Kagame Urges African Youth to Believe in Themselves at Giants of Africa Festival

Speaking at the official opening of the Giants of Africa Festival 2025 in Kigali, President Kagame welcomed more than 300 young athletes from 20 African countries participating in the weeklong basketball and leadership development event.

“I want to welcome you and encourage you to believe in the greatness that lies within you,” Kagame said. “Put in your effort, your time, your talent. Use your time wisely, and from among you, giants will emerge.”

The president emphasized that Africa must stop lagging behind and instead build confidence in its own abilities. “Africa must believe in its own greatness, and you, the youth, are the ones to show it,” he added.

The festival is part of the Giants of Africa initiative founded by Masai Ujiri, president of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors. It aims to empower African youth through basketball and education.

Kagame praised Ujiri’s vision and dedication. “Masai invested not only his resources, but his time and passion to bring this festival to life,” he said. “Thank you, Masai. Your work is making a difference and is being felt through the young people here.”

Ujiri, addressing the youth, urged them to think beyond basketball and stay connected to the continent. “Everything I do, I do for Africa,” he said. “We all grew up like you — walking barefoot to school, wearing shorts like yours. If we could make it, you can do even more.”

The 2025 Giants of Africa Festival brings together 320 youth and 100 coaches from across the continent, including Rwanda, Cameroon, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, Mali, DR Congo, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Somalia, Botswana, South Africa, Gabon, Benin, and Ethiopia.

Giants of Africa was launched in 2003 in Nigeria and expanded to other countries in 2014. Its long-term goal is to build over 1,000 basketball courts across Africa, creating opportunities for youth to develop their talents and leadership skills.