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With over 320 young participants from 20 countries, the festival’s multifaceted celebration focuses on basketball, education, culture, and entertainment, with the overarching goal of uniting and empowering youth from across the African continent.

Some of the countries represented include Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Botswana, South Sudan, Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Benin, Mali, Morocco, and Senegal, among others.

IGIHE caught up with some of the participants to hear their stories and expectations as the event gets underway.

Abdul Salam from South Sudan arrived in Kigali with an open heart and eagerness to grow. He expressed that his goal was 'to learn a lot, like discipline and how to believe in yourself.'

As the festival progressed, he found himself deeply inspired by the environment around him.

'They inspire me, they motivate me,' he said, referencing the mentors and fellow youth participants. For Abdul, this was more than just a camp; it was a personal turning point.

Once the curtains come down on the event, he said he will head back to South Sudan with a mission to “inspire and motivate people, encouraging them not to lose hope in life.'

For Mary Igwokwo from Nigeria, the festival is an exciting whirlwind of fun, connection, and discovery.

'This whole experience is fun for me, and I’m really enjoying myself big time,' she said enthusiastically.

But beyond the fun, she found a deeper lesson in unity and teamwork. 'I learned about collaboration, not just operating alone,' she shared.

Mary plans to return home as an advocate of love, leadership, and unity. 'I’ll tell people to love each other, work together, dream big, and be leaders.'

Abdul Rahman Hussein, from Somalia, was on his second visit to Rwanda. His love for the country was evident.

'I love Rwanda. The people are helpful, and the weather is good. Alhamdulillah, everything is good,' he said warmly.

He praised the organisation and impact of the event, calling it 'a big event, very amazing.'

What stood out most to Abdul Rahman was the culture of kindness and encouragement he observed in Rwanda.

'I’ll tell people about the love of Rwanda and encourage other African countries to come to Rwanda.'

Yao Yu Fei, a visitor from China, was in Kigali during the festival and decided to attend out of curiosity after seeing it promoted online.

'Rwanda is very beautiful, and the climate is so nice,' he shared. What impressed him most was the atmosphere and energy of the youth. 'The young people here are so passionate and positive,' he said. Smiling, he added, 'I don’t want to go back to China for now.'

This year’s festival, themed 'A Borderless Africa,' includes intensive basketball training, leadership workshops, motivational panels, fashion shows, and live concerts.

During the opening ceremony, President Paul Kagame delivered a powerful and inspiring speech, urging African youth to believe deeply in their continent’s potential.

He reminded attendees, 'We must do what great nations do: grow, develop, and stand.' His words strongly resonated with the festival’s theme, encouraging young Africans to lead with confidence and a clear vision for the future.

Masai Ujiri, Co-founder of Giants of Africa, addressed the participants with heartfelt conviction, declaring, 'I will always be a son of Africa.'

He emphasised that Africa possesses all the essential elements for success: 'its people, its passion, and its power.'

Ujiri reminded the youth that the main objective of Giants of Africa is to empower young Africans not only through basketball but also by nurturing leadership, cultural identity, and community development across the continent. His message was a call for self-belief and collective action to build a stronger, united Africa.

One of the festival’s most impactful moments was the International Youth Day Forum, a central highlight of the week. The forum brought together 2,000 Rwandan youth alongside international participants for a day of interactive and empowering engagement.

Organised in partnership with Imbuto Foundation and the Ministry of Youth & Arts, the forum featured motivational talks, practical life skills sessions, and leadership workshops led by respected voices from across Africa and beyond. It was a space where young people could explore ideas, build confidence, and connect with mentors in a meaningful way.

The festival’s cultural showcases dazzled audiences with electrifying performances by some of Africa’s brightest stars. Renowned artists such as Uncle Waffles, Sherrie Silver, Kevin Kade, and Ruti Joel took centre stage, infusing the event with vibrant energy and artistic brilliance. Their captivating acts not only entertained thousands but also celebrated the rich tapestry of African creativity and unity.

The Giants of Africa Festival 2025 kicked off in Kigali at BK Arena, Rwanda, on Sunday, July 27, amid fanfare and great anticipation from participants.

During the opening ceremony, President Paul Kagame delivered a powerful and inspiring speech, urging African youth to believe deeply in their continent’s potential.

Masai Ujiri, Co-founder of Giants of Africa, addressed the participants with heartfelt conviction, declaring, 'I will always be a son of Africa.'

Rania Umutoni

IGIHE

According to media reports, the meeting on Monday brought together Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet in an effort to halt fighting that has killed at least 35 people and displaced over 270,000 from both sides.

Anwar described the outcome as a positive step toward peace, with the ceasefire set to take effect at midnight on July 28 (1200 GMT). He added that military commanders from both countries will meet Tuesday to discuss further de-escalation.

US and Chinese diplomats were present, with Anwar noting that leaders from both nations, including US President Donald Trump, played a role in supporting the peace process.

Hun Manet praised the talks, expressing hope that the ceasefire would help rebuild trust between the neighbors. Meanwhile, Phumtham affirmed Thailand’s commitment to the agreement, despite earlier doubts about Cambodia’s intentions.

Recent clashes included rocket fire by Cambodia into Thailand’s Sisaket province, and accusations from both sides of troop buildups and attacks near contested temple sites.

Cambodia’s defense spokesperson accused Thai forces of using heavy weapons and smoke bombs in the disputed areas but said Cambodian troops successfully repelled the assaults.

The meeting on Monday brought together Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet in an effort to halt fighting that has killed at least 35 people and displaced over 270,000 from both sides. Photo by AP

IGIHE

According to the July 2025 edition of the index, Rwandan passport holders can travel visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival in 63 destinations. This places Rwanda in the 23rd position in Africa and 73rd globally, ahead of several countries in the region, including Mozambique (62) and Togo (60).

At the top of the African continent, Seychelles leads the ranking with access to 156 destinations, followed by Mauritius (149) and South Africa (103). These nations remain Africa’s strongest performers on the global mobility scale.

Other East African nations in Rwanda’s neighborhood rank closely: Kenya has access to 71 destinations, Tanzania to 70, Uganda and Zambia to 67, while Burundi lags behind with 48.

Globally, Singapore tops the 2025 index with a visa-free score of 193, while Afghanistan remains at the bottom, with access to only 25 countries without a visa.

The Henley Passport Index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is widely regarded as the most authoritative passport ranking system. The index tracks 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, providing a unique snapshot of each country’s passport power.

Rwanda’s upward mobility in the rankings reflects its growing diplomatic reach and continued efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties, especially across Africa and Asia.

Rwanda has been ranked among Africa’s top 25 most powerful passports in the newly released Henley Passport Index 2025, which assesses global mobility by measuring the number of destinations passport holders can access without a prior visa.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The announcement was made at a joint press briefing Sunday afternoon following trade talks at the Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire, Scotland.

Although both leaders described the deal as a step toward restoring “trade balance” and promoting more equitable two-way commerce, the agreement allows the United States to impose a broad 15 percent tariff on EU goods while securing zero-tariff access for a range of strategic American exports.

In contrast, the EU has pledged to purchase 750 billion U.S. dollars’ worth of American energy and commit an additional 600 billion U.S. dollars in investments in the United States.

At the press briefing, Trump claimed the agreement would enable American cars to re-enter the European market and make U.S. agricultural exports more accessible in the EU. He also said that pharmaceuticals were excluded from the agreement, while existing 50 percent tariffs on EU steel and aluminium exports to the United States will remain in place.

However, at a separate press briefing, von der Leyen clarified that the EU and the U.S. had agreed to include pharmaceuticals under the 15 percent tariff framework. She did not rule out the possibility of further U.S. trade actions in the future.

When asked whether a 15 percent tariff for EU carmakers-up from 2.5 percent under the Biden administration-was a favorable outcome, von der Leyen responded that, prior to this agreement, European vehicles faced a total tariff of 27.5 percent when entering the U.S. market. This included a 25 percent levy imposed during Trump’s previous term in addition to the original 2.5 percent. The new 15 percent rate, she argued, represents a reduction from that level.

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, criticized the newly reached deal as “unsatisfactory” and “significantly imbalanced,” warning that it could undermine the EU’s economic stability and job security.

“This is a deal with a slant. Clearly, concessions have been made that are difficult to bear,” Lange said in a statement on Sunday.

Prior to the agreement, over 70 percent of EU exports to the United States were subject to tariffs, including 50 percent on steel and aluminium, 25 percent on automobiles and parts, and a 10 percent duty on most other goods. Trump had warned that if no deal was reached by Aug. 1, the 10 percent tariff would be raised to 30 percent.

President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shake hands after reaching a trade deal at the Trump Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland, July 27, 2025.

Xinhua

“The Ministry strongly condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the step taken by the terrorist RSF militia in announcing a fake government, claiming to assign government positions to run Sudan,” the statement said.

The ministry urged neighboring countries, the international community, regional and international organizations, as well as all governmental and non-governmental entities, to denounce the declaration of the parallel government and refrain from recognizing or engaging with it.

It emphasized that any form of engagement with the parallel government would constitute an infringement on Sudan’s legitimate authority and sovereignty over its entire territory, and a clear violation of the rights and resources of the Sudanese people.

On Saturday, the Sudan Founding Alliance, led by the RSF, announced the formation of a parallel government.

The parallel government was announced in a televised statement broadcast via Telegram, naming Mohamed Hassan Al-Taishi as the “prime minister.”

According to the statement, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was selected as “President of the Presidential Council,” the highest sovereign authority, while leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilu was appointed as “Vice President of the Presidential Council.”

The RSF signed a founding charter with various political and armed groups in February, setting the groundwork for the parallel government.

Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders.

The Sudanese government on Sunday rejected a parallel government declared by a coalition led by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), urging other countries not to recognize it, according to a statement by the Sudanese Foreign Ministry.

Xinhua

According to local media reports, ADF fighters stormed a Catholic church early Saturday in the town of Komanda, Ituri Province. A local civil society leader in Komanda said most of the victims, primarily Catholic worshippers, were preparing for Sunday celebrations when the attack took place. Several houses were burned, and an unknown number of people remain missing.

Witnesses said the assailants also looted a local bank and other community properties before retreating into the nearby forest.

The ADF rebels have stepped up assaults in Ituri since early July. In a statement issued earlier this week, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC condemned the recent ADF attacks, which have killed at least 82 civilians in both Ituri and neighboring North Kivu Province.

The ADF, an affiliate of the Islamic State in Central Africa, is a Ugandan rebel group operating in eastern DRC, prompting joint military operations by Congolese and Ugandan forces to pursue the group since November 2021.

At least 43 civilians were killed overnight from Saturday to Sunday in an attack attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), local sources said Sunday. Photo by Reuters

Xinhua

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.

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.

'Masai has invested his passion, his time, his own money and mobilised even more resources to put this festival together,' said Kagame. 'Through him, I also thank his family and all the friends of this continent who support this vision.'

In his speech, Kagame emphasised the deeper purpose behind the festival.

'I want to urge you to believe in the giants that are in you,' he told the youth. 'Put in time on and off the court. That will bring out the giant in you—and that’s what Africa needs to do. Giants grow. They stand tall. They believe in themselves.'

He added: 'Africa 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.'

The President reaffirmed Rwanda’s pride in hosting the festival for the second time, highlighting the country’s commitment to creating spaces that inspire and uplift Africa’s youth.

'We welcome you. We want you to feel at home and we hope you’ll be back, even for other things beyond this festival.'

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 'A Borderless Africa.'

The program includes basketball camps led by NBA and WNBA coaches, leadership forums, cultural showcases, fashion events, and concerts featuring international and African artists.

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 'Asylum' and 'Yahyuppiyah' with other popular tracks, thrilling the crowd.

A breakout star in Africa’s music scene and a social media sensation, she brought not just music but an unforgettable experience to Kigali.

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.

Christiane Bukuru, Ruti Joel, and Kevin Kade also delivered captivating performances that kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.

Masai Ujiri, the festival’s founder and President of the Toronto Raptors, delivered an emotional speech, declaring his love for Africa and the youth who represent its future.

'You are the future of Africa. Take it. Take it and run. Believe. Grow. Be better. Make this continent something—and when you make it, stay humble and take people with you,' he said.

Ujiri also reflected on the humble beginnings shared by many African leaders and athletes, reminding the youth that they too can achieve greatness.

'We 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.'

Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, called the festival a dynamic movement of empowerment.

'Giants of Africa is more than basketball, it’s a celebration of African excellence,' she said. 'Thanks to President Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda continues to be a place where dreams are nurtured and Africa’s future is shaped with purpose.'

Mukazayire urged the youth to remain proud of their roots.

'Believe in your potential, work hard, and never lose sight of your dreams. You have all it takes, we believe in you.'

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 'Threads of Africa' event.

Since its founding over two decades ago, Giants of Africa has built basketball courts and launched outreach programs in numerous African countries.

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.

Masai Ujiri, the festival’s founder and President of the Toronto Raptors, delivered an emotional speech, declaring his love for Africa and the youth who represent its future.

Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, called the festival a dynamic movement of empowerment.

The festival brings together over 300 young athletes from 20 African countries.

The program includes basketball camps led by NBA and WNBA coaches, leadership forums, cultural showcases, fashion events, and concerts featuring international and African artists.

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 'A Borderless Africa.'

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Among just sixteen global winners, Nyandungu Eco-Park received a Full Star accreditation alongside category Stars for 'People' and 'Biodiversity,' highlighting its excellence in community engagement and ecological conservation.

The award, presented by Wetland Link International (WLI), is the only global quality mark dedicated to wetland educators and visitor attractions, recognising sites that promote conservation and public awareness of wetlands such as rivers, marshes, and coasts.

Opened to the public in July 2022 after six years of restoration work, Nyandungu Eco-Park is now one of the capital’s most treasured urban nature escapes.

Located in Kigali, a Ramsar-accredited Wetland City, Nyandungu Eco-Park has rapidly become a flagship urban nature sanctuary. Since opening to the public in July 2022, following six years of extensive restoration, the park has seen a steady rise in visitors, welcoming 76,754 people in 2024, up from 67,222 in 2023 and 48,813 in 2022.

Spanning 121 hectares, including 70 hectares of rehabilitated wetlands and 50 hectares of forest, the park is home to nearly 200 bird species and more than 62 indigenous plant species.

Nyandungu Eco-tourism Park welcomed 76,754 visitors in 2024, marking a steady rise in interest for Rwanda’s eco-tourism initiatives.

The transformation from a degraded wetland to a thriving ecosystem was made possible by a Frw 4.5 billion investment led by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), with funding from the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), the UK Government, Italy’s Ministry for Ecological Transition, and the UN Environment Programme.

Nyandungu offers visitors a unique combination of recreation and education with features such as a medicinal garden, the Pope’s Garden, five catchment ponds, three recreational ponds, 10 kilometres of walkways and cycling lanes, an information centre, and a restaurant.

The park is set for a 43-hectare expansion.

Rwanda’s Nyandungu Eco-Park has earned global recognition as one of the world’s leading wetland education centres, winning the prestigious Star Wetland Centre Award at the Convention on Wetlands (COP15) held on July 27, 2025, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Among just sixteen global winners, Nyandungu Eco-Park received a Full Star accreditation alongside category Stars for 'People' and 'Biodiversity,' highlighting its excellence in community engagement and ecological conservation.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Rwandan rapper Elijah Ntare Shema, popularly known as The Dice Kid, continues to make waves with his introspective lyrics, genre-bending sound, and unapologetic authenticity.

Whether performing live, crafting verses in the studio, or connecting with fans online, he embodies a new generation of Rwandan artists determined to push creative boundaries.

In a recent appearance on IGIHE Culture’s vibrant entertainment series Hooks & Jabz, The Dice Kid opened up about his journey as an artist, his growth, and the values that guide his music. Candid and grounded, he reflected on how it all began at the age of 16.

For him, music has never been just a career; it’s a calling.

'I want to lay a foundation for future artists in Rwanda’s fresh music industry,' he shared.

Rwandan rapper Elijah Ntare Shema, popularly known as The Dice Kid, continues to make waves with his introspective lyrics, genre-bending sound, and unapologetic authenticity.

His name, like the many sides of a dice, reflects his diverse interests in music, fashion, film, and storytelling, all of which come together to form his artistic identity.

The Dice Kid’s latest body of work, Infinity Pack, created in collaboration with Eers, dives deep into themes of peace, love, patience, and kindness, virtues he says are essential in navigating life’s never-ending journey.

One of the standout tracks, 'Luckily Unlucky,' has resonated strongly with fans. It’s an honest reflection on navigating hardship and remaining grounded in the face of adversity.

'It’s about the journey, the highs and lows,' he explained, capturing the emotional core of the song.

The Dice Kid made the revelations in a recent appearance on IGIHE Culture’s vibrant entertainment series Hooks & Jabz.

Another hard-hitting track, 'Salty Rappers,' addresses hypocrisy, jealousy, and industry toxicity. With sharp lyricism and spiritual insight, he confronts fake alliances, chasing fame, and the loneliness that can come with success.

Creative process

When it comes to making music, The Dice Kid is all about energy. He prefers a minimal, mood-driven studio setup of LED lights, solitude, and just the beat to guide him.

'Crowded studios kill the vibe,' he noted, favouring a focused, organic creation space.

Working closely with elite local producers like Khabib, Juny Quickly, and Kuba, he builds most of his tracks from scratch, blending traditional hip-hop sounds with soulful, afro-fusion, and alternative influences.

He also shared the albums that shaped his sound: Good Kid, M.A.A.D City by Kendrick Lamar, Bad Hair by Nasty C, 4 Your Eyez Only by J. Cole, and Graduation by Kanye West. With confidence, he added Infinity Pack to the list, believing it will leave its mark on Rwanda’s musical history.

Kigali roots and real-life wisdom

Off-stage, The Dice Kid embraces life in Kigali, his city, his muse. A fan of genuine conversations and hangouts with close friends, he highlighted his favourite chill spots like Three Chaps, Buns, and Gate 10, where creative energy and good vibes flow freely.

In the interview, he spoke with humility and clarity about success, growth, and consistency. He encourages emerging artists to stay grounded, ignore noise, and value even the smallest wins.

'Appreciate every single win. Consistency makes you a master,' he shared. 'Celebrate getting 400 monthly listeners the same way you’d celebrate 40,000.'

His philosophy, rooted in self-awareness and spiritual growth, sets him apart in a music industry often driven by trends and instant fame.

From the beat to the message, from style to soul, The Dice Kid is doing more than entertaining; he’s inspiring. Whether it’s through his raw lyrics, carefully curated visuals, or his thoughtful interviews, he continues to raise the bar for what Rwandan hip-hop can be.

Watch the full interview below:

Rania Umutoni