In a statement issued on September 23, 2026, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the joint decision “reflects the two countries’ commitment to overcoming differences through dialogue and mutual understanding.”
Rwanda and Belgium announced the restoration of diplomatic relations on September 22 in a joint statement issued on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The two countries said their embassies would reopen in the “near future”, initially under chargé d’affaires ad interim, before the process of appointing ambassadors begins.
Qatar highlighted its role in bringing the two sides together, noting that Doha hosted the first meeting between Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe and Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prévot in June 2025.
“The meeting opened the door to direct dialogue and paved the way for subsequent meetings and communications that led to the resumption of diplomatic relations,” the statement said.
The ministry also expressed appreciation to Rwanda and Belgium for recognising Qatar’s role in the process.
Qatar commended “the constructive spirit demonstrated by both sides in addressing differences and clearing up misunderstandings” and expressed hope that the restoration of diplomatic relations would “open new horizons for cooperation between the two countries.”
Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium on March 17, 2025, amid tensions linked to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Kigali accused Brussels of taking sides in the conflict and mobilising against Rwanda in international forums.
The restoration of diplomatic relations reopens formal channels between Kigali and Brussels after more than a year of strained relations.
Qatar said the development could contribute to peace and stability at regional and international levels, while reiterating its “firm belief that direct dialogue and diplomatic means represent the optimal path for resolving differences between states.”
The ministry added that Qatar would continue supporting efforts aimed at bringing perspectives closer together and resolving disputes through peaceful means.
Qatar has welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium after more than a year of strained ties.The Belgian Embassy building in Kigali remained closed following Rwanda’s decision to sever diplomatic relations with Belgium in March 2025.
The activity aimed to promote environmental hygiene and strengthen cooperation among local stakeholders.
The event was held at Palma Secondary School as part of the World Annual Clean-Up Day celebrations. It brought together Palma residents, local authorities, stakeholders, and security organs.
As part of the activity, RSF provided educational support to Palma Secondary School, including teaching books and sports kits to enhance students’ learning and participation in sports.
In his remarks, Palma District Administrator, Mr. João Agostinho Buchili, commended the initiative and emphasized the importance of maintaining proper sanitation to help prevent diseases.
He also acknowledged RSF’s continued support to the local community, alongside its efforts to contribute to the restoration of peace and security.
Rwanda first deployed a joint force of military and police personnel to Cabo Delgado in July 2021 at the request of the Mozambican government to help contain an Islamist insurgency that had destabilised the resource-rich province.
Since then, the force has played a key role in recapturing strategic towns, including Mocímboa da Praia, and improving security, enabling thousands of displaced residents to return to their homes.
Rwanda Security Forces personnel deployed in Cabo Delgado join Palma residents in an annual community clean-up activity.RSF personnel join local residents and authorities in promoting environmental hygiene in Palma, Cabo Delgado.Palma Secondary School students receive educational materials and sports kits from Rwanda Security Forces personnel.
Amb. Gao made the remarks at a reception celebrating the anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The ceremony, held at the Kigali Marriott Hotel, brought together government officials, diplomats, members of the Chinese community and other guests to celebrate the longstanding ties between Rwanda and China.
Amb. Gao pointed to the elevation of China-Rwanda relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024 as a major step that opened a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
“China-Rwanda friendship has grown from strong to stronger,” Amb. Gao noted, adding that the two countries share mutual trust and support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns.
“China-Rwanda relations are a choice, not a coincidence,” he affirmed.
The envoy also highlighted Rwanda’s adherence to the one-China principle, describing it as a position highly appreciated by the Chinese government and people.
Amb. Gao pointed to the elevation of China-Rwanda relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024 as a major step that opened a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
Trade and investment
Economic ties have remained a key part of the relationship, which dates back to 1971, with bilateral trade reaching a record $849 million in 2025
Rwandan exports to China rose 42% year-on-year to $227 million during the same period, with products such as coffee gaining a larger share of the Chinese market.
Amb. Gao pointed to the zero-tariff policy as one factor supporting the growth in trade, while highlighting the upcoming ninth China International Import Expo, scheduled for November 5, as another opportunity for Rwandan products and businesses to expand their presence in China.
He also described China as Rwanda’s largest source of foreign direct investment, with Chinese companies investing in sectors ranging from garments, cement and agriculture to food processing and vehicle assembly.
These investments, he noted, are contributing to Rwanda’s “Made in Rwanda” ambitions by supporting local production.
Infrastructure and healthcare
Amb. Gao also highlighted major infrastructure and healthcare projects as examples of the practical cooperation between the two countries.
The newly renovated and expanded Masaka Hospital was officially handed over to Rwanda on August 28. Its floor space has expanded nearly tenfold, while its capacity has increased sixfold, the ambassador noted.
The hospital, which cost 580 million Chinese yuan, equivalent to more than Rwf124 billion, has 837 beds and 22 operating theatres. It is expected to become the new home of the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) by the end of 2026.
The Prince House-Giporoso-Masaka road project was also highlighted after officially breaking ground earlier this month.
The 10.3-kilometre project is being implemented through a partnership in which China is contributing about Rwf95 billion and Rwanda about Rwf35 billion.
Construction is expected to take about 30 months. The works include a flyover, underpasses, interchanges, bridges, drainage systems and street lighting, while the existing corridor will be upgraded into a dual four-lane carriageway, with some sections reaching eight lanes.
The upgraded road is expected to improve connectivity between Kigali, the Eastern Province, Bugesera International Airport and east-bound seaports.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Usta Kaitesi also cited the Masaka Hospital, the Prince House-Giporoso-Masaka road and the Nyabarongo II hydropower project as examples of cooperation with a direct impact on Rwanda’s development.
“Our partnership continues to deepen and expand across infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, energy, trade, investments, capacity building, and many other areas,” Dr. Kaitesi noted.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Usta Kaitesi lauded the strong and longstanding relations between Rwanda and China during the reception marking 55 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Education, skills and people-to-people ties
Beyond infrastructure and trade, the two countries have expanded cooperation in education, technical training and people-to-people exchanges.
Amb. Gao revealed that around 150 Rwandan students had travelled to China on degree scholarships this year, while more than 300 Rwandan experts had participated in specialised training courses and workshops in China.
More than 35,000 Rwandan farmers have also received training and materials related to Juncao mushroom technology.
Amb. Gao further highlighted Rwanda’s performance in the Huawei ICT Competition, noting that three Rwandan teams reached the global final this year and brought home one first prize and one second prize.
The Chinese medical team, which has served in Rwanda for 44 years, was cited as another example of knowledge and skills transfer.
Amb. Gao explained that the focus of cooperation is increasingly on building Rwanda’s own capacity and supporting its development priorities under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050.
“The philosophy today is teaching to fish, rather than giving fish,” he remarked.
Dr. Kaitesi, meanwhile, emphasised Rwanda’s appreciation of China’s contribution to addressing global challenges and advancing the priorities of the Global South.
He also highlighted the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as an important platform for dialogue and practical cooperation between China and African countries.
The two officials also pointed to stronger people-to-people links, including tourism, as an area with room for further growth.
The ambassador noted a 20% increase in Chinese tourists visiting Rwanda and linked the trend to the broader push for people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa.
He also highlighted exchanges between the Communist Party of China and Rwanda’s Rwandan Patriotic Front as an example of the close relationship between the two countries.
Referring to President Paul Kagame’s description of China as a “long-term, reliable and trustworthy partner” of Rwanda, Amb. Gao maintained that the relationship had stood the test of time.
He expressed confidence that the friendship would continue to grow in the coming decades.
Dr. Kaitesi similarly expressed Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening the partnership in the years ahead.
“Rwanda greatly appreciates China’s continued partnership and looks forward to further strengthening our cooperation in the next 55 years ahead,” she stated.
The ceremony, held at the Kigali Marriott Hotel, brought together government officials, diplomats, members of the Chinese community and other guests to celebrate the longstanding ties between Rwanda and China.Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi and members of the Chinese delegation take Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Usta Kaitesi on a tour of an exhibition during the reception at the Kigali Marriott Hotel on September 22, 2026.Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi poses for a photo with Israeli Ambassador to Rwanda Einat Weiss during the reception at the Kigali Marriott Hotel on September 22, 2026.Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi poses for a photo with British High Commissioner to Rwanda Alison Thorpe during the reception at the Kigali Marriott Hotel on September 22, 2026.The ceremony marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and 55 years of diplomatic relations between China and Rwanda.Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi poses for a photo with representatives of security organs during the reception at the Kigali Marriott Hotel on September 22, 2026.The colorful ceremony featured various cultural performances, including a traditional Chinese dragon dance.IGIHE journalist Rania Umutoni was among the participants awarded during the National Day reception after winning first prize in the “China Through My Eyes” competition for her story showcasing her experience of China.Several participants were recognised at the ceremony.
Welcoming the delegation, Gen MK Mubarakh, noted that the RDF and the Ghana Armed Forces have maintained a long-standing relationship and share strong commitments, particularly in the areas of military professional education and training exchanges.
He added that the current visit provides another opportunity to share experiences and further strengthen the existing relationship between the two defence institutions.
The Deputy Commandant, Brig Gen Eric Kodo Konadu, thanked the Rwanda Defence Force for the warm welcome and noted that Rwanda and Ghana share a strong and historic relationship, which was further strengthened by the positive role played by Ghanaian peacekeepers during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He described the study tour as an opportunity to further strengthen the existing relationship and enable the visiting officers to gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s experience in national security, national cohesion and development.
During their visit to RDF Headquarters, the delegation also attended a briefing on the RDF’s transformation journey and its contribution to regional and international peace and security.
The session highlighted the RDF’s evolution from a liberation movement into a modern and professional military institution committed to national development, regional peace and international security.
As part of their itinerary, the delegation visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay their respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, followed by a tour of the Campaign against Genocide Museum.
The remainder of their programme will include visits to the RDF Command and Staff College, military welfare institutions such as Zigama CSS and Military Medical Insurance, as well as several government institutions.
4. Gen MK Mubarakh says the Ghanaian delegation’s visit provides an opportunity to share experiences and further strengthen ties between the two defence institutions.1. The Ghana National Defence College delegation poses for a group photo with Rwanda Defence Force officials during its study visit to Rwanda.The Ghana National Defence College delegation is in Rwanda for a study visit focused on national security, cohesion and development.Ghanaian military officers learn about the Rwanda Defence Force’s transformation journey during a visit to RDF Headquarters.
Trump made the remarks during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, where he announced that the United States would use the new term in its official documents and expressed hope that other countries would follow.
“From this point forward, all of United States’ documents, and hopefully the world’s, will be changed to use the more accurate term ‘super’ as opposed to ‘artificial’. So it’s ‘super intelligence’,” Trump said.
The proposal follows a series of polls on Trump’s Truth Social account in which he asked users to choose possible alternatives to artificial intelligence.
Other names floated by Trump included “superior intelligence” and “extreme intelligence”, but “super intelligence” emerged as the preferred option.
It remains unclear how the proposed change would be implemented or whether it will be adopted beyond the US government.
Experts have questioned the terminology, noting that “super intelligence” already has a specific meaning in the technology industry.
The term is commonly used to describe a hypothetical form of intelligence that would surpass human capabilities across a broad range of areas. It has been particularly associated with philosopher Nick Bostrom, who has written extensively about the concept.
Trump’s push to rename AI comes as governments and technology companies debate how rapidly the technology should develop and whether stronger regulation is needed.
The president has argued against regulations that he believes could slow US technological progress, particularly as Washington competes with China for leadership in AI.
“We’re leading now over China by a lot, and everyone else, and we’re going to keep it that way,” Trump said at the UN.
He also said he would not “stifle the growth” of technology that he expects to become bigger than the Industrial Revolution.
Trump is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, with artificial intelligence expected to feature in discussions between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies.
The agreement was signed on September 22, 2026, during talks between Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, and his Cypriot counterpart, Dr. Constantinos Kombos.
Kombos said his discussions with Nduhungirehe focused on ways to further strengthen relations between Rwanda and Cyprus across various areas of mutual interest, as well as regional issues.
In a post on X, Nduhungirehe thanked his Cypriot counterpart for “good discussion, which opened new opportunities for the bilateral relations and cooperation between Cyprus and Rwanda.”
The signing of the agreement marks another step in the development of relations between Rwanda and Cyprus.
Cyprus is an island country in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, with Nicosia as its capital. It is located south of Türkiye, with the rest of its borders surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.
Rwanda, represented by Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Cyprus, represented by Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, signed an Air Services Agreement on September 22, 2026.Rwanda and Cyprus have signed an Air Services Agreement to strengthen cooperation in aviation and deepen bilateral relations.
At a ceremony on the sidelines of the UN General Debate, the agreement was inked by U.S. President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
Under the wide-ranging deal, the United States will be allowed to modernize and expand its activities at Pituffik Space Base, which it already operates in northwestern Greenland, and to establish an additional defense area at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig.
The deal also permits U.S. aircraft to fly over and land in any territory in Greenland, including its territorial waters, while U.S. public vessels may have undersea access to and movement within the territorial waters, without restriction except as mutually agreed upon by the parties.
The agreement bars non-NATO states from establishing manned or unmanned military installations in Greenland and from maintaining persistent presence of military forces in Greenland, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
It also restricts states or investors from countries that are not NATO members, NATO partners or EU member states from having control, significant influence or access to non-public information that could threaten national security or public order in particularly sensitive sectors or activities in Greenland.
The deal came after months of pressure from Trump, who repeatedly called for acquiring the autonomous Danish territory and did not rule out military or economic means. The proposal has drawn strong opposition from NATO allies and Greenlanders.
Under a 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the United States, as amended and supplemented in 2004, the U.S. military has rights to maintain personnel and construct, maintain and operate facilities in designated defense areas in Greenland, including at Pituffik Space Base.
The newly signed agreement will enter into force upon the delivery of a diplomatic note informing the United States that the Kingdom of Denmark, together with Greenland, has completed the necessary parliamentary procedures.
U.S. President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen (from left to right) sign an agreement at a ceremony on the sidelines of the UN General Debate at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Sept. 22, 2026.
The decision was announced on Tuesday, September 22, in a joint statement issued by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe and Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prévot.
The ministers issued the statement on the sidelines of the ongoing 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.
The two sides said their embassies will reopen in the “near future”. As an initial step, each mission will be headed by a chargé d’affaires ad interim, supported by a diplomat or consular officer and a small technical support team.
The two countries will subsequently begin the process of appointing ambassadors. Rwanda’s ambassador to Belgium will also be accredited to the European Union, according to the statement.
The restoration follows a series of meetings and informal contacts between Nduhungirehe and Prévot in recent months, during which the two sides said they addressed a number of differences and misunderstandings in a constructive spirit.
The two ministers expressed their gratitude to Qatar for facilitating their first meeting in Doha in June 2025.
Rwanda and Belgium said they would maintain “an open, candid and transparent dialogue” as they work to address bilateral differences and divergent positions on international issues.
They also agreed on “non-interference, mutual respect, and constructive engagement” as principles that will guide their future bilateral relations.
The statement said the two countries recognise dialogue as “essential for addressing bilateral differences and discussing divergent positions and outstanding disagreements on international issues.”
Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium on March 17, 2025, accusing Brussels of taking sides in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and of systematically mobilising against Rwanda in international forums.
Rwanda also accused Belgium of seeking to undermine the country and the region in pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions.
The dispute came amid tensions over the conflict in eastern DRC, where Rwanda has faced accusations of supporting the M23 rebel group. Kigali has consistently denied the allegations.
Rwanda has instead maintained that its main security concern is the collaboration between the Congolese government and the FDLR, an armed group composed of remnants of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The restoration of diplomatic relations reopens formal channels between Kigali and Brussels after more than a year of strained relations.
The restoration follows a series of meetings and informal contacts between Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe and Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot, in recent months, during which the two sides said they addressed a number of differences and misunderstandings in a constructive spirit.
Dr. Nsengiyumva made the appeal on Monday, September 21, 2026, during a cocktail reception in New York held in honour of Mushikiwabo on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Addressing ministers, permanent representatives and other guests, the Prime Minister said the gathering was an opportunity to further support a candidacy that is particularly important to Rwanda.
“Eight years later, her record speaks for itself,” Dr. Nsengiyumva said, referring to Mushikiwabo’s tenure at the helm of the OIF.
He said that under her leadership, the organisation had been modernised and undertaken major institutional, administrative and financial reforms.
Dr. Nsengiyumva also highlighted her focus on areas where he said the OIF can bring added value to its members, including youth, women’s empowerment, education, digitalisation, the economy and culture.
He further credited Mushikiwabo with strengthening the political dimension of the Francophonie and its role as a space for dialogue, solidarity and consultation in an increasingly fragmented world.
The Prime Minister said the OIF should continue building on these achievements and remain an organisation that responds to the priorities of all its members.
“Together we must work towards an Organisation useful to all its members, attentive to their priorities and capable of adapting to the realities of our time,” he said.
Mushikiwabo has led the OIF since January 2019, after being elected Secretary General in 2018. She was re-elected for a second term in 2022 in Djerba, Tunisia.
During her tenure, the OIF says it has mobilised €336 million since 2019, with 97% of its activities implemented.
Its women’s economic empowerment initiative, La Francophonie avec Elles, has reached nearly 100,000 women through 354 projects in 36 countries, while the organisation’s D-CLIC programme aims to increase the number of young people receiving digital skills training from 20,000 to 100,000.
In education, the OIF’s ELAN programme has reached 12 million students, using 46 African languages and working with about 230,000 teachers to promote early learning in mother tongues before children transition to French.
With her second term approaching its end, Rwanda has put forward her candidacy for a third mandate, with Dr. Nsengiyumva saying the decision was taken with the full support of President Paul Kagame.
He said Mushikiwabo has the experience, knowledge of the organisation and energy required to continue advancing the Francophonie.
“We are convinced that Louise Mushikiwabo possesses the experience, the knowledge of the Organisation and the energy necessary to continue to make the Francophonie evolve in the service of all its members,” he said.
Dr. Nsengiyumva urged those attending the reception to support her candidacy and expressed hope that they would attend the next Francophonie Summit in Cambodia in November.
He also used the occasion to thank Mushikiwabo for her work during her tenure.
Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva addresses a reception held in honour of Louise Mushikiwabo in New York.Louise Mushikiwabo has overseen institutional, administrative and financial reforms at the OIF during her tenure as Secretary General.Guests attend a reception held in New York in honour of Louise Mushikiwabo.
Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, outlined the plans during a panel at the Unstoppable Africa 2026 forum in New York on September 21, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Akamanzi explained that the BAL had spent its first six seasons proving that a credible professional basketball competition could be built and sustained on the continent.
The focus is now shifting towards creating opportunities for African and global investors to own BAL teams permanently.
“We’re now going to a more permanent structure where we’re giving and exploring opportunities for African investors and other global investors to own teams permanently, in perpetuity, in the BAL, backed by the NBA and FIBA,” Akamanzi stated during the panel, titled “Real Value from the Field: Protecting and Profiting from Africa’s Talent Pipeline,” and moderated by WNBA All-Star and broadcaster Chiney Ogwumike.
She revealed that NBA Africa is already seeing interest from investors, including those on the continent, who are exploring team ownership as a commercial opportunity.
The move comes as the BAL seeks to deepen its business ecosystem beyond the games themselves, with opportunities spanning team ownership, sponsorship, media, hospitality, transport, aviation, security and digital services.
Akamanzi pointed to the league’s first six seasons as a proof of concept, demonstrating that African audiences are willing to consume professional basketball and that companies on the continent are increasingly prepared to invest in the sport.
“We showed that Africans are actually ready to consume sport,” she remarked, pointing to the growing audience for the BAL in countries including Rwanda, South Africa, Senegal, Morocco and Egypt.
She also highlighted the league’s growing corporate base, noting that it finished the previous season with 22 marketing partners, mostly African brands.
Media partnerships have also expanded around the competition, with broadcasters including Canal+ helping distribute BAL games to audiences across the continent.
The economic impact of the league has been significant. NBA Africa estimates that the first four BAL seasons generated $250 million in GDP across the countries where games were hosted and contributed to 37,000 jobs.
Akamanzi reiterated that the league’s longer-term expansion could increase its estimated economic contribution to $5.4 billion in GDP and 650,000 jobs within a decade.
For Akamanzi, the next challenge is to turn the league’s growing audience and commercial interest into a deeper ownership structure that allows African investors to participate directly in the value created by the sport.
“It’s really looking at the game beyond the court,” she emphasised, arguing that investment in sports also creates opportunities across the wider economy.
Simon Tiemtore, founder, chairman and CEO of Lilium Capital Group and chairman of Vista Bank Group, backed the push for greater African ownership, pointing to the difficulty many investors face in entering the sports business.
Tiemtore disclosed that he was working with NBA Africa and Afreximbank through its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme to create financing structures that could enable more Africans to own teams.
“It’s expensive to get in, to have an entry point,” Tiemtore noted. “So with Afreximbank, we created some sort of structure financing program to essentially enable more Africans to own their own team and their own destiny.”
He also cited his investment in E1, the electric powerboat racing championship, where he co-owns Team Drogba Global Africa with partners including Afreximbank.
Kingsley Pungong, executive chairman of Rainbow World Group, stressed that private investment alone would not be enough to build a sustainable sports industry.
He called for African governments to place sports at the centre of economic policy and invest in the infrastructure needed to support professional leagues.
“You need infrastructure. You need enshrined policy,” Pungong argued, noting that athletes will continue to move to markets offering stronger commercial opportunities unless African countries build ecosystems capable of retaining and rewarding talent.
He pointed to Saudi Arabia, China and the United States as examples of markets where long-term investment, infrastructure and government support have helped build powerful sports ecosystems.
Tiemtore also called for stronger financial services tailored to African athletes, including banking, wealth management and investment products that can help athletes preserve and reinvest wealth generated abroad.
He noted that many African sporting stars use financial institutions outside the continent and argued that African banks should develop products that allow athletes to manage their earnings and invest back home.
The economic impact of the league has been significant. NBA Africa estimates that the first four BAL seasons generated $250 million in GDP across the countries where games were hosted and contributed to 37,000 jobs.Akamanzi pointed to the league’s first six seasons as a proof of concept, demonstrating that African audiences are willing to consume professional basketball and that companies on the continent are increasingly prepared to invest in the sport.
