Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has hailed Rwanda’s approach as a model for how African nations can reposition themselves on the global stage through sports, innovation, and strong institutional planning, as Senegal intensifies preparations to host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
Speaking in Kigali on October 18, during a session highlighting Rwanda’s strategic achievements in tourism, sports, and economic development, President Faye said his country looks to emulate Rwanda’s organisational excellence and visionary leadership in delivering major international events.
“I congratulated President Paul Kagame on Rwanda’s successful hosting of the UCI Road World Championships. Rwanda rose to the occasion, as it always does. Behind Rwanda’s success is a commitment to organisation, method, rigour, and above all, a passion to rewrite its narrative. From a difficult past, Rwanda is creating a new, proud, and inspiring story,” he said.
Africa’s global ambition through sports
Faye underscored that the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games represent more than just a sporting event for Senegal, it is a continental milestone for Africa’s global recognition.
He highlighted the need for collaboration and shared expertise across the continent, thanking Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, for her support in the planning and preparation process.
Faye also noted that delivering a successful Youth Olympic Games could strengthen Africa’s case to host even larger global events such as the Olympic Games or FIFA World Cup in the future.
Minister Mukazayire echoed the Pan-African ambition, describing sports as a pillar of national development and unity.
“Sport in Rwanda is not just leisure, it’s a unifying force and a pillar of national development. Our ambition is to become a continental hub for sport,” she said.
She highlighted Rwanda’s heavy investment in world-class sports infrastructure, including BK Arena, Amahoro Stadium, Zaria Court, Gahanga Cricket Stadium, and the Kigali Golf Course, which have turned Kigali into a regional centre for sports and leisure.
Mukazayire cited Rwanda’s success in hosting global events such as the 73rd FIFA Congress (2023), FIA General Assembly (2024), Basketball Africa League (BAL), Giants of Africa, and the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, which attracted over 700 million viewers worldwide.
Jean-Guy Afrika, the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), linked Rwanda’s event-hosting capacity to its broader vision for economic transformation.
“MICE is a fast-growing segment of Rwanda’s tourism sector,” Afrika said, referring to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions subsector. “We grew from $37 million in 2015 to $85 million in 2024 and aim for $130 million in 2025.”
He explained that Rwanda hosted 160 events in 2024, welcoming 52,000 delegates, and emphasised the role of the Rwanda Convention Bureau in coordinating security, logistics, and hospitality to international standards.
“Our goal is to position Rwanda as a global gateway for investment, logistics, and tourism. We offer connectivity, credibility, a stable governance framework, and a proven track record of execution,” he added.
President Faye’s visit and remarks reflect a broader shift in Africa’s narrative, one that places sports diplomacy and innovation at the heart of the continent’s international engagement.
