The highly anticipated Giants of Africa Festival 2025 officially kicked off today in Kigali, Rwanda, uniting 320 youth from 20 African countries for a week-long celebration of community, culture, basketball, and leadership.
True to its spirit of empowerment and unity, the festival opened with a powerful act of community service: participation in Umuganda, Rwanda’s monthly National Day of Community service that brings citizens together to improve local infrastructure and cleanliness.
This special Umuganda took place in Kicukiro District, where festival participants, local residents, and high-profile leaders joined hands to dig radical terraces and construct water drainage channels along the newly developing road connecting Nyarurama and Mataba sectors.
Prominent leaders in attendance included City of Kigali Mayor Dusengiyumva Samuel, Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire, Minister of Youth and Arts Dr. Utumatwishima Jean Nepo Abdallah, and Masai Ujiri, Co-Founder of Giants of Africa and Vice Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors.
Alongside the Umuganda activity, the festival also made history by launching Women’s Empowerment Community Events simultaneously across all 20 African countries participating in the 2025 edition.
With this powerful beginning rooted in service, solidarity, and empowerment, the Giants of Africa Festival sets the tone for a transformative week ahead from 26th July up to 2nd August. Activities will include workshops, sports sessions, cultural exchanges, and moments for deep reflection and celebration.
