The final list of candidates approved to contest in the FERWACY elections scheduled for May 31, 2026, was released on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Gahitsi, who had been nominated for the presidency by Les Amis Sportifs as a federation member, decided to withdraw from the race after his club also fielded another candidate for the position of First Vice President. The club reportedly agreed to focus on that position instead.
The First Vice President race will now feature Makuza Clement Anastase Rwigimba of Les Amis Sportifs as the sole candidate after Mpatswenumugabo Jean Bosco also withdrew his candidacy for personal reasons.
Ishimwe Jean Hubert, who previously served as Coordinator of Tour du Rwanda 2026 and was nominated by Bugesera Cycling Team, is now the only candidate contesting for the FERWACY presidency.
Other candidates confirmed on the final list include Niyonzima Gildas and Umuhoza Ange Belyse, who will compete for the position of Second Vice President.
Ruyonza Arlette, who served as Secretary General in the outgoing committee, is seeking re-election for the same position. Katabarwa Daniel, the outgoing treasurer, is also seeking another term, while Bizimana Albert is contesting for the auditor position.
Candidates vying for advisory roles include Karambizi Rabini-Hamim, Nsengumuremyi Florent, Mupenzi Christophe Rene, Ntembe Jean Bosco and Nsengiyumva Jean Claude.
Campaign activities will run from May 24 to May 30, while elections will take place on May 31, 2026, followed immediately by the announcement of the federation’s new leadership for a five-year term.
The outgoing FERWACY Executive Committee was led by Ndayishimiye Samson, who was elected in November 2023 to complete the term initially won by the committee headed by Murenzi Abdallah.
Ishimwe Jean Hubert, who previously served as Coordinator of Tour du Rwanda 2026 and was nominated by Bugesera Cycling Team, is now the only candidate contesting for the FERWACY presidency
Speaking during a Basketball Africa League (BAL) Investor Day fireside chat in Kigali, Kagame said sports should be understood as a broad ecosystem that goes far beyond competition on the court.
He said sports “attracts people,” creates a sense of belonging, and generates value that extends into multiple sectors of the economy.
“People feel good about it. They are part of it,” he said, adding that sport draws talent and investment while generating wider benefits for society.
President Kagame described sports as part of a wider development and investment strategy that includes talent development, infrastructure, consumer experience, entertainment, and tourism. He said the sector becomes more valuable when it is built deliberately and supported through long-term investment.
“It’s also the consumer experience. It attracts even people who originally were not so attracted to any sport,” he said, noting that surrounding activities such as entertainment and events help expand its reach and impact.
He pointed to Rwanda’s experience hosting major sporting events, including BAL games, as contributing to increased tourism and international visibility. According to Kagame, the country has seen more visitors coming for conferences, competitions, and large-scale events linked to sports programming.
This deliberate alignment of sports and major events has translated into strong economic gains. According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) 2025 Annual Report, Rwanda’s tourism sector generated $685 million (about Rwf 1 trillion) in revenue, up 6% year-on-year, driven by 1.49 million visitors. The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) segment contributed $94.7 million, supported by 165 international and regional events, including major sporting fixtures such as BAL games.
Kagame said these outcomes reflect a deliberate strategy and long-term mindset toward investment.
“It comes to choices you make, it comes to mindset as well,” he said, adding that sports investments should be allowed to “prove themselves” over time.
He also referenced Rwanda’s long-standing sports partnerships with global clubs, including the “Visit Rwanda” sponsorships with major football teams such as Arsenal, as part of a broader effort to position the country globally through sport. He noted that such initiatives have sometimes attracted political criticism, but said the approach is driven by strategic choices and a focus on visibility, investment, and long-term returns.
A central theme of his remarks was the importance of scale through cooperation across Africa and beyond.
“When countries come together, when leagues come together, when people come together, the benefits are multiplied by a much bigger factor,” Kagame said. “You don’t want to have such a good thing isolated in one region or one country.”
He argued that fragmented sports markets limit growth, while integrated collaboration creates a larger and more efficient market that strengthens returns for investors, governments, and communities.
The Head of State also emphasised that Rwanda’s approach to sports investment has been built on partnerships, noting that the country did not act alone in developing its sports ecosystem and international collaborations.
He said the model is intended to demonstrate what is possible when countries take calculated risks and invest in emerging sectors, adding that results, not persuasion, are what ultimately influence others to follow similar paths.
The remarks came as Kigali hosts the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2026 playoffs and finals, which tip off today, May 22, and run through May 31, 2026, bringing together teams, fans, and stakeholders from across the continent.
Kagame closed his remarks by stressing collective ambition in development.
“Let’s go up together,” he said.
Speaking during a Basketball Africa League (BAL) Investor Day fireside chat in Kigali, Kagame said sports should be understood as a broad ecosystem that goes far beyond competition on the court.President Kagame said sports “attracts people,” creates a sense of belonging, and generates value that extends into multiple sectors of the economy.The summit was held ahead of the BAL kickoff in Kigali.
The tournament brings together eight elite clubs, promising another intense chapter of elite basketball on the continent.
Defending champions absent again
For the second time in BAL history, the playoffs will be played without the reigning champions. Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli, who lifted the trophy in the previous edition, failed to qualify for this year’s finals.
The only previous occurrence of this came in 2023, when US Monastir, the 2022 champions, shockingly crashed out during the group phase and failed to return to defend their title.
Teams chasing a historic second title
Over its history, the BAL has produced a unique string of different champions. As the 2026 bracket stands, only two clubs in this year’s field have previously won the prestigious title: Petro de Luanda (the 2024 champions) and Egypt’s Al Ahly SC (the 2023 winners). Both are looking to become the first club in league history to win two BAL championships.
The rest of the field is heavily comprised of ambitious newcomers and hungry contenders looking to make their first championship game, including Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers, Tanzania’s Dar City, Tunisia’s Club Africain, and Senegal’s ASC Ville de Dakar. They are joined by other experienced continental powerhouses like Morocco’s FUS Rabat and Libya’s Al Ahly Ly (the 2024 runners-up).
Ivorian guard Souleyman Diabate stands out as the only player in this year’s finals who has already won the BAL twice. He lifted the trophy in the inaugural 2021 season with Zamalek and again in 2022 with US Monastir. Now a veteran leader, Diabate brings a wealth of international experience from professional leagues across Europe and Asia, and will suit up for ASC Ville de Dakar in this year’s tournament.
Unique competition format
The playoff stage introduces a high-stakes format. The quarterfinals open the tournament using a distinct two-legged aggregate tie system. Teams will face off twice, and the cumulative score across both games will determine who moves on. From the semifinals onward, the format switches back to a high-pressure, single-elimination knockout format.
Several elite teams in the final eight booked their spots by navigating the grueling, FIBA-run “Road to BAL” qualifying tournaments. Among them, teams like Dar City have shown incredible resilience, bouncing back from early-stage qualifying losses to peak exactly at the right time for the Kigali showpiece.
The tactical battles on the sidelines will be fierce, featuring highly decorated coaches with extensive continental pedigrees. Spanish tactician Sergio Valdeolmillos, who guided Petro de Luanda to continental prominence, returns with deep tactical knowledge. He is joined by veteran Moroccan coach Said El Bouzadi, leading FUS Rabat, who brings decades of experience coaching top-tier North African clubs at the highest levels.
The Basketball Africa League (BAL 2026) playoffs tip off today in Kigali, with the competition running from May 22 to 31, 2026. This marks the decisive final stage of the sixth season of Africa’s premier basketball competition, hosted once again at the state-of-the-art BK Arena in Rwanda.
Arsenal were confirmed champions on May 19, 2026, after AFC Bournemouth held Manchester City F.C. to a 1-1 draw. The result left Manchester City on 78 points, four behind Arsenal’s 82 points, with only one match remaining in the season for both teams.
In a message shared on X, Kagame congratulated Arsenal on their achievement, describing the title as well deserved after a highly competitive season.
“Congratulations to Arsenal, our VisitRwanda partner, on being the Premier League champions after a hard fought season! A well-deserved title!” Kagame wrote.
This marks Arsenal’s first league title since the 2003/2004 campaign, when the club famously completed the season unbeaten. It is also the club’s fourth Premier League title, having previously won in 1997/98 and 2001/02. Overall, Arsenal have now won 14 English league titles.
Arsenal and Rwanda have partnered since 2018 through the Visit Rwanda campaign, which promotes Rwanda’s tourism sector through branding displayed on the club’s sleeves and at its stadium. Several Arsenal players have also visited Rwanda over the years as part of the partnership.
However, the partnership is expected to end after the 2025/2026 season. Arsenal will conclude their Premier League campaign with a home match against Crystal Palace F.C. on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.
The club’s pursuit of more history will continue in the UEFA Champions League, where Arsenal are set to face Paris Saint-Germain F.C.. Winning the competition would see Arsenal lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
Arsenal and Rwanda have partnered since 2018 through the Visit Rwanda campaign, which promotes Rwanda’s tourism sector through branding displayed on the club’s sleeves and at its stadium.
In a letter dated Sunday, May 17, 2026, Nsengiyumva addressed his apology to the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), BK Pro League, Mukura Victory Sports, the refereeing commission, the Rwanda Referees Association (ARAF), Mbonyamahoro Serieux, and football fans at large.
“I am writing this letter to apologise for the inappropriate behaviour I displayed during the Matchday 29 fixture between Mukura Victory Sports and Rutsiro FC on May 3, 2026, where I committed an unacceptable act during the match,” he wrote.
“I would first like to sincerely apologise to Mukura VS player Mbonyamahoro Serieux, because it is unacceptable for a referee to behave in such a manner. I also apologise to Mukura VS, FERWAFA, BK Pro League, and the refereeing authorities because my conduct projected a bad image,” he added.
Nsengiyumva described the incident as a serious mistake committed in the heat of the moment and assured the public that such behaviour would not happen again.
He further pledged to respect the laws of the game, uphold professionalism, and maintain the discipline expected of match officials.
The FERWAFA Refereeing Commission, which convened on May 4, 2026, found that Nsengiyumva, who was serving as an assistant referee during the match, had displayed conduct inconsistent with the responsibilities of a referee, resulting in a 12-month suspension.
The commission also sanctioned other officials involved in the match. Centre referee Nshimiyimana Rémy Victor was suspended for five matches after being found guilty of wrongly awarding two penalties to Rutsiro FC and failing to effectively control the game.
Mu mukino w’Umunsi wa 29 wa Shampiyona wabereye kuri Stade Kamena, Rutsiro FC yatsinze Mukura ibitego 2-1, byombi byavuye kuri penaliti.
Uyu mukino wabayemo agashya, aho umusifuzi w’igitambaro Nsengiyumva Jean Paul nyuma yo gusifura penaliti ya kabiri, yakubise umugeri… pic.twitter.com/yFuLjSnEFQ
Referee Nsengiyumva Jean Paul, who was handed a 12-month suspension after kicking Mukura VS defender Mbonyamahoro Serieux in the groin during a league match, has apologised for his conduct.
The coaches are expected to travel to Madrid later this week, where the training sessions will officially begin on May 23, 2026.
The initiative is part of a broader partnership between Rwanda and Atlético de Madrid, implemented through the Ministry of Sports and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Since February 2026, Spanish coaches from the club have been conducting technical and tactical training sessions for Rwandan coaches, particularly those involved in youth football development across the country.
Following the initial training phase, 13 coaches were selected to continue the program through online classes held twice a week, with advanced in-person sessions scheduled to take place in Spain.
The selected coaches are Haruna Niyonzima, Itangishaka Blaise, Sifa Gloria Nibagwire, Innocent Murwanashyaka, Iragena Oscarie, Joseph Junior Rutagengwa, Nadia Bugenimana, Nicolas Hakizimana, Darius Hirwa, Damascène Nsengiyumva, Emmanuel Coman Mugisha, Schadrack Nsengayire, and Shema Bravo.
The delegation left Rwanda on Sunday, May 17, 2026, for Tanzania, where they will finalize travel documentation required for entry into Spain.
President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), Fabrice Shema Ngoga, said the program is designed to help Rwanda build a stronger pool of qualified coaches capable of developing local football talent.
“All coaches are expected to meet the required standards because this is a serious professional program, not a recreational activity. Those who do not perform are dropped from the course. The 13 selected coaches attend classes twice a week, and they are expected to play a key role in developing many more coaches in the future,” he said.
Atlético de Madrid, one of Spain’s most successful football clubs with 11 league titles, has partnered with Rwanda under the Visit Rwanda campaign to promote the country’s tourism sector internationally. The partnership includes branding at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium and on the club’s training kits.
The coaches are expected to travel to Madrid later this week, where the training sessions will officially begin on May 23, 2026.
The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum, aims to catalyse job creation for youth and unlock a new asset class within Africa’s rapidly growing creative economy. Through this partnership, the IFC and Zaria Group, co-founded by NBA Champion Masai Ujiri, will establish a “platform approach” to building commercially sustainable venues that serve as anchors for local industries.
While this new “Zaria District Platform” looks toward continental expansion, its foundation is built directly on the success of Rwanda’s sports-led development model.
The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum, aims to catalyse job creation for youth and unlock a new asset class within Africa’s rapidly growing creative economy.
The Kigali blueprint
The new continental agreement comes less than a year after the grand inauguration of the flagship Zaria Court Kigali in July 2025. Officially launched by President Paul Kagame and Masai Ujiri, the $25 million state-of-the-art multi-purpose complex in Remera has quickly become the heart of the Kigali Sports City ecosystem, working alongside the BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium.
The impact of the Kigali facility provided the exact “proof of concept” the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, needed to back the broader African rollout:
The construction phase employed over 700 workers (with 30% being women) and injected approximately 1 billion Rwandan Francs directly into the local workforce. Today, the operational hub provides permanent employment for nearly 500 people, primarily targeting women and youth.
The facility features an 80-room urban lifestyle hotel (now operating under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton), a 2,000-seat event space capable of hosting festivals for up to 5,000 people, standard-setting basketball and five-a-side football pitches, a podcast production studio, and retail incubation programs dedicated to women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
By leveraging Rwanda’s position as a regional hub for innovation and infrastructure, Zaria Court Kigali proved that underutilised urban assets can be successfully transformed into vibrant economic engines.
Officials pose for a group photo following the signing ceremony between IFC and Zaria Group on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali on Friday, May 15.
Continental expansion and economic impact
With the Kigali model fully validated, initial focus areas for the new IFC-backed platform rollout include further developments in Kigali and a major expansion into Nairobi, with long-term ambitions to scale to other major African hubs like Lagos and Accra.
The economic footprint of this next phase is substantial. In Kenya, the development of the Nairobi project alone is projected to create 3,500 construction jobs during its development phase, followed by 1,500 permanent positions once operational. Additionally, the district is expected to generate approximately 25,000 event-based roles, significantly boosting seasonal employment and supporting urban development priorities under Kenya’s Vision 2030.
The IFC will play a pivotal role across these new sites by mobilising financing packages and providing upstream advisory engagement to de-risk these emerging infrastructure projects for private institutional investors.
Masai Ujiri emphasised that while the passion for sports in Africa is undeniable, physical infrastructure must step up to meet the demand.
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with IFC to deliver exactly that. When you build the right foundation with the right partners, extraordinary things happen. These districts will generate thousands of jobs, empower local businesses, and become hubs where African culture and talent thrive,” Ujiri said.
Ujiri added that the ultimate goal is to build sustainable models that “keep wealth on the continent and create opportunity at scale.”
IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop highlighted the social importance of the deal, noting that creative industries are essential engines for inclusion and formalised growth.
“Sectors such as sports and entertainment already employ millions worldwide and provide accessible entry points into the formal economy, especially for young people and women,” Diop noted.
By leveraging Zaria Group’s proven execution in Kigali and the IFC’s financial reach, the partnership aims to turn Africa’s creative potential into a tangible economic reality for the next generation of talent across the continent.
The 2026 edition of the race will be held on June 13 and 14, 2026.
The Kigali International Peace Marathon, which was first introduced in 2005 with the support of President Paul Kagame, aims to promote peace through sport.
Organised by RAF in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, the event will be staged for the 21st time this year.
The competition features three categories: the Full Marathon (42.195 km), the Half Marathon (21.097 km), and the Run for Peace (10 km), which is non-competitive.
For the first time, the event will be extended from a single day to a two-day format. On Saturday, June 13, participants will compete in the Run for Peace, while on Sunday, June 14, the Half Marathon and Full Marathon races for both men and women will take place.
All races will start and finish at Amahoro Stadium. Registration for participants is already open via the official marathon website.
In 2025, the Kigali International Peace Marathon was held for the second time under the World Athletics “Global Elite Label” status, attracting a record turnout of more than 13,000 participants, while over 14,480 runners registered.
Kenya’s Laban Kipngetich Korir won the men’s Full Marathon, while fellow Kenyan Teresiah Omosa claimed victory in the women’s race.
In the Half Marathon, Rwanda’s Niyonkuru Florence won gold in the women’s category, followed by Musabyeyezu Adeline, the first Rwandan to win the title in 2022.
In the men’s Half Marathon, Rwanda’s Bigirimana Théophile finished in third place.
In the 2025 Half Marathon, Rwanda’s Niyonkuru Florence won gold in the women’s category, followed by Musabyeyezu Adeline, the first Rwandan to claim the title in 2022.This year’s Kigali International Peace Marathon will take place over two days, marking a first in its history.
The two sides will meet in a Matchday 33 fixture of the BK Pro League at Kigali Pelé Stadium at 3:00 PM. This match marks a poignant moment for the “Blue Wave,” who have spent the season playing as guests in the Rwandan league due to the devastating civil war in Sudan.
A season in exile
Since the conflict broke out in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), professional football in Sudan has been at a total standstill. With stadiums damaged and safety impossible to guarantee in Khartoum, Al-Hilal and their rivals, Al-Merrikh, sought refuge in the Rwandan top flight to maintain match fitness and provide a sense of continuity for their displaced supporters.
The match against Gasogi United was rescheduled because the Sudanese club is expected to return to neutral territory or safe zones within Sudan to attempt a restart of their domestic campaign.
Honorary trophy
In an announcement released on Wednesday, the Rwanda Premier League stated that if Al-Hilal SC win or draw the match, the club will officially be awarded their Honorary trophy and medals for the 2025/2026 season.
Al-Hilal currently lead the table with 70 points, which is 12 ahead of fellow Sudanese exiles Al-Merrikh SC, while both teams still have four matches remaining. Second-placed APR FC follows with 59 points and three games left.
Defining the dual champions
Because Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh are guest participants, the Rwanda Premier League created a unique format to honor their dominance without displacing local clubs from continental qualification. The Honorary Trophy is awarded to
Al-Hilal SC as the overall points leader in recognition of their sporting excellence while in exile.
Meanwhile, the BK Pro League National Champions 2025/26 title will go to the highest-ranked Rwandan club, expected to be APR FC, who will represent Rwanda in the CAF Champions League.
Al-Hilal SC could be awarded the honorary trophy this Wednesday.In the first-leg matches, Gasogi United lost 2–0 to Al-Hilal SC.
The award was presented during the international “UCI Mobility & Bike City” conference held in Athens, Greece, from May 10 to 11, 2026.
The conference brought together city leaders and experts in urban mobility and transportation to exchange ideas on best practices and strengthen international cooperation in cycling and sustainable transport systems.
Rwanda was represented by the State Minister for Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, and the president of FERWACY, Samson Ndayishimiye.
The “UCI Bike City” label is awarded to cities that demonstrate excellence in hosting major cycling events and promoting cycling-friendly mobility systems.
For Kigali, the recognition reflects Kigali’s growing vision of becoming a more people centred, active, and environmentally conscious city.
In February, UCI President David Lappartient said that by hosting the championship for the first time in Africa, Kigali had made history in the world of cycling. Kigali became the 31st city in the world to receive the award and the first in Africa to earn the distinction.
Rwanda is now the 17th country globally, and the first in Africa, to receive the recognition, highlighting the country’s achievements in organizing international competitions and promoting cycling, urban development, and quality of life.
Kigali became the 31st city in the world to receive the award and the first in Africa to earn the distinction.David Lappartient, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), presents the “UCI Bike City Label Award” to the State Minister for Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, in recognition of the City of Kigali for successfully hosting the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.
