Rwanda is turning to Qatar to drive sports-related investment across Africa, with officials highlighting Kigali’s emergence as a regional hub for sports, tourism, conferences, and innovation.
Speaking at a recent networking event in Doha, Jean Claude Ngarambe, First Secretary at the Embassy of Rwanda in Qatar, praised the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations and their shared belief in the power of sports as a vehicle for transformation.
“Qatar’s success in hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup proved that sport can be much more than a game — it can be a national development strategy,” said Ngarambe. “Through strategic investment and world-class infrastructure, Qatar has become a model of what sport can accomplish in the 21st century.”
The event served as a platform to introduce the SportsBiz Africa Forum 2025 (SBA2025), set to take place in Kigali on September 9–10. The forum aims to position Africa as a key player in the global sports economy, which Ngarambe noted remains vastly underdeveloped — currently contributing just 0.5% to the continent’s GDP compared to the global average of 2%.
“The potential is immense,” he added. “Studies show that every $1 invested in sport can generate up to $124 in economic value, thanks to the ripple effects across tourism, media, technology, infrastructure, and talent development.”
Rwanda, known for its transparent governance and business-friendly policies, is positioning itself as a gateway for investors looking to engage in Africa’s growing sports sector. SBA2025 will feature a high-level policymaker roundtable to chart a continent-wide strategy, along with a “deal room” connecting investors with promising ventures.
Ngarambe urged Qatari stakeholders to take part in the Kigali forum and partner with Rwanda in building a vibrant sports economy that “creates jobs, uplifts communities, and shapes Africa’s future on its own terms.”
The Doha event was organized by Rwanda Events in collaboration with the Rwanda Convention Bureau, aiming to foster cross-border collaboration and spotlight new investment opportunities in sports and related sectors.
Christian Gakwaya, CEO of Rwanda Events, emphasized Qatar’s growing role as a global sports hub and a natural partner for SBA2025. He detailed the broader SportsBiz Africa initiative, launched in Rwanda last year, which is built around four strategic pillars:
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SportsBiz Africa Capital – a $350 million investment fund targeting a $120 million close by September
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SportsBiz Academy – a platform for training and educating African sports professionals
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Sports Connect – linking African talents to global sports employment opportunities
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SportsBiz Africa Forum – the flagship event drawing stakeholders from across the continent
Gakwaya invited sports ministers, investors, and industry leaders from across Africa and the Gulf to Kigali in September, promising meaningful connections and actionable outcomes.
“As Rwanda and Qatar strengthen our collaboration, we believe the sports industry can become a shared success story — for our economies, our youth, and our future,” Ngarambe concluded.
