiversity conservation, community partnership, and cultural heritage,” she said. “This milestone is possible thanks to the dedication of the Government of Rwanda, our partners, and the local communities who live alongside the park.”

Kwita Izina, inspired by the ancestral Rwandan tradition of naming newborns, was introduced in 2005 as a way to raise awareness about the importance of protecting mountain gorillas and their natural habitat. Over the years, it has evolved into a global conservation platform, placing Rwanda at the forefront of sustainable tourism and wildlife protection.

The naming ceremony serves not only as a celebration of conservation success but also as a recognition of the collective efforts made by park rangers, researchers, communities, and policymakers to safeguard one of the world’s most endangered species.

According to RDB’s 2024 Annual Report, tourism generated $647 million in revenue for Rwanda  more than Rwf 932 billion  marking a 4.3% increase compared to 2023. Notably, gorilla tourism alone saw a 27% rise in revenue, highlighting its pivotal role in the country’s tourism sector and economic development.

As Rwanda prepares to name 40 new additions to its growing gorilla families, Kwita Izina 2025 promises to be not only a conservation celebration but also a cultural and economic showcase  bringing the world’s attention once again to the country’s model of community-led wildlife protection.