More than 300 young athletes from 20 African countries gathered this week in Kigali, Rwanda, to participate in the second edition of the Giants of Africa Festival, an event that has consolidated its position as one of the most vibrant sporting events on the continent. Under the slogan “Africa without borders,” this year’s edition focused on the power of basketball as a tool for cultural unity, youth training, and infrastructure development.
The event closed this past Saturday at the BK Arena with a massive concert celebrating talent, diversity, and a shared passion for the sport. Over four days, participants competed, learned, and connected through activities that included games, workshops, coaching sessions, and musical performances. “As Africans who travel across the country and across the continent, we have so many cultures, so many types of people, tribes, religions, everything, and I think we work better when we share,” said Masai Ujiri, co-founder of the festival, during his interview with Olympics.com.
An African ecosystem: music, sport, and fashion
The event served as a showcase for the growth of basketball in Africa, the main objective of projects such as Giants of Africa (GOA), founded by Ujiri. This year, Kigali hosted the festival for the second consecutive year, a decision linked to the evolution of its sports infrastructure. The newly opened Zaria Court, alongside the Amahoro Stadium and the BK Arena, exemplifies Rwanda’s commitment to sport as a driver of urban and social development.
“We wanted to show how this whole ecosystem works together: sport, entertainment, music, culture, fashion,” explained Ujiri. Added to this was the opening of new courts at St. Ignatius School in Kibagabaga, built by NBA champion Kawhi Leonard as part of the ‘Built Within’ program, an initiative that plans to create 100 courts across the continent.
A game played in Giants of Africa
“The world will have to watch out”
The men’s tournament was played at the BK Arena and concluded at Zaria Court, where Rwanda defeated Senegal 27-24. “I am very happy to have played at home and to have won. It was my goal, and to do it alongside my teammates is a blessing,” said Rwandan point guard Dylan Lebson Kayijuka, who was named MVP of Giants of Africa 2025. In the women’s competition, Mali was crowned champion for the second consecutive year after also defeating Senegal.
In addition to the tournament, each country had four coaches who joined a team of nearly 100 professionals responsible for guiding and training the young athletes. One of them was Jama Mahlalela, assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors, who highlighted the evolution of local talent: “If we follow basketball on the continent and see how it grows year after year, there is an improvement in skills and young people are getting better and better, which is a reflection of the work of the coaches. The athleticism, size, speed, and strength is all there. And once you add some skills and abilities, the world’s really going to have to watch out.”
Much more than just playing basketball
The Giants of Africa Festival was not limited to sports. On Friday, a clinic was held for 100 local coaches with the aim of enhancing their training through practical sessions led by coaches with international experience. The activity coincided with the celebration of Umuganda, a national community service day in which the festival was actively involved.
Social programs also included meetings to empower young women and conferences with internationally renowned figures. Cultural offerings were another pillar of the event, with opening and closing concerts at the BK Arena featuring music by Uncle Waffles, Kevin Kade, Ruti Joel, Ayra Starr, Kizz Daniel, and Timaya.
Last related articles
