According to the Office of the President, the two leaders discussed the strengthening of Rwanda-France relations, cooperation in areas of mutual interest, as well as regional and global developments.
The meeting came as Kagame attended the International Space Summit, a two-day gathering convened by Macron that brought together Heads of State and Government, space agency leaders and industry representatives to discuss governance, security and sustainable development in the space sector.
Addressing the summit, Kagame called for greater African participation in the rapidly growing global space economy, warning against reproducing existing inequalities in the sector.
'For a continent with a young and increasingly connected population, this sector offers enormous potential,' Kagame said, arguing that African countries should be contributors to science, research and global decision-making rather than merely users of space technologies.
He highlighted Rwanda's national space policy and the use of space technologies and artificial intelligence in agriculture, infrastructure and disaster management.
Kagame also raised concerns over access to orbital and spectrum resources as satellite constellations expand, citing Rwanda's support for African efforts to regain several orbital slots through the African Telecommunications Union.
He called for clear international rules for the space sector, with developing countries given a meaningful voice in shaping global frameworks and greater access to technology and knowledge.
'Ultimately, we should avoid reproducing in space the inequalities that exist in other domains,' he said, adding that Rwanda was ready to work with France, Europe and other partners to deepen space cooperation.
The meeting follows another engagement between Kagame and Macron in Paris in June, when they inaugurated a monument honouring victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
At the event, Kagame commended Macron for acknowledging France's historical responsibility, describing his recognition of the country's failures as 'something more valuable than an apology.'
The latest talks come as Rwanda and France continue to strengthen cooperation across political, economic and technological areas, alongside discussions on regional and international affairs.
President Macron hosted his Rwandan counterpart, President Paul Kagame, for talks at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Friday morning.According to the Office of the President, the two leaders discussed the strengthening of Rwanda-France relations, cooperation in areas of mutual interest, as well as regional and global developments.
Mukantaganzwa made the remarks on Friday, September 11, 2026, while addressing members of the press, two days after France's Court of Cassation, the country's highest court, confirmed the dismissal of the long-running case concerning the alleged failure of French troops to intervene to protect Tutsi who had sought refuge in the Bisesero hills in western Rwanda.
'What I can say about it is that it is a decision that Rwanda's judiciary is not pleased with because, as you know, France is one of the countries that has tried many people involved in the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, although most of them, I believe, were Rwandans,' Mukantaganzwa said.
The case was brought in 2005 by six Genocide survivors and human rights organisations, who accused French soldiers serving under Opération Turquoise of knowingly failing to protect Tutsi civilians at Bisesero, where hundreds were killed between June 27 and 30, 1994.
French courts subsequently halted the investigation, with the dismissal upheld at several stages before the Court of Cassation rejected an appeal on September 9, 2026.
The Court of Cassation found that French soldiers could not be expected to act without precise orders from their chain of command and found no evidence that officers intended to facilitate crimes against Tutsi civilians.
The court also said the delay before the rescue operation reflected the time needed to clarify a confused situation, while the soldiers had limited information about the killings and the nature of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Mukantaganzwa said the decision would remain a matter of discussion, while acknowledging that judicial matters are handled through established legal channels within sovereign states.
'So perhaps, because it concerns their own citizens, that is where the issue arose. But it is an issue that will continue to be discussed. We cannot say that we are pleased with it, but at the same time, in terms of national sovereignty, judicial matters have their own channels through which they must proceed,' she said.
The Bisesero case has remained one of the most contentious legal issues surrounding France's role during the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The decision by France's highest court brings the particular legal proceedings against the French soldiers to an end, although questions surrounding the conduct of French forces during Opération Turquoise continue to feature in broader discussions about accountability and France's role during the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Supreme Court President Domitilla Mukantaganzwa speaks to members of the press in Kigali on September 11, 2026.
According to the Office of the President, during the talks on Thursday, the two leaders reaffirmed the strong and longstanding relations between Rwanda and Congo-Brazzaville and exchanged views on challenges facing the African continent.
They also discussed the need to advance effective and sustainable solutions led by African countries.
The meeting came as the two countries continue to strengthen diplomatic and political relations and cooperation across several areas.
Rwanda opened its embassy in Congo-Brazzaville in August 2016, further formalising diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
In November 2021, Rwanda and Congo-Brazzaville signed a series of agreements covering military cooperation, collaboration in improving teaching and learning at universities, land management, sustainable development and environmental protection.
The agreements also covered the promotion of bilateral trade and expansion of cooperation in air transport development.
According to the Office of the President, during the talks on Thursday, the two leaders reaffirmed the strong and longstanding relations between Rwanda and Congo-Brazzaville and exchanged views on challenges facing the African continent.
The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict, ruling that it cannot be definitively concluded that there was an intent to obstruct the investigations into a marine's death.
The team of independent counsel Lee Myeong-hyeon, who led investigations into the marine's death, sought a five-year prison term on charges of aiding the criminal suspect's flight and abusing presidential power.
Yoon was accused of ordering the appointment of former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup as ambassador to Australia to help him flee the country in November 2023, about four months after the marine's death.
The special counsel team alleged that Yoon helped Lee, a primary suspect at the time, flee the country through the appointment to cover up the marine's death.
The court handed down blanket acquittals for several former top-ranking officials involved in lifting Lee's travel ban and fast-tracking his appointment.
Yoon was sentenced to life in prison in February for the insurrection stemming from his martial law declaration and 30 years in prison in June for the general treason relevant to the infiltration of drones into the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The emergency martial law was declared by Yoon on the night of Dec. 3, 2024, but it was revoked hours later by the National Assembly.
He was indicted under detention in January 2025 as a suspected ringleader of the insurrection, becoming the first sitting president to be arrested and indicted.
South Korea's ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives to attend his trial at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul, South Korea, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool, File)
According to data from Chinese Customs, Rwanda's exports to China increased from USD 28.7 million in 2021 to a record 227 million in 2025, representing an approximately 691 percent increase within five years.
The rapid growth has positioned China among Rwanda's top three export markets, reflecting increasing demand for Rwandan products and expanding opportunities for local businesses seeking access to one of the world's largest consumer markets.
China has also become one of Rwanda's largest trading partners and remains the country's leading source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with Chinese companies increasingly exploring opportunities in sectors including manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, transport and services.
At the same time, Rwandan businesses have continued to explore the Chinese market, particularly for agricultural and high-value products such as coffee, tea, chili, macadamia nuts and locally produced handicrafts.
As part of efforts to deepen economic cooperation with China, Rwanda is participating in the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), taking place from September 9 to 13, 2026 at Shougang Park in Beijing.
The international exhibition, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, brings together countries, international organisations, companies and institutions to explore cooperation in services trade, technology, investment and emerging sectors of the global economy.
Held under the theme 'Global Services, Shared Prosperity,' CIFTIS has developed into one of the world's largest comprehensive exhibitions focused on trade in services since its establishment in 2012.
The 2026 edition is attracting participation from approximately 90 countries and international organisations, with more than 1,800 companies exhibiting, including 456 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders.
More than 90 companies and institutions are expected to present new products, technologies and services, with several innovations making their global debut or first presentation in China.
The exhibition covers key service sectors including telecommunications, computer and information services, financial services, cultural and tourism services, healthcare, education, sports, engineering consulting, construction services, supply chains and business services.
Rwanda's participation comes at a time when CIFTIS is placing greater emphasis on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, green development and cross-border cooperation.
Rwanda's Ambassador to China, Lt Gen (Rtd) Emmanuel Karenzi Karake, said China represents a market with significant potential for Rwanda and that continued participation in major exhibitions is helping connect Rwandan businesses with Chinese consumers and investors.
'Our continued participation in major exhibitions across China is helping to increase the visibility of Rwandan products, tourism and other investment opportunities, while connecting our businesses directly with Chinese consumers and investors,' the Ambassador said.
The 2026 exhibition focuses on three major priorities: expanding opening-up, deepening cooperation and driving innovation.
Key areas of discussion include artificial intelligence and intelligent technologies, digital trade, green services, sustainable finance, healthcare, tourism, education and the integration of services with manufacturing.
Nearly 40 percent of innovation cases presented in the 'China Services' exhibition zone involve artificial intelligence, large language models or intelligent agents, highlighting the growing role of technology in reshaping global services.
For Rwanda, the platform provides an opportunity to showcase its growing digital ecosystem, investment climate and ambition to become a regional hub connecting African markets with global businesses.
Rwanda's participation at CIFTIS follows its recent presence at Café Show China, where premium Rwandan coffee brands were presented to Chinese consumers, buyers and industry stakeholders.
Beyond coffee, Rwanda continues to promote other export products including tea, chili, minerals, agricultural commodities and handcrafted products.
The country is also using these platforms to highlight its tourism potential, including mountain gorilla trekking, wildlife experiences, cultural attractions and Rwanda's natural landscapes.
Coffee is among Rwanda's key exports to China, with the country seeking to expand its presence in the growing Chinese market.
Rwanda to participate in China International Import Expo
Rwanda is also scheduled to participate in the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which will take place in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, 2026.
Rwanda will organise an investment promotion programme bringing together Chinese business leaders, investors and institutions to explore opportunities in priority sectors.
The CIIE will provide another platform for Rwanda to promote its export products while strengthening awareness of investment opportunities available in areas such as agriculture, tourism, technology, manufacturing and infrastructure.
Amb Lt Gen (Rtd) Karake confirmed that the growing demand for Rwandan specialty coffee and other high-quality products, alongside increasing interest from Chinese companies investing in Rwanda, demonstrates the expanding opportunities created by the partnership between the two countries.
The Ambassador noted that Chinese investors in Rwanda benefit from the country's strategic location, which provides access to the wider East African market and the African continent through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Rwanda's engagement with China is supported by broader frameworks aimed at increasing market access, encouraging investment and strengthening commercial partnerships.
With exports to China reaching record levels and growing interest from businesses on both sides, Rwanda continues to position its relationship with China as a pathway for expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation.
The CIFTIS exhibition provides Rwanda with a platform to showcase its products, services and investment opportunities to a global audience.Rwanda is highlighting opportunities in agriculture, tourism, technology and manufacturing as it seeks to attract more Chinese investment at the fair.Rwanda's participation in CIFTIS comes as exports to China reached a record USD 227 million in 2025.Rwandan businesses are exploring new opportunities in China as demand for the country's specialty and high-value products continues to grow.Robots and advanced technologies are among the innovations showcased at CIFTIS, highlighting the growing role of automation and artificial intelligence in global services.
Dr. Nsanzimana made the call on Thursday during a two-day working visit to the Southern Province, where he is assessing the quality of healthcare services at primary and secondary health facilities while also engaging communities and young people on health and wellbeing.
In Nyanza District, the minister visited Nyamiyaga Health Centre, Gati and Gasoro Health Posts, as well as Nyanza District Hospital, assessing the delivery of health services from the community level to specialised care.
The facilities form part of Rwanda's decentralised healthcare network, which includes Community Health Workers (CHWs), health posts and health centres.
According to the Ministry of Health, these services have helped reduce travel time for patients by up to 45 minutes and can manage up to 95% of healthcare service demand, bringing care closer to communities.
During the visits, Dr. Nsanzimana engaged with frontline health workers, particularly Community Health Workers, whom he described as the backbone of Rwanda's health system.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that increased access to healthcare is matched by quality services, reaffirming that 'decentralized, quality care remains a top priority.'
The minister also met students from different schools in Nyanza as they marked the start of the new academic year.
Following a friendly volleyball match, he encouraged the students to make physical activity part of their lives and to resist peer pressure that could lead them to substance abuse.
Reminding them that they 'only have one body,' Dr. Nsanzimana urged the students to make responsible choices that would protect their health and support their education and future.
Artists DJ Ira, Nel Ngabo and Tom Close also took part in the event, performing for the students while reinforcing the message on sobriety, healthy living and commitment to education.
The Health Minister tours a health facility in Nyanza as part of his two-day visit to the Southern Province.Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana engaged with frontline health workers during his visit to Nyanza District.Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana (second left) engages with frontline health workers during his visit to Nyanza District.Dr. Nsanzimana assessed healthcare services at Gati Health Post in Nyanza District.The Health Minister , Dr. Nsanzimana was welcomed by Southern Province Governor during his visit. Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana interacts with healthcare personnel in Nyanza District. Community Health Workers engaged with Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana during his visit to Nyanza District.
Foster made the remarks in an exclusive interview with IGIHE on the sidelines of the SportsBiz Africa Forum in Kigali, where he discussed the growth of esports across Africa and the steps Rwanda needs to take to establish itself in the sector.
He pointed to Rwanda's connectivity, fibre infrastructure, power supply and internet capacity as a strong foundation for the development of esports.
'The key thing is that Rwanda has the physical infrastructure to support esports,' Foster said.
He added that the next step would be strengthening the organisation of the sport in the country, including establishing an esports federation under the relevant national sports structures.
Rwanda is not currently a member of the Global Esports Federation, a gap Foster said needs to be addressed if the country is to participate more fully in the international esports ecosystem.
'Rwanda has to become a member of Global Esports Federation. It currently isn't. So that's a very important first step,' he noted.
Foster said Rwanda would first need to establish a national esports federation before joining the global body, adding that the African Esports Federation was ready to help the country accelerate the process.
'We're having a meeting later today, actually, on exactly that topic. So we hope that it can accelerate. We're ready for that,' he revealed.
Africa's esports opportunity
Foster described Africa as one of the most promising regions for esports, noting that the African Esports Federation already has about 35 countries within its membership, with more countries considering joining.
'The development in the last two or three years in Africa has been significant. So I think the time for Africa is right now,' he noted.
He argued that esports has an advantage because it can be adapted to different markets, cultures and languages across the continent.
'Whether it's in a smaller country or a larger country, in the islands, the north, the south, the centre, east or west, you can have e-sports,' Foster explained.
The growth is being driven by a large and digitally connected young population, which Foster believes is well positioned to participate in the industry's expansion.
'Young people are digital natives. They're born digital, so they're ready to go, and I think the world will be waiting for them,' he added.
Rwanda's esports scene takes shape
Rwanda has already begun building a competitive esports scene, with local tournaments providing a pathway for players to compete at continental level.
Last month, Praise Steven Nyamwasa won the national EA SPORTS FC 26 championship at BK Arena, defeating Sami Muhamedssin Mohamednour Atta 4-2 in the final to claim the Rwf1 million top prize.
Nyamwasa, Atta, Tresor Irasubiza and Franklin Gacinya qualified to represent Rwanda at the second edition of the SportsBiz Africa Esports Cup, which will bring together 32 players from eight African countries in Kigali on September 12-13.
The continental tournament will feature players from Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, Madagascar, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt and Morocco, competing for a $10,000 prize pool.
Nyamwasa, who finished fourth when he represented Rwanda alone at last year's tournament, said having four players this time gives the country a stronger presence.
'Last time I went alone, now I'm going with four companions, and I believe they're going to do better,' he said.
The competition also highlights some of the gaps Foster identified. Nyamwasa has called for more investment and regular competitions, noting that he had taken part in only three tournaments over the past year, compared with countries where players can compete almost every month.
Foster says Africa is emerging as a major esports market, with 35 countries already in the federation.
From gaming to an investment opportunity
Foster also pushed back against the perception that esports is simply young people playing games for entertainment.
He argued that gaming has become a social and cultural ecosystem in which players build communities and interact across borders.
'It's much more than that,' he said, noting that technological advances have enabled gamers to connect with friends and communities around the world.
That growing community, he suggested, represents an opportunity for companies and investors seeking to engage younger consumers, particularly Generation Z.
Foster said the global gaming ecosystem already involves around four billion players, while the Global Esports Federation has 180 federations.
He expects the sector to attract more capital as esports matures.
'The industry of eSports is known to be $600 billion by 2030,' he said.
He added that the pace of technological change means esports is developing rapidly and requires organisations and investors to continually adapt.
'It's still young. And the developments are fast, maybe faster than any other sport,' Foster added.
A pathway for young gamers
Foster believes Rwanda's young gamers can move from casual participation to elite competition if they are given opportunities to train, compete and gain international exposure.
He pointed to national, regional, continental and global competitions as potential pathways for young players to develop their skills and build careers in esports.
'They'll focus on it, they'll get better at it, they'll practice more, they'll become elite,' he stressed.
SportsBiz Africa project lead Bridget Mutoni has in the past also highlighted opportunities beyond competitive gaming, including event organisation, commentary, refereeing, game development and education.
Foster said esports can create opportunities for a broad range of participants, regardless of gender, age or disability.
'Everyone can choose their game,' he said. 'And the most important thing is to have fun.'
The SportsBiz Africa Forum brought together policymakers, investors, sports administrators, entrepreneurs and athletes in Kigali to explore opportunities for expanding Africa's sports economy, including through technology and digital entertainment.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE on the sidelines of the SportsBiz Africa Forum in Kigali, Foster discussed the growth of esports across Africa and the steps Rwanda needs to take to establish itself in the sector.
Musonye made the call in Kigali on the sidelines of the SportsBiz Africa Forum, where he outlined a vision of AFCON 2027 as a regional event extending beyond the three host countries.
'We are preparing AFCON for the region, not for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania alone. We are preparing AFCON to cover the entire region. We want Rwanda to be part of it because Rwanda has played a big role in changing football in this region,' Musonye told IGIHE on Thursday.
He identified Rwanda's qualification as his first priority, but also wants the country to benefit from the tournament by hosting teams for training camps.
'I want Rwanda to qualify for AFCON 2027. That's number one. Number two, I want to see many teams coming to train in Rwanda here even if Rwanda doesn't qualify,' he explained.
Rwanda is yet to begin its qualification campaign. The Amavubi were drawn in Group K alongside Mali, Cape Verde and Liberia, with the first two matchdays scheduled for September 24 to October 6.
Rwanda will open its campaign against Liberia before facing Cape Verde away. The remaining group matches against Mali, Cape Verde and Liberia will be played across the November 2026 and March 2027 international windows.
Under CAF's qualification format, the top two teams in groups without a co-host qualify for the finals. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania already have places secured as hosts, meaning the highest-ranked team alongside each host will advance from those groups.
Rwanda therefore faces a competitive route, with Mali and Cape Verde both in its group. But Musonye believes the country's contribution to the tournament should not depend solely on whether the Amavubi secure a place on the pitch.
Kenya's AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee chairman Nicholas Musonye during an exclusive interview with IGIHE on the sidelines of the SportsBiz Africa Forum in Kigali on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Infrastructure remains key
Musonye also expressed confidence that Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will have their infrastructure ready for the tournament, dismissing concerns over stadium preparedness as the main remaining risk.
'The risks were the infrastructure. Now we are working to mitigate it. That is the only risk,' he said.
He noted that the three hosts are working together to ensure the venues meet the required standards.
'We are ready. The stadiums will be ready. Uganda, Tanzania, we are working as a team of Pamoja to make sure that the venues are ready for AFCON,' he added.
AFCON 2027 will be played from June 19 to July 17, with East Africa hosting the tournament for the first time in more than five decades. The competition will feature 24 teams.
Musonye sees the tournament as an opportunity to leave a lasting infrastructure and football development legacy across the region.
He projects that Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania could generate about $20 billion from the wider tournament, with the ambition of reinvesting the proceeds in infrastructure and grassroots football.
'We don't want to make money and drop it. We want to make money and put it back in society to improve the infrastructure further and also to develop youth football from the grassroots,' he stressed.
'An authentic African AFCON'
Beyond infrastructure and investment, Musonye wants the tournament to offer a different experience from previous editions by making movement around the region easier for fans.
'We want to make it open. We want people to come free in our region to watch football. There will be no restrictions about visa or what. We want to make it open. You come and enjoy football. You enjoy tourism and enjoy yourself,' he said.
He described the planned tournament as an 'authentic African AFCON', with East African hospitality at its centre.
For Rwanda, Musonye believes the tournament provides an opportunity to deepen regional cooperation in football, whether the Amavubi qualify or not.
Kagame made the remarks while addressing the International Space Summit in Paris, a two-day gathering convened by French President Emmanuel Macron that brought together Heads of State and Government, space agency leaders, and industry representatives to discuss governance, security and sustainable development frameworks for the space sector.
Thanking President Macron for convening the summit, Kagame said the space economy is evolving rapidly, driven by lower costs, new technologies and greater private sector engagement, and that Africa intends to be a contributor to science, research and global decision-making, not only a user of space capabilities.
'For a continent with a young and increasingly connected population, this sector offers enormous potential,' he said, adding that with the right support, African talent can develop the relevant expertise and build businesses that create real value for the continent.
Kagame pointed to Rwanda's national space policy as an example of how the country is positioning itself in the sector, saying it was designed to foster investment and innovation.
He told the delegates that Rwanda is currently using space technologies and artificial intelligence to strengthen agriculture, infrastructure, disaster management and other critical areas, and that the country also hosts satellite ground infrastructure serving global operators.
On the growing competition for spectrum and orbital resources as satellite constellations expand, Kagame warned that developing countries risk losing access.
He noted that Rwanda, alongside other partners, supported the African Telecommunications Union's efforts to regain several orbital slots for the continent, describing the experience as proof of how coordinated African action can protect the continent's interests.
Kagame called for the pace of change in the space sector to be matched by clear international rules, saying frameworks should recognize both the civilian and security applications of space technologies and enable responsible collaboration. He said this requires an inclusive process that gives developing countries a meaningful voice and ensures their priorities are fairly represented.
He also raised the issue of technology transfer, saying export restrictions continue to limit access to knowledge and modern technologies, and welcomed partnerships that advance research and build local capacity. He cited the company E-Space as an example, saying it is working with a growing number of African countries to develop and deploy satellite-based solutions.
'Ultimately, we should avoid reproducing in space the inequalities that exist in other domains,' Kagame said, adding that Rwanda stands ready to work with France, Europe and other partners to deepen space cooperation.
Christian Gakwaya, Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Events Group, announced the shift as the third SportsBiz Africa Forum opened in Kigali on September 10, arguing that Africa needs to move beyond discussions about sporting talent and trophies to capturing more of the economic value generated by the sector.
'It's time for a shift,' Gakwaya told delegates at the Kigali Convention Centre.
The event, which runs from September 10 to 11, is bringing together policymakers, investors, sports administrators, business leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes and development partners to discuss investment, innovation, governance and business opportunities in sport.
Gakwaya argued that Africa has long supplied talent, coaches, stories and other resources to the global sports industry, while much of the economic value has been captured elsewhere.
He challenged stakeholders to consider who owns the media rights, intellectual property and data generated by African sport, as well as who manufactures the apparel, technology and other products used by athletes and fans.
'Who owns our needs? Who owns the media rights to our needs? Who owns the intellectual property in the sports sector on the continent?' he asked.
The two-day SportsBiz Africa Forum brings together policymakers, investors, sports leaders, entrepreneurs and athletes to explore ways to grow Africa's sports economy.
The new SportsBiz Africa Platform is intended to address some of these gaps by focusing on investment facilitation, business development, market intelligence, entrepreneurship, policy engagement, talent development and cross-border participation.
Unlike the forum, which brings stakeholders together for a few days each year, the platform is designed to operate throughout the year.
'A forum brings people together. A platform will help them to do something together,' Gakwaya explained. 'A forum can last three days… But we want a platform that will create value throughout the 365 days.'
The initiative will seek to connect startups with investors, leagues with technology companies, brands with communities and African athletes and entrepreneurs with global opportunities.
Gakwaya acknowledged that significant barriers remain, including limited sports data, difficulties commercialising sports assets and events, and inadequate access to structured financing.
'Too many promising ideas remain disconnected from institutional investors and markets that can help them grow,' he noted.
Rwanda's Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, also called for a stronger focus on the commercial side of sport, arguing that Africa's share of the global sports economy remains disproportionately small despite its large pool of talent and young population.
Mukazayire estimated the global sports industry at between $2.3 trillion and $2.65 trillion, while Africa accounts for about 0.5% of the sector.
She identified data, people and the commercialisation of sport as three areas requiring greater attention if Africa is to close the gap.
The minister called for more African-owned data on athletes and sports markets, greater investment in athletes' physical and mental wellbeing, and stronger commercial structures around broadcasting rights, merchandise, manufacturing and sports infrastructure.
She also argued that sports facilities should be designed as broader commercial and community hubs rather than simply venues for talent development.
'By building pitches you're creating community. By adding all those services you're creating value,' Mukazayire said.
Minister Mukazayire estimated the global sports industry at between $2.3 trillion and $2.65 trillion, while Africa accounts for about 0.5% of the sector.
Her remarks echoed the broader objective of the SportsBiz Africa Platform, which is to create an ecosystem around sport rather than focus solely on competition.
Dr Decius Hikabwa Chipande, Coordinator and Head of the African Union Sports Council, backed greater collaboration between governments, the private sector, sports organisations and development partners to expand the continental sports economy.
He urged participants to move from dialogue to investment and measurable outcomes, noting that sport can contribute to youth employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and social development.
Félicité Rwemarika, an International Olympic Committee member, similarly stressed that Africa's sporting potential will require investment in organisations, skills and people alongside physical infrastructure.
She pointed to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games as an example of how major sporting events can leave a legacy through skills development and professional training.
Meanwhile, Sir Paul J. Foster, President and CEO of the Global Esports Federation, urged African stakeholders to build stronger connections between local talent and global markets.
He argued that technology can connect African creators, entrepreneurs and intellectual property to international audiences and capital, but warned that connectivity alone is insufficient without the systems and infrastructure to support it.
Sir Paul J. Foster, President and CEO of the Global Esports Federation, urged African stakeholders to build stronger connections between local talent and global markets.
The SportsBiz Africa programme also includes a Dealroom designed to match investors with sports-related ventures, alongside a career fair, Gamers Garage and the SportsBiz Africa Esports Cup.
Gakwaya said the ambition is for the platform to demonstrate measurable progress by the time stakeholders reconvene next year.
'We want to make sure that next year, around the same date as we host SportsBiz Africa again, we will be able to say that we have constructed an ecosystem,' he said.
The third edition of the SportsBiz Africa Forum opened in Kigali on Thursday, September 10, 2026.Christian Gakwaya, Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Events Group, told delegates that Africa needs to move beyond discussions about sporting talent and trophies to capturing more of the economic value generated by the sector.
