The President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has reaffirmed that the sport of cycling has had a transformative impact on the lives of people across Africa, including Rwandans. He also highlighted Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to promoting and investing in this sport.
Speaking during the official opening of the UCI Congress (Union Cycliste Internationale), President Kagame said:
“In Rwanda, we have made deliberate efforts to develop cycling as a sport. I want to sincerely thank all the partners who have worked with us in making this possible. These efforts have helped elevate the Tour du Rwanda into one of the most prestigious cycling races on the African continent, and they have laid a strong foundation for the overall development of cycling.”
He further emphasized that sports, beyond being a source of entertainment or fitness, play a key role in driving national development. He noted that sports open up new opportunities for the country and its people economically, socially, and even diplomatically. “Hosting events of global importance accelerates development, and the returns from such events are multiplied many times over,” Kagame added.
Rwanda praised by global cycling leadership
The President of the UCI, David Lappartient, also expressed strong appreciation for Rwanda’s efforts and excellence in hosting major cycling events.
He commended Rwanda not only to host the 2025 UCI Road World championships, but also for successfully organizing the 194th UCI Congress which, for the first time in history, was held on African soil. “I’m very pleased that this important Congress is taking place here in Rwanda. This week in Kigali is truly special for all of us. It is a memory we will carry with us forever,” Lappartient said.
He added that the 132 member countries who took part in the Congress all expressed their appreciation to President Kagame and to Rwanda for the historic step of welcoming and organizing such a prestigious global gathering. “We will never forget the time we have spent in your beautiful country.” He spoke.
Rwanda makes history in global cycling
The UCI Congress held in Kigali set a new milestone, becoming the second most attendedcongress in UCI history with 132 countries represented. The only one that surpassed it was the 2023 UCI Congress in Glasgow, which had 151 countries in attendance.
Rwanda is hosting the UCI Road World Championships from September 21 to September 28, 2025. This is the first time in history that this world-class cycling competition takes place on the African continent.
The global spotlight is on Rwanda as it continues to establish itself as a hub for international sporting events and a driving force in the development of cycling in Africa.
By Venuste Habineza