The year 2025 firmly established Rwanda as a rising global hub for development and a destination that attracted people from all corners of the world.
This was demonstrated by the fact that, within just 12 months, Rwanda hosted major international conferences, landmark events—some held in Africa for the first time—and world-class entertainment shows that drew diverse audiences from across the globe.
In 2025, Rwanda hosted high-level international conferences focusing on health, education, technology, the environment, governance, security and other key sectors aimed at improving livelihoods and driving sustainable development.
Among the most notable was the Global AI Summit on Africa, held in April. The summit was officially opened by President Paul Kagame and focused on the use of artificial intelligence to boost economic growth and create employment opportunities for Africa’s youth.
The event brought together prominent leaders, including Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and delegates from across different continents.
Rwanda also hosted Aviation Africa 25, a conference dedicated to advancing air transport. The event was preceded by the exhibition of passenger-carrying electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), marking the first time such technology was showcased in Africa.
In November, Rwanda welcomed the 46th Conference of Ministers of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). Officially opened by OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo, the conference reviewed the role of women in the development of Francophone countries over the past 30 years.
On the diplomatic front, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, paid a state visit to Rwanda, underscoring the strong friendship between the two nations.
During his two-day visit, he was received by President Paul Kagame, who hosted him at his farm and presented him with Inyambo cows, a symbol of friendship and respect in Rwandan culture.
Rwanda continued to shine on the international sports stage by hosting major competitions that attracted athletes and fans from around the world.
In September, the country hosted the 92nd UCI Road World Championships, marking the first time the prestigious cycling event was held on the African continent.
The championship featured more than 919 cyclists from 110 countries, alongside thousands of journalists and fans. Over the course of the week-long event, Rwanda impressed the world with its security, organization, logistics and overall capacity to host major global sporting events.
Earlier in the year, Rwanda hosted the Basketball Africa League Nile Conference at BK Arena. The tournament featured APR BBC of Rwanda, Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya, Made by Basketball of South Africa and Nairobi City Thunder of Kenya.
The games attracted basketball fans from across Africa and were attended by high-profile figures including President Paul Kagame, Basketball Africa League president Amadou Gallo Fall, NBA Africa chief executive Clare Akamanzi and other distinguished guests.
For the first time in its history, Rwanda hosted a major professional boxing event, the Professional Fighters League Africa, on October 18 at BK Arena.
The semi-final bouts were attended by President Paul Kagame, World Boxing Council representative Mauricio Sulaimán and internationally renowned fighters, including Cameroonian star Francis Ngannou.
In the entertainment sector, Rwanda hosted the second edition of the Move Africa concert series, featuring American music icon John Legend, a four-time EGOT winner.
Organized by Global Citizen, Move Africa aims to strengthen Africa’s creative industries and equip young people with modern skills in live event production and entertainment management.
Rwanda also hosted the Giants of Africa festival, founded by Masai Ujiri. The event brought together thousands of young people from more than 16 African countries to promote basketball, education and cultural exchange.
The festival also saw the inauguration of basketball courts built in Rwandan schools and the official opening of Zaria Court, a major sports and entertainment complex developed by Ujiri, which has since become a key contributor to Rwanda’s sports tourism economy.
The inauguration was attended by influential leaders and investors, including Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote. The festival concluded with a major concert featuring Nigerian artists Ayra Starr, Kiss Daniel and Timaya.
International music star Davido also performed in Kigali in 2025 as part of the promotion of his album 5ive. The concert attracted a large audience from across East Africa, reaffirming Kigali’s growing reputation as a destination for major international music events.
Rwanda further strengthened its sports tourism profile by hosting the Arsenal Africa Fans Festival 2025, which brought together Arsenal supporters from across the African continent and highlighted the success of the Visit Rwanda partnership.
Beyond international showcases, Rwanda also hosted local events with strong international participation, including Tour du Rwanda, which featured 69 cyclists from 14 teams, including riders from Rwanda, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France and other countries.
The country also celebrated the 20th edition of Kwita Izina, the annual gorilla-naming ceremony, attended by leaders and global personalities such as actress Michelle Yeoh Todt and her husband Jean Todt, Nigerian singer Yemi Alade and former footballer Javier Pastore, among others.
