The atmosphere inside BK Arena was electric on Sunday 27 July 2025 evening as President Paul Kagame officially opened the 2025 Giants of Africa Festival, a vibrant week-long celebration of youth, sport, culture, and community running until 2nd August.
The event brought together 320 young men and women from 20 African countries, all united by the power of basketball and the shared dream of a brighter African future.
Joined by Masai Ujiri, Co-Founder of Giants of Africa and President of the Toronto Raptors, President Kagame delivered a powerful address emphasizing the importance of self-belief and collective ambition for Africa’s youth.
“Africa needs to believe in the giant that Africa is,” Kagame said. “Giants grow, they develop, they stand tall and they believe in themselves. Africa should not, and cannot, remain lagging behind the rest of the world.”
The opening ceremony featured vibrant cultural performances, inspirational speeches, and an immersive showcase of African pride and excellence. Speaking to the crowd of athletes, coaches, mentors, and guests, Kagame highlighted the symbolic power of the event, describing it as a spark capable of igniting the dreams of millions across the continent.
“This festival reminds us that the few gathered here, we can ignite the potential of millions across Africa showcasing their worth and continue to make our continent proud.”
President Kagame expressed heartfelt appreciation to Masai Ujiri, praising his passion, personal investment, and leadership in organizing the Giants of Africa Festival.
Masai you see here, he has invested his passion, his time, his own money and mobilised more resources to be able to put this festival together. I thank you, Masai.”
Now in its second edition following a groundbreaking launch in 2023, the Giants of Africa Festival has evolved into a major platform for nurturing the next generation of African leaders through sport, education, and cultural exchange. This year’s edition includes training camps, workshops, performances, and community outreach activities across Kigali.
