The game went into overtime after the two sides were tied 103-103 at the end of regulation time.
Shanghai Sharks started strongly, taking the first quarter 30-17, before narrowly edging the second quarter 30-29 to build a halftime lead. The teams were tied 25-25 in the third quarter before Tigers produced a brilliant fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring the Sharks 32-18 to force overtime.
RSSB Tigers scored 14 points in the five-minute overtime period, while Shanghai Sharks managed 12, securing the 117-115 victory for the Rwandan side.
Shanghai Sharks' American guard Brandon Goodwin led all scorers with 37 points, while Craig Randall II was Tigers' leading scorer with 30 points.
The victory keeps RSSB Tigers in contention for a strong finish in Group A. The Rwandan side will know its final standing after Thursday's game between Rytas Vilnius and Shanghai Sharks.
Tigers opened their campaign on September 22 with a 107-89 defeat to Lithuania's Rytas Vilnius.
Under the tournament format, the top team in Group A will advance to the final to face the winner of Group B—which features Beijing Royal Fighters of China, Club Atlético Boca Juniors of Argentina, and NBA G League United of the United States. The second-placed teams in each group will contest the third-place playoff, while the third-placed teams will play for fifth place.
The tournament will conclude on September 27, 2026.
Craig Randall II was Tigers' leading scorer with 30 points.The RSSB Tigers vs Shanghai Sharks game was a closely contested affair. Antino Jackson Jr dribbles past two Shanghai Sharks players.
Teafale Lenard Jr goes up for a shot as Shanghai Sharks' Pengfei Yan attempts to block him.
Makinde, founder of Dellman Group, first came to Rwanda in 2020 on a business feasibility trip after visiting Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. He later registered his business in Rwanda in 2021 and began investing in real estate.
He initially focused on affordable housing before moving into mid-income and luxury residential properties.
Today, much of his investment is concentrated in Rusororo, where he says he identified the area's potential before many investors were willing to take the risk.
'When I started, a lot of people thought I was crazy. Why would you want to go build in that place?' Makinde recalled.
He recalled buying his first 600-square-metre plot in Rusororo for Rwf16 million. He said a similar plot in the area could now cost around Rwf120 million, while a 300-square-metre plot can sell for about Rwf50 million.
Makinde attributes the increase to the development of roads, hospitals, universities and other infrastructure around the area.
He pointed to projects and developments including the Masaka Teaching Hospital, African Leadership University (ALU), IRCAD Africa, DP World, and roads connecting Rusororo with other parts of Kigali and Bugesera.
'Real estate grows with development. Anywhere development is going, the value of properties in that place goes up,' he said.
For Makinde, that has shaped his investment strategy in Rwanda.
Rather than focusing exclusively on established neighbourhoods like Nyarutarama where property prices are already high, he looks for areas where infrastructure and other economic activity are still developing.
'You don't want to go buy in premium neighbourhoods,' he said, advising investors to identify neighbourhoods with strong growth potential and planned infrastructure.
He also favours a mixed strategy of selling some units while keeping others for rental income, allowing investors to generate cash flow while waiting for property values to rise.
From affordable housing to luxury homes
Makinde's business strategy has also evolved.
He said affordable housing has proved difficult for private developers because of the high cost of land and construction materials.
According to him, building materials such as cement, aluminium, sand and stone can make it difficult for private developers to deliver homes at prices that buyers consider affordable.
He argues that government-backed programmes are better positioned to deliver mass and social housing, while private developers can focus on other segments of the market.
Dellman Group has consequently moved towards high-end residential properties aimed at wealthy buyers and tenants.
One example is Lujoso by Dellman, a four-bedroom luxury home in Rusororo equipped with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, cinema, gym, games room and home automation.
The property can be controlled through mobile devices, wall-mounted panels and voice commands.
Makinde said the home was designed to offer a different proposition from many properties currently available in Kigali.
'We wanted to do something totally different from what I'm seeing,' he said.
The house is currently on the market for $1.2 million, fully furnished, according to Makinde. He said similar properties could command between $7,000 and $10,000 a month in rent.
Lujoso by Dellman is a four-bedroom luxury home in Rusororo equipped with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, cinema, gym, games room and home automation.
A home for celebrities and high-net-worth clients
The concept for Lujoso was partly influenced by demand from high-profile visitors to Rwanda who want more privacy and space than hotels can provide.
Makinde recalled an experience involving Nigerian musician Davido, who had visited Rwanda and wanted a private space where he could stay with his team rather than remain in a hotel.
That experience helped shape his thinking about luxury accommodation for celebrities, athletes, diplomats and other high-net-worth individuals.
Makinde said such clients could use the property as a private residence while visiting Rwanda, with facilities that include entertainment and leisure spaces.
He said the property is designed for a niche market rather than the mass housing segment.
The villa has a heated A heated pool adds another layer of luxury to the villa..
Bringing UK experience to Rwanda
Makinde spent much of his professional career in the UK, where he worked as an IT consultant and business analyst.
The 39-year-old started his company in England at the age of 24 and worked with banks, asset managers, insurance companies and defence contractors.
He later moved into property investment in the UK, buying homes at auction, renovating them, selling some and renting or refinancing others.
He said the experience helped him build the capital and knowledge that eventually enabled him to invest in Rwanda.
Makinde said he chose Rwanda partly because its relatively small market allowed him to learn while expanding his business.
'Rwanda is not the place you would make the most money. But in terms of you starting up, building something, you being safe, you'll be able to learn in the market because it's a small market,' he said.
His investments have since expanded beyond Rwanda to Uganda, where he said his business operates on a larger scale.
Dellman told IGIHE affordable housing has proved difficult for private developers because of the high cost of land and construction materials.
Importing luxury
The development of high-end properties has also exposed gaps in Rwanda's local supply chain for premium construction and interior products.
Makinde said much of the materials used in Lujoso were imported, including marble tiles, aluminium products, windows, doors, kitchen equipment, switches, sockets and air-conditioning systems.
He said some products were sourced from China, India, Turkey and Germany because he wanted specifications that he could not readily find in Rwanda.
However, he also sees an opportunity for Rwandan businesses to enter the market by supplying premium construction products.
The challenge, he said, is balancing quality with purchasing power because high-end imported products can be expensive to clear and may not have a large enough local market.
The concept for Lujoso was partly influenced by demand from high-profile visitors to Rwanda who want more privacy and space than hotels can provide.
Jobs and local skills
The development has also created employment and opportunities for skills transfer.
Makinde said Dellman Group construction projects rely heavily on freelance workers and contractors.
At the peak of construction of the Lujoso property, he said more than 50 people could be working on the site in a single day, with the weekly wage bill reaching about Rwf3.5 million at some stages.
He also highlighted skills transfer involving workers from Uganda and local Rwandan technicians, particularly in specialised areas such as tiling.
Makinde said his investments have also involved improving access roads around some of his properties.
Watch the full IGIHE interview with Abraham Dellman Makinde below to hear more about his investment journey, why he chose Rusororo, the thinking behind his $1.2 million luxury home and his outlook for Rwanda's property market.
Makinde said the home was designed to offer a different proposition from many properties currently available in Kigali.Makinde said much of the materials used in Lujoso were imported.
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.
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.
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.
Iran has signalled a possible revival of negotiations with the United States, offering to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington eases military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters on September 22 that Tehran had delivered its latest proposal to Washington through mediators on September 16.
The official said Iran's delegation at the United Nations General Assembly in New York had full authority to revive diplomacy with the United States.
'The US needs to announce that it wants to resolve the issue diplomatically, make that official, and then agree on a timeline for how the process will move forward,' the official said.
The development came as US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were in New York for the UN General Assembly, amid efforts to end the conflict between the two countries.
The two leaders were not scheduled to meet directly. However, discussions continued through mediators.
US envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington and Tehran had held lengthy talks on Tuesday, with mediators moving between the two sides throughout the day.
Witkoff said the mediators would continue their work and expressed hope that the discussions would prove constructive and promising.
Trump also said Washington and Tehran were moving toward a possible settlement. However, during his UN address, he called for the complete economic isolation of Iran and said he expected a deal could come after the US midterm elections in November.
Iran has maintained a firm position. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Tehran would not surrender and warned that the United States could not impose its power on Iran or its armed forces.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the diplomatic efforts because of its importance to global energy supplies.
Before the war, the waterway carried about one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments.
Gulf countries are seeking the restoration of safe shipping through the strait while also dealing with wider regional security concerns.
Saudi Arabia, in particular, has faced increased threats linked to the conflict, including attacks affecting alternative oil export routes.
The latest diplomatic activity at the UN comes as Washington and Tehran face pressure to find a way to end the conflict, with any agreement potentially affecting regional security, energy markets and international shipping.
US President Donald Trump addresses the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22, 2026, as diplomatic efforts involving Iran continue.
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 company's interconnected programmes are transforming education in 25 schools across five districts including Muhanga, Nyarugenge, Gasabo, Musanze and Huye.
In partnership with the Rwanda Education Board (REB), AmaliTech's Digital Literacy Training has equipped 23 teachers with essential technology skills.
Now serving as 'digital ambassadors,' these educators will integrate technology into classrooms and leading after-school coding clubs, with the programme expected to benefit 2,500 students over three years.
'Before, using a computer in class felt intimidating,' said participating teacher Dusengimana David. 'Now, not only can I teach with it—I can help my students explore technology meaningfully.'
While the Digital Literacy Training equips teachers to bring technology into everyday lessons, AmaliTech's Coding for Kids (C4K) programme extends this impact directly to children, nurturing creativity and problem-solving skills for 600 students.
The programme, first launched in Ghana in 2021, introduces students to programming languages like Scratch and HTML/CSS. A recent C4K competition at SOS Kigali highlighted the students' growing abilities, showcasing interactive projects and creative web pages.
To further its commitment to inclusivity, AmaliTech hosted an intensive Women's Coding Bootcamp. The five-day programme provided 20 women with foundational skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, preparing them for careers in the tech industry.
Ituze Joella Liza, a participant shared, 'I learned from inspiring senior women developers at AmaliTech. It showed me I can build a career in technology.'
The bootcamp is part of AmaliTech's goal to train more than 200 women in digital skills by the end of 2027, building a stronger pipeline of women into Rwanda's tech industry.
These initiatives align with AmaliTech's mission to deliver global technology services while investing in local talent. By training teachers, inspiring children, and empowering women, AmaliTech is building a stronger, tech-enabled Rwanda.
The company invites schools, NGOs, government agencies, and private organizations to collaborate in expanding digital literacy and creating new opportunities across the nation.
AmaliTech is a social business that provides pathways to sustainable careers in the ICT sector for young graduates in sub-Saharan Africa, while delivering high-quality software and digital services to global clients.
With offices in Ghana, Rwanda, Germany, and the U.S., AmaliTech combines training, employment, and continuous learning to build a highly skilled workforce that meets international standards.
Its teams support clients with tailored software development, digital service delivery, and scalable solutions, enabling them to address critical talent gaps and drive innovation.
As a social enterprise, it reinvests surplus into training and community impact projects, expanding access to digital skills for women, persons with disabilities, and youth.
This approach allows AmaliTech not only to provide jobs but also to foster inclusion, create opportunities, and contribute to the growth of thriving digital economies.
AmaliTech is expanding its CSR initiatives in Rwanda by equipping teachers, children and women with digital skills.Teachers trained by AmaliTech are taking on the role of digital ambassadors, helping integrate technology into classrooms across Rwanda.AmaliTech's digital literacy programme is expected to reach 2,500 students through teachers trained to use technology in classrooms.AmaliTech's Digital Literacy Training has equipped 23 teachers with technology skills to support digital learning in schools.AmaliTech's Coding for Kids programme is introducing 600 students to programming while developing creativity and problem-solving skills.AmaliTech is combining teacher training, children's coding programmes and women's skills development to expand access to digital opportunities in Rwanda.
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.
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.
