The competition, which kicks off on Monday, May 4, 2026, is organized under the International Handball Federation (IHF) framework and serves as a key platform for youth development, scouting, and qualification for higher continental and global competitions.

In the under-18 category, Rwanda has been drawn into Group A alongside Kenya, Tanzania, and Djibouti. The young Rwandan side will be aiming to deliver strong performances against experienced regional rivals, as they seek to progress to the knockout stages.

Meanwhile, Rwanda’s under-20 team is placed in Group B, where they will face host nation Ethiopia, as well as Tanzania and Djibouti. Playing against the host country is expected to be one of the toughest fixtures, given home advantage and crowd support.

The IHF Trophy Zone 5 tournament is part of a broader initiative to promote handball development across Africa by giving young players exposure to international competition. It also provides an opportunity for teams to gain ranking points and qualify for continental phases of the competition.

Rwanda’s participation reflects the country’s growing investment in handball and youth sports development. Both teams have undergone preparations ahead of the tournament, with coaching staff expressing confidence in the players’ readiness to compete at a high level.

The tournament is expected to attract attention from regional sports authorities and scouts, making it an important stage for young athletes to showcase their skills and represent their nations with pride.