President Kagame Opens Zaria Court in Kigali Sports City July 28, 2025

Picture from Pan Africa visions

picture from Pan Africa Visions


On Monday, July 28, 2025, Rwandan President Paul Kagame attended the  official opening of Zaria Court, a state of the art sports, culture, and entertainment building located in the Remera sector of Kigali. The event also served as a highlight of the Giants of Africa Festival, showing a commitment to youth empowerment and socio-economic development through sports. 

This building was developed by both Rwanda and Masai Ujiri, Toronto Raptors president and co‑founder of Giants of Africa, Zaria Court is the heart of Kigali Sports City  Rwanda’s ambitious push to position itself as a continental hub for sports, culture, tourism, and innovation.  

This project was completed in only two years . Its features include:

An 80-room boutique hotel

Multiple restaurants and a rooftop lounge

A fully equipped gym, wellness spaces, co-working areas, and a podcast studio

A multipurpose indoor court for sports, performances, and exhibitions

A creative retail hub built from old shipping containers offers local entrepreneurs especially women and youth a space to launch and grow their businesse

a large landscaped areas with green open spaces, children's play zones, and two to five football pitches .

In his speech ,President Kagame reflected on the values that guide his leadership: “I wasn’t a sportsman but I learned that I am capable of enabling others in what they can do.” He framed Zaria Court as more than infrastructure it’s a platform for building community, economy, and opportunity across Africa. He emphasized the broader impact of sports: “All of this builds communities, builds families, builds individuals.”“When people start believing and see things happening then they get more involved. And the sky is the limit.”

 Zaria Court is a powerful example of how old spaces can be given new life. What was once a government building  later used by the UN during the 1994 genocide and most recently as a COVID-19 health center  has now been transformed into a vibrant hub for sports, business, and culture. Its more than a renovation its a symbol of Rwanda’s resilience, innovation, and forward momentum

Funded through a partnership involving the Bank of Kigali, Helios Sports & Entertainment Group, and international investors, Zaria Court is expected to create over 500 jobs in hospitality, tourism, sports, and creative sectors.  

Masai Ujiri praised Kagame’s vision, noting sports as an engine for inclusion, sustainability, and youth opportunity. He emphasized this hub will impact Rwanda and the entire region.  

Zaria Court is envisioned as the first of its kind in Africa, with future builds in cities like Accra, Lagos, Dakar, Johannesburg, and Nairobi. Each is projected to replicate the model by fostering local talent, entrepreneurship, and community development.

President Kagame’s visit to officially open Zaria Court was more than ceremonial. It shows Rwanda’s  confidence in sports as a tool transformation. From architectural innovation to youth empowerment, from community-building to continental ambition Zaria Court represents the future of Rwanda’s vision for inclusive growth and African leadership 



Written by Akariza Perla Benita

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