Twenty-two mountain gorilla infants will be given names during the 21st Kwita Izina ceremony, scheduled for September 4, 2026, in Kinigi, Musanze District.
The annual event has become a major platform for celebrating Rwanda’s mountain gorilla conservation efforts and the partnerships supporting the protection of the endangered species.
Eugène Mutangana, Executive Director of the Rwanda Nature Foundation, said the birth of every gorilla is a sign of progress in conservation work, reflecting efforts to monitor the animals, protect their habitats and ensure they have the conditions necessary to survive and reproduce.
“Kwita Izina is a day to celebrate partnership. The progress we celebrate today is the result of many people working together towards a common goal,” Mutangana said.
Since the ceremony was launched in 2005, 438 mountain gorilla infants have been given names.
Smart Green Village project
This year’s ceremony will also be used to launch the Smart Green Village project, an initiative aimed at strengthening the resilience of communities living around Volcanoes National Park while supporting conservation and sustainable land use.
The project will contribute to the planned expansion of Volcanoes National Park by about 3,740 hectares, increasing the available habitat for mountain gorillas.
An additional 6,620 hectares will be designated for biodiversity conservation and sustainable land-use activities.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the link between conservation and the livelihoods of communities living around the park.
Tourism continues to drive revenue
The Kwita Izina ceremony comes as Rwanda’s tourism sector continues to record strong growth.
Tourism generated $685 million in revenue in 2025, up from $647 million in 2024, while the country received about 1.49 million visitors, a 9% increase from the previous year.
National parks attracted 155,394 visitors and generated $40.8 million in revenue during the year.
Volcanoes National Park remained the country’s biggest national park tourism earner, generating $35.8 million, or nearly 88% of total national park tourism revenue.
Nyungwe National Park recorded the fastest growth in visitor numbers, supported by new attractions including a zipline and canopy walkway.
Akagera National Park is also expanding its tourism offering, providing visitors with opportunities to experience a wider range of wildlife.
The 2026 Kwita Izina ceremony is expected to bring together conservationists, tourism stakeholders, communities and other partners to celebrate Rwanda’s gorilla conservation achievements and highlight the importance of protecting biodiversity while improving the livelihoods of communities living around protected areas.
