President Paul Kagame Urges African Youth to Believe in the Giants Within During Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali

Kigali, July 27, 2025 — President Paul Kagame has called on African youth to believe in the giants within themselves and work tirelessly to unlock the continent’s full potential. His remarks were made during the opening show of the Giants of Africa Festival held on Sunday, July 27, at BK Arena in Kigali, marking the start of a week-long celebration that runs until August 2.

The event brought together young leaders from 20 African countries, along with artists who kicked off the festival with energetic performances that celebrated the continent’s rich and diverse cultures.

President Kagame expressed his gratitude to Masai Ujiri, Co-founder of Giants of Africa, and his team and partners for their unwavering dedication to organizing the festival. “Masai, you see here, he has invested his passion, his time, his own money, and mobilized additional resources to put this festival together. I thank you, Masai,” Kagame said.

He emphasized that through Ujiri’s efforts, he was also speaking about the support from Ujiri’s family, friends, and the wider community—who all share a commitment to nurturing Africa’s young talent.

This year’s festival marks the second time Rwanda has hosted the event, after its successful debut in Kigali in 2023. Kagame expressed pride in Rwanda’s role in hosting the prestigious gathering again. “We feel proud, together with you, that we can pull off something that highlights so much about our continent,” he said.

Kagame commended Giants of Africa for its trailblazing work in developing young African talent through sports and infrastructure, describing it as a pioneering initiative that helps identify and nurture the potential of Africa’s youth.

“I thank each and every country represented here—20 in total. We appreciate you, welcome you, and want you to feel at home while you are in Rwanda. We hope you will return for other engagements beyond this festival,” he said.

Urging young Africans to believe in themselves, Kagame encouraged them to work hard and dedicate their resources both on and off the court to bring out their inner giants. “And that’s what Africa needs to do. We need to believe in the giant that Africa is,” he stressed.

Highlighting the importance of self-belief and perseverance, Kagame emphasized that giants grow by nurturing confidence in themselves and that Africa must avoid lagging behind in global development. “In this small way, through festivals like this, we are reminded that we can start. The numbers represent us, and we can grow to showcase our worth,” he said.

Concluding his speech, Kagame urged the youth to stay energized and ambitious, emphasizing that their efforts are vital for the continent’s upliftment. “We can do it through sports, through many other avenues. It shouldn’t just be words; it should be deeds,” he said.

As the Giants of Africa Festival continues, it stands as a powerful reminder of Africa’s potential and the importance of believing in the giants within each of its young people.