KIGALI, Rwanda – The 2025 Giants of Africa Festival officially opened on Sunday with powerful messages of unity, pride, and ambition from Masai Ujiri, the festival’s founder, and President Paul Kagame, the host nation’s leader. The event, now in its second edition in Kigali, brought together hundreds of young athletes from across the continent for a celebration of sports, culture, and African excellence.
Taking the stage during the festival’s high-energy opening ceremony, Masai Ujiri, a celebrated NBA executive and co-founder of the initiative, opened his remarks with a heartfelt declaration: “I love you, Rwanda, and I love you, Africa.” Ujiri praised the country’s leadership for creating an environment where African dreams can thrive.
“It is such a pride for me to be here. I want to say thank you to His Excellency President Paul Kagame for allowing us to do this in Rwanda for the second time,” Ujiri said. He also extended gratitude to First Lady Jeannette Kagame, sponsors, and the broader community for making the event possible.
Ujiri’s message to the youth was bold and urgent. He called on Africa to embrace its identity and potential, emphasizing that Africans are not defined by poverty or charity narratives often portrayed by outsiders.
“We are a borderless Africa. We are together. This signifies who we are. We are beautiful. I promise you that these guys—among the many youths on the continent—are going to make our continent great. They are going to be bigger, better,” he said.
“Everybody underestimates us. They think white charity, they think poverty. But we are rich—rich in soul, talent, and who we are. We are rich because we belong.”
Ujiri passionately urged African youth to pursue greatness in every field, from sport to medicine, music to aviation. He challenged the continent to stop asking why it can’t be the best and instead believe that it can—and will—lead the world.
Kagame Echoes the Call: "Believe in the Giant Within"
In his official opening address, President Paul Kagame echoed Ujiri’s sentiments, using the moment to inspire a sense of self-belief and continental pride. He praised Ujiri’s vision and dedication to uplifting Africa’s youth, commending him for investing both time and resources to make the Giants of Africa Festival a reality.
“I want you to believe in the giants that are in you,” Kagame told the young athletes. “Put in the time, put in the work on court, off court and that will bring out the giant in you. That is what Africa needs to do.”
Kagame emphasized that Africa, like its youth, must rise confidently and not remain behind while the rest of the world advances.
“Africa needs to believe in the giant that Africa is and then come out, show it, and do what giants do,” Kagame said. “Giants grow, develop, stand tall, and believe in themselves.”
The Rwandan leader pointed to the festival itself as a symbol of Africa’s capacity for excellence. With participants from over 20 countries, the event is a testament to what African unity and purpose can achieve.
“We can do it through sports, we can do it through many things,” Kagame said. “It should not just be a slogan or talk it must be followed by action. And we are capable of doing that.”
To the youth, he issued a call to lead: to be the face of a new Africa one built on talent, discipline, and unity.
“Giants of Africa have been trailblazers—in sports, in infrastructure, and in identifying and developing the talent of Africa’s youth that you represent here tonight,” he concluded, thanking all participating nations for believing in the vision.
