Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire has said Rwanda’s hosting of the 2026 CAVB Men’s Club Championship signals the country’s growing ambition to position itself as a leading destination for major international sporting events.
Mukazayire made the remarks on Wednesday evening, April 22, 2026, as she officially opened the tournament, which will run through May 2 in Kigali.
The 47th edition of the continental showpiece has attracted 24 clubs from 14 African countries, including four Rwandan representatives—APR VC, Police VC, Kepler VC, and REG VC.
She said the presence of more than 20 visiting teams in Kigali is a source of national pride and reflects Rwanda’s commitment to hosting high-profile competitions.
“In the next ten days, Kigali will host some of the best volleyball teams from across Africa, each bringing passion, skill, and the ambition to win,” Mukazayire said.
She underscored the need for African countries to scale up investment in sports development, particularly in nurturing talent, strengthening coaching systems, and creating pathways that allow athletes to reach their full potential.
Mukazayire added that competitions of this magnitude not only inspire young athletes but also promote unity across the continent, with players serving as role models for aspiring sportsmen and women.
The Vice President of the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB), Louis Rwakiranya, said the tournament reflects the steady growth and rising competitiveness of volleyball across Africa.
Kigali is hosting the competition across BK Arena and Petit Stade, with teams divided into four groups of six, over a 10-day period.
The tournament opener saw APR VC register a commanding 3-0 victory over Zambia’s Black Rhinos at BK Arena, in a match attended by President Paul Kagame, senior officials, and a packed home crowd.
abanyarwanda benshi.
