Kigali – President Paul Kagame has explained the motivation behind Kigali’s ambitious Sports City project, saying his goal was to create a platform for others to succeed—especially young people—with sports as a catalyst.
Kagame made the remarks on Monday during the official opening of Zaria Court, a new $25 million multi-sport and entertainment complex built by former NBA star and Giants of Africa founder, Masai Ujiri. The complex features sports courts, an 80-room hotel, retail outlets, co-working spaces, and a podcast hub.
Though not an athlete himself, Kagame told Ujiri during a public conversation at the event that he has always been passionate about the unifying power of sport. “I wasn’t a sportsman of any standard,” he said. “I don’t have very good ideas to do business, but I learnt I could support others to succeed in what they do.”
Kagame said the Sports City concept took shape from conversations about how to build an inclusive, youth-driven development model. Facilities like BK Arena, Amahoro Stadium, and now Zaria Court, form part of that vision.
“I always say I can’t do nothing; I have to do something,” Kagame said. “If I can be part of a story that brings people together, I’m the happiest person.”
According to Kagame, the sports infrastructure is already bearing economic fruit, creating jobs and boosting Rwanda’s visibility on the global stage. When asked how other African leaders could be encouraged to invest in sport, he responded that seeing working examples is more persuasive than speeches.
“My simple part is to speak out and think out loud. I show what has happened in Rwanda and how it has benefited us.”
On youth development, Kagame dismissed the notion of African countries working in silos. “I don’t think about borders. The youth are Africa’s biggest asset,” he said, calling for deeper investment in the continent’s young population.
Ujiri, who founded Giants of Africa to use basketball as a tool for social change, praised Kagame for his “visionary leadership” and commitment to sports as an economic driver. He said projects like Zaria Court are about more than athletics.
“Sports infrastructure builds community, creates value, and contributes to the economy,” Ujiri said. “President Kagame has shown us what is possible.”
The launch event, held as part of the Giants of Africa Festival which runs until August 2, attracted high-profile guests including Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and Basketball Africa League President Amadou Gallo Fall.
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