Kigali, Rwanda – President Paul Kagame on Friday officially inaugurated Zaria Court, a state-of-the-art urban lifestyle facility built within Kigali Sports City, celebrating its role in transforming Rwanda into a hub for sports, culture, and community engagement.

The event was attended by Masai Ujiri, co-founder of Giants of Africa and President of the Toronto Raptors, Andrew Feinstein, Managing Director of Zaria Group, and other key stakeholders in sports and business.

Zaria Court is envisioned as more than a sporting facility, it is a vibrant ecosystem designed to integrate sports, culture, entertainment, and community development. Its opening marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s continued investment in sports infrastructure to drive economic growth, tourism, and youth development.

In his keynote address, President Kagame highlighted the transformative potential of sports, noting that its impact is “not just the future, it is already happening.”

“When you talk about the arena or the stadium, it’s already happening. People are taking notice, counting the jobs created, and the value brought in,” he said. “Across Africa, sports can generate tens of billions. Our role as leaders is to encourage people to be part of realizing that story and reaping the benefits.”

Kagame, who described himself as “a sportsman at heart”, emphasized that sports initiatives like Zaria Court strengthen communities, families, and individuals, creating a ripple effect on the economy and national pride.

The President also reflected on his role in enabling initiatives that uplift others:

“I can’t do everything, but I can enable those who can do more by creating an environment for them to succeed. This builds communities, builds families, builds individuals, and if it inspires others beyond our borders, we are even happier.”

Masai Ujiri praised the project as a transformational space for African youth, reinforcing Giants of Africa’s mission to use sports as a platform for education, leadership, and opportunity.

With Zaria Court’s opening, Kigali Sports City continues to position Rwanda as a continental leader in sports tourism and innovation, hosting events that foster local talent while attracting international partnerships.

As Kagame concluded:

“When people start believing and see things happening, they believe even more and get more involved. And the sky is the limit.”