Rwanda is turning to Qatar to attract investment through various sports-related initiatives, according to a Rwandan embassy official who emphasized Kigali’s growing role as a regional hub for conferences, sports, tourism, and innovation.
Jean Claude Ngarambe, First Secretary at the Rwandan Embassy in Qatar, praised the Gulf nation during a recent event in Doha for the “strong diplomatic ties” it shares with Rwanda and their “shared vision of sports as a transformative force.”
According to Ngarambe, Qatar’s successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup demonstrated to the world what is possible when sports are embraced not just as competition but as a national development strategy.
Speaking at an event aimed at exploring sports investment opportunities to be showcased at the upcoming SportsBiz Africa Forum 2025 (SBA2025), scheduled for September 9–10 in Kigali, Ngarambe stated: “Through strategic investment, infrastructure, and global engagement, Qatar has become a beacon of what sports can achieve in the 21st century.”
In his address, as reported by gulf-times.com, Ngarambe highlighted that Rwanda sees sports and its related sectors as “powerful tools for youth development, innovation, and socio-economic transformation.”
He explained that SBA2025 aims to unlock Africa’s potential in the global sports economy, noting that Africa’s sports industry currently contributes just “0.5%” to the continent’s GDP—far below the global average of “2%.”
However, Ngarambe stressed that “the potential is massive,” adding that “every $1 invested in sports can generate up to $124 in economic value,” due to synergies across media, tourism, events, infrastructure, technology, and talent development.
Referring to Rwanda, Ngarambe said the country is recognized as a reliable business partner with strong legal systems, good governance, and efficient infrastructure—making Kigali a regional center for conferences, sports, tourism, and innovation.
He emphasized that SBA2025 will feature a high-level policy summit to shape sustainable frameworks for developing the sports industry, as well as an investor-project matchmaking space.
Ngarambe invited Qatari stakeholders attending the event to join Kigali in building a platform that can “uplift communities, create jobs, and shape Africa’s future on its own terms.”
He expressed confidence that “as Rwanda and Qatar lean into our partnership, let us co-create a sports industry success story that transforms our economies, empowers our youth, and elevates our continents.”
The Doha event was organized by Rwanda Events in collaboration with the Rwanda Convention Bureau, with the goal of fostering collaboration, promoting investment opportunities, and sharing ideas on advancements in sectors aligned with SBA2025.
Christian Gakwaya, CEO of Rwanda Events, also emphasized Qatar’s leading role in the global sports industry and how it can partner with Rwanda for the upcoming forum.
Gakwaya described SportsBiz Africa as an initiative launched in Rwanda last year and built on four pillars:
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SportsBiz Africa Capital, a $350 million fund expected to reach $120 million by September;
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SportsBiz Academy, focused on educating and training African talent in sports;
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Sport Connect, a platform linking African talent with employers in the sports sector;
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and SportsBiz Africa Forum, a two-day annual flagship event.
