President Kagame at Club Rafiki for Giants of Africa Basketball Camp

Kigali, August 3, 2025 – Club Rafiki was honored to host His Excellency President Paul Kagame during the Giants of Africa Basketball Camp, a special event that brought together dozens of young athletes from across Rwanda for a day of learning, inspiration, and sports excellence.

President Paul Kagame and event organizers stand at the entrance of Club Rafiki during the Giants of Africa Basketball Camp in Kigali.
President Paul Kagame interacting with young athletes during the Giants of Africa Basketball Camp at Club Rafiki.

The President toured the camp facilities, interacted with participants, and delivered a motivational message highlighting the power of sports to shape disciplined, confident, and responsible young people. He commended the Giants of Africa initiative, led by Masai Ujiri, for its commitment to developing the potential of African youth through basketball.

“Sports teach teamwork, discipline, and resilience. These are values that go beyond the game — they are life skills,” President Kagame told the young athletes gathered at the Club Rafiki basketball court.

A Day of Energy, Teamwork, and Inspiration

The event featured intensive basketball drills, mentorship sessions, and open conversations between professional coaches and young players. The energy on the court reflected both enthusiasm and hope — a true celebration of youth empowerment through sport.

Giants of Africa, a Pan-African program founded by Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri, has been running annual camps in several African countries to nurture young talent. The 2025 Kigali camp marked another milestone in strengthening the partnership between the organization and Rwandan institutions such as Club Rafiki, which continues to serve as a hub for youth development and community engagement.

President Kagame’s Encouragement

During his visit, President Kagame praised the collaboration between Giants of Africa, Club Rafiki, and local authorities, noting that such initiatives align with Rwanda’s broader goals of promoting youth development, healthy lifestyles, and national unity through sports.

“Our young people must believe in their abilities. The future belongs to those who work hard and stay focused,” he added.

Young athletes engaged in a basketball session at the Giants of Africa Basketball Camp in Kigali, with President Kagame participating and encouraging the youth.