{"id":55035,"date":"2025-07-27T22:53:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T22:53:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/believe-in-the-giant-within-you-president-kagame-tells-youth-at-giants-of\/"},"modified":"2025-07-29T16:39:19","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T16:39:19","slug":"believe-in-the-giant-within-you-president-kagame-tells-youth-at-giants-of","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/believe-in-the-giant-within-you-president-kagame-tells-youth-at-giants-of\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Believe in the giant within you,\u2019 President Kagame tells youth at Giants of Africa festival in Kigali"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>He made the appeal on Sunday at the opening ceremony of the Giants of Africa Festival 2025, a vibrant week-long celebration of basketball, education, and culture taking place in Kigali.<\/p>\n<p>Addressing over 300 young athletes from 20 African countries gathered at BK Arena, President Kagame praised Giants of Africa founder Masai Ujiri and his team for their unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMasai has invested his passion, his time, his own money and mobilised even more resources to put this festival together,\u201d said Kagame. \u201cThrough him, I also thank his family and all the friends of this continent who support this vision.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"656\" height=\"369\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KHlYiuW15GI\" title=\"He put his own money in! \u2014 President Kagame applauds Masai Ujiri\u2019s passion for Africa\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>In his speech, Kagame emphasised the deeper purpose behind the festival. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want to urge you to believe in the giants that are in you,\u201d he told the youth. \u201cPut in time on and off the court. That will bring out the giant in you\u2014and that\u2019s what Africa needs to do. Giants grow. They stand tall. They believe in themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He added: \u201cAfrica should not remain lagging behind the rest of the world. In a small way, through this festival, we are reminded that we can grow and bring out the many millions that Africans are, and continue to make Africa proud.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The President reaffirmed Rwanda\u2019s pride in hosting the festival for the second time, highlighting the country\u2019s commitment to creating spaces that inspire and uplift Africa\u2019s youth. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe welcome you. We want you to feel at home and we hope you\u2019ll be back, even for other things beyond this festival.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The 2025 edition of the Giants of Africa Festival runs from July 26 to August 2, bringing together youth from across the continent under the theme \u201cA Borderless Africa.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>The program includes basketball camps led by NBA and WNBA coaches, leadership forums, cultural showcases, fashion events, and concerts featuring international and African artists.<\/p>\n<p>The opening ceremony at BK Arena reflected the energy and vibrance of the festival. South African DJ Uncle Waffles, born Ungelihle Zwane, set the arena alight with a high-energy set that blended her signature Amapiano hits like \u201cAsylum\u201d and \u201cYahyuppiyah\u201d with other popular tracks, thrilling the crowd. <\/p>\n<p>A breakout star in Africa\u2019s music scene and a social media sensation, she brought not just music but an unforgettable experience to Kigali.<\/p>\n<p>Also returning to the stage was the Sherrie Silver Foundation, whose young performers blended dance with basketball choreography in an inspiring showcase of creativity and movement. Sherrie Silver, the internationally renowned choreographer and philanthropist, thanked both Masai Ujiri and President Kagame for creating platforms that empower African youth.<\/p>\n<p>Christiane Bukuru, Ruti Joel, and Kevin Kade also delivered captivating performances that kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.<\/p>\n<p>Masai Ujiri, the festival\u2019s founder and President of the Toronto Raptors, delivered an emotional speech, declaring his love for Africa and the youth who represent its future.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are the future of Africa. Take it. Take it and run. Believe. Grow. Be better. Make this continent something\u2014and when you make it, stay humble and take people with you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Ujiri also reflected on the humble beginnings shared by many African leaders and athletes, reminding the youth that they too can achieve greatness. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe all grew up in Africa. We wore our pants the same. We walked barefoot to school. If we can do it, you can do it even bigger and better.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"656\" height=\"369\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ySO_-knDUQ0\" title=\"Giants of Africa Festival returns to Kigali: Masai Ujiri hails Rwanda\u2019s support\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Rwanda\u2019s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, called the festival a dynamic movement of empowerment. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cGiants of Africa is more than basketball, it\u2019s a celebration of African excellence,\u201d she said. \u201cThanks to President Kagame\u2019s leadership, Rwanda continues to be a place where dreams are nurtured and Africa\u2019s future is shaped with purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mukazayire urged the youth to remain proud of their roots.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBelieve in your potential, work hard, and never lose sight of your dreams. You have all it takes, we believe in you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Beyond the courts, the festival integrates community service, leadership workshops, and cultural immersion. Among the highlights is the unveiling of new basketball courts through the Built Within initiative and a showcase of African fashion under the \u201cThreads of Africa\u201d event.<\/p>\n<p>Since its founding over two decades ago, Giants of Africa has built basketball courts and launched outreach programs in numerous African countries. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91600 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a72510p9a7251-4dc82.jpg\" alt=\"President Kagame made the appeal on Sunday at the opening ceremony of the Giants of Africa Festival 2025, a vibrant week-long celebration of basketball, education, and culture taking place in Kigali.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91591 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/gw4jr8kxkaazdf2.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91592 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/gw4jr8jxuaaervs.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91593 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/gw4jsevxgaa5oq3.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91602 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a71810p9a7181-16c6a.jpg\" alt=\"Masai Ujiri, the festival\u2019s founder and President of the Toronto Raptors, delivered an emotional speech, declaring his love for Africa and the youth who represent its future.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91606 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a68250p9a6825-f66ea.jpg\" alt=\"Rwanda\u2019s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, called the festival a dynamic movement of empowerment. \" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91632 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a75300p9a7530-907bb.jpg\" alt=\"The festival brings together over 300 young athletes from 20 African countries.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91631 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a75340p9a7534-364c5.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91630 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a75440p9a7544-eae76.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91629 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a75480p9a7548-e0855.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91628 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a75380p9a7538-070e2.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91627 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a75700p9a7570-bda56.jpg\" alt=\"The program includes basketball camps led by NBA and WNBA coaches, leadership forums, cultural showcases, fashion events, and concerts featuring international and African artists.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91626 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a75560p9a7556-fc3aa.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91625 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a75780p9a7578-7fc2c.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91623 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a75800p9a7580-f178e.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91622 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a75810p9a7581-73cff.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91621 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a75840p9a7584-04429.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91620 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a69490p9a6949-ec610.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91619 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a69450p9a6945-b3ece.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91618 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a69590p9a6959-5e4be.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91617 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a69630p9a6963-7d968.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91616 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a69660p9a6966-98fa3.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91615 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a69800p9a6980-009cc.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91614 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a69820p9a6982-f8fb9.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91613 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a70050p9a7005-615c4.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91612 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a70070p9a7007-e2519.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91611 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a70250p9a7025-de1f1.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91605 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a70500p9a7050-5c840.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91604 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a70420p9a7042-b250c.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91603 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a68980p9a6898-3b475.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91601 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a71340p9a7134-6462f.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91599 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a73920p9a7392-9b744.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91598 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a75120p9a7512-f0ce6.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91597 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a74960p9a7496-4fd77.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91596 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a74970p9a7497-22467.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91595 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a74200p9a7420-1e257.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91594 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/0p9a75840p9a7584-04429_1_.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91634 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a6610054a6610-374da.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91608 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a6526054a6526-c400e.jpg\" alt=\"The 2025 edition of the Giants of Africa Festival runs from July 26 to August 2, bringing together youth from across the continent under the theme \u201cA Borderless Africa.\u201d \" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91609 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a6491054a6491-ec868.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91610 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a6696054a6696-fdcc6.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-91607 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a6523054a6523-775d7.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>President Paul Kagame has called on Africa\u2019s youth to believe in their inner strength and potential, urging them to rise to the challenges facing the continent and become the leaders of tomorrow. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":2000091633,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[72,75],"byline":[192],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-55035","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-featured-news-home","tag-homenews","byline-wycliffe-nyamasege"],"bylines":[{"id":192,"name":"Wycliffe Nyamasege","slug":"wycliffe-nyamasege","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default 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