Rwanda has received the prestigious “UCI Bike City Label Award” in recognition of Kigali’s successful hosting of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships 2025 held in September 2025.
The award was presented to the State Minister for Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, alongside the President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation, Ndayishimiye Samson.
The recognition was awarded by the President of the Union Cycliste Internationale, David Lappartient, during the 2026 UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum held in Athens.
The forum brought together global cycling and urban mobility leaders to discuss sustainable transport systems, cycling development, and international cooperation in sports infrastructure.
Kigali praised for event delivery and infrastructure
The award highlights Kigali’s strong organizational performance during the 2025 world championships and its growing reputation as a destination capable of hosting large-scale international sporting events.
It also recognizes the city’s efforts to promote sustainable urban mobility, including investments in cycling-friendly infrastructure and environmentally conscious transport planning in Kigali.
Kigali becomes the 31st city worldwide—and the first in Africa—to receive the UCI Bike City Label, while Rwanda becomes the 17th country globally to achieve the recognition.
Boost to Rwanda’s global sports profile
Officials say the award further strengthens Rwanda’s positioning as a leading host of international sporting events and reinforces its strategy to develop sports tourism, urban innovation, and sustainable development through cycling.
The recognition is also seen as a validation of Rwanda’s continued investment in cycling as both a competitive sport and a model for green mobility and healthy urban living.
