Speaking to RBA on 21 January during the opening of the 27th African Men’s Handball Championship, Minister Mukazayire highlighted Rwanda’s victory over Zambia in the tournament opener, with a score of 30-19.

“Hosting sports events allows us to showcase a positive image of our country and provides opportunities for our teams to compete and improve,” she added. “We do not want to be just hosts; we want to host, play, and win.”

The Minister emphasized that investing in international competitions also boosts Rwanda’s tourism sector, one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners.

“This Government remains committed to using sports as a catalyst for youth development,” she noted, highlighting Rwanda’s investments in modern facilities and world-class event management to create a competitive environment for athletes and officials alike.

The championship, running until 31 January 2026, features 16 participating countries, including Algeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Republic of Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Guinea, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zambia.

Rwanda’s strong start signals its ambition to shine both as a host nation and as a competitor on the continental stage.