Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, has said the country’s hosting of the Africa Handball Cup marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s efforts to grow the sport and position itself as a hub for major continental competitions.
She made the remarks on Wednesday evening, January 21, while officially opening the Africa Handball Cup, which runs until January 31, 2026.
This is the first time Rwanda is hosting the tournament, now in its 27th edition.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mukazayire said the championship reflects the progress Rwanda has made in developing sports infrastructure and capacity, particularly in handball.
“Hosting this major continental competition for the first time is an important step in our journey to develop sports. The tournament will contribute to the sustainable growth of handball in Rwanda and across Africa,” she said.
The minister credited continued political support for enabling Rwanda to host high-profile sporting events, singling out Paul Kagame for his role in promoting sports as a development tool.
Mukazayire noted that the tournament brings together top handball talent from across the continent, with teams competing for national pride and qualification to global competitions. She added that the government views sport as a platform for youth development, social cohesion, international cooperation, and economic growth.
She also pointed to sustained investment in sports infrastructure, saying it is part of a broader strategy to make Rwanda a preferred destination for international tournaments.
“This competition allows us to fully utilise the facilities we have built, while giving visitors the opportunity to experience Kigali and Rwanda,” she said.
She urged participating teams to uphold sportsmanship and fair play and wished players, officials, and fans a positive experience during their stay.
Background
The previous Africa Handball Cup was hosted by Egypt, which won the title for the third consecutive time. Rwanda finished 14th in that edition.
Only three countries—Tunisia, Egypt, and Algeria—have won the tournament since its inception in 1970. Tunisia leads with 10 titles and 25 medals overall, followed by Egypt with 22 medals and Algeria with 20.
Rwanda and Benin are appearing at the Africa Handball Cup for the second time, with Benin returning after a 30-year absence. Uganda is making its debut at the competition.
The 2026 Africa Handball Cup will determine five African teams that will qualify for the 2027 Men’s Handball World Championship.
