The much-awaited Giants of Africa Festival is coming back to Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2, 2025. Over eight days, the event will celebrate the vibrant spirit of Africa through sports, music, fashion, and culture, creating an unforgettable experience in the heart of the continent.
Founded by Masai Ujiri, President of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, the Festival aims to inspire and empower the next generation of African leaders through basketball and community development. This year’s edition promises to be big than ever, drawing participants from over 20 African Countries and showcasing the continent rich diversity and talent.
A Week of Culture, Sport, and Empowerment
The festival will start on July 26 with a big Opening Show at BK Arena. The show will include performances by South African DJ Uncle Waffles, award-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver, and Rwandan singer Kevin Kade.
Throughout the week, Kigali will become a center of fun, learning, and youth activity. A major highlight will be the Youth Basketball Camp, where 320 young players will train with coaches from the NBA and WNBA. The week will conclude with a Basketball tournament, including an All-Star Game and a championship match.
Key Festival Highlights
International Youth Day Forum – July 27
In collaboration with the Imbuto Foundation and Rwanda’s Ministry of Youth and Arts, this forum will gather over 2,000 Rwandan youth to engage in conversations about leadership, innovation, and Africa’s future.
Threads of Africa Fashion Show – July 31
Celebrating African creativity, this fashion show will feature designs from top African creatives, including Hortense Mbea (Cameroon), Alia Bare (Niger), and Nyambo (Rwanda & South Africa).
Women’s Outreach Programs
Simultaneously across 20 African countries, community events will focus on empowering women and girls through workshops, mentorship, and skills development.
A Historic First Zaria Court opening
This year’s festival will also mark the grand opening of Zaria Court, aa groundbreaking community space created by Masai Ujiri in the heart of Kigali. Zaria Court is the first of its kind in Africa, designed to bring people together through sports, education, entrepreneurship, the arts, and community engagement. Zaria Court is in the center of Kigali.
It features a world-class basketball court, co-working and study areas, a stage for performances, and relaxing public spaces. Ujiri envisions this as a model for youth development across Africa.
Ujiri hopes to build more courts like this in other African countries. “I grew up in Africa, just like these kids,” said Masai Ujiri. “We understand what they go through because we’ve been there. We know they have big dreams, just like we did. That inspires me. Today youth are more talented and smarter, and they have better ways to connect with the world than we did. This festival is here to show them that there’s a way forward. We want them to keep dreaming and never give up.” he added
Since its founding in 2003, Giants of Africa has used basketball as a tool to empower young people across 20 African countries. The initiative goes beyond the game, offering mentorship and life skills that promote hard work, leadership, and purpose.
The festival will close with an explosive concert at BK Arena, featuring Nigerian music stars Kizz Daniel and Timaya, along with Rwanda’s own The Ben. Events will take place at iconic venues across Kigali, including BK Arena, Amahoro National Stadium, Petit Stade, and Zaria Court.
