Masai Ujiri Inspires African Youth as Giants of Africa Returns to Kigali

Ujiri was speaking in Kigali as he launched the Giants of Africa festival for the second time. The initiative, which he founded in 2013, uses basketball to empower young people across the continent and help them pursue their ambitions.

“We wore the same pants, the same shorts, and walked barefoot,” Ujiri told a crowd of young athletes. “That means what we’ve done, you can do too — and you have even more potential. Believe in yourselves. Work hard, and when you make it, don’t just celebrate — help others rise too.”

The Giants of Africa program operates in 16 countries and focuses on youth development through sports, leadership, and education. It has built or refurbished dozens of basketball courts, including several in Rwanda, to provide young players with long-term access to training spaces.

Since its inception, the initiative has helped propel many African youth into competitive teams locally and abroad.

Ujiri reflected on his own journey, recalling how his mother used to question his passion for basketball when he was young.

“My mom used to pull my ear when I came home late from playing,” he said. “She would ask me, ‘Will basketball ever feed you?’ Today, it’s feeding all of us.”

Ujiri, who made history as the first African-born executive to win an NBA championship, founded Giants of Africa with the goal of using sport to build confidence, discipline, and leadership among Africa’s youth.

“What we are doing is not just about basketball — it’s about building the next generation of African leaders,” he said.

The Kigali edition of the festival features basketball clinics, leadership sessions, and cultural events designed to inspire and equip young people from across the region.