The Giants of Africa Festival returned to Kigali, Rwanda (July 26 – August 2) with unprecedented power, uniting 320 young dreamers from 20 African nations in a celebration that transcended basketball. This wasn’t just a week-long event—it was a movement that brought to life the boundless potential pulsing through the heart of Africa’s next generation.
Before official festivities began, our campers dove deep into transformative workshops that reshaped how they see themselves and their continent. From wellness and movement sessions that strengthened their bodies to art and self-expression workshops that freed their souls, these young leaders explored every dimension of growth, leadership, and connection. The events were the foundation of a borderless Africa, where unity transcends boundaries and dreams know no limits.
Umuganda Day: Hearts United in Purpose
On our official launch day, magic happened. Rwanda’s national day of community service became something extraordinary as our GOA campers and staff stood shoulder to shoulder with 3,000 community members, and special guests Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, and Michael Blackson. Together, they paved a road while building a shared future. In partnership with Imbuto Foundation, this day proved that greatness isn’t just about individual achievement; it’s about showing up for each other to achieve more
Women Rising: 1,000 Voices, One Powerful Movement
That same afternoon, history was made. Across the 20 African nation’s represented at the festival, more than 1,000 girls and young women came together in a moment under the Giants of Africa Women’s Empowerment Initiative. In Huye, Rwanda, 50 young women stepped onto a GOA-built court—not just to play, but to lead. They listened with purpose, spoke with power, and moved with the confidence of those who know their time has come. They moved through conversation, sisterhood, and skill on a court built for them, by those who believe in them.
International Youth Day: Over 2,000 Dreams Ignited
On July 27th the International Youth Day Forum, presented by ALX and hosted alongside Imbuto Foundation and the Ministry of Youth, brought together more than 2,000 local Rwandan youth whose lives were transformed by the words of extraordinary speakers. From Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and Arts to Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, from Chiney Ogwumike and Festus Ezeli to inspiring local leaders—every voice carried the same message: Your dreams are valid, your potential is limitless, and your time is now.
ALX didn’t just participate—they ignited hope with a powerful roundtable showcasing entrepreneurs whose journeys from their programs to success proved that with the right support, anything is possible.
Opening Night: One Continent. One Africa.
The Festival’s Opening Show was a breathtaking cultural spectacle. As 320 young dreamers paraded on to the stage—each one carrying the pride of their nation—the arena erupted with an energy so powerful it could be felt in every heartbeat. The performances that followed were pure magic. Rwandan sensation Boukuru poured his heart into every note, international phenomenon DJ Uncle Waffles had thousands moving as one unified force, and award-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver orchestrated moments so beautiful they brought tears of joy to countless eyes. This wasn’t just entertainment—it was Africa celebrating itself with unrestrained pride and boundless love.
Then came the moment that silenced the arena: His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, reminded everyone present of a fundamental truth:
“Africa needs to believe in the giant that Africa is. Giants grow, they evolve, they stand tall and they believe in themselves. This festival reminds us that the few gathered here can ignite the potential of millions across Africa, showcasing their worth and continuing to make Africa proud.”
Zaria Court: A Monument to African Excellence
July 28th marked a defining moment for African urban infrastructure. Zaria Court Kigali opened a new chapter in Africa’s story. Co-founded by NBA Champion Masai Ujiri, this landmark development welcomed dignitaries, cultural leaders, and advocates to celebrate Africa’s newest premier destination for sports, culture, and community.
With notable attendees including Aliko Dangote, Chiney Ogwumike, Amadou Gallo Fall, and Robin Roberts, the evening unveiled a vision of Africa’s limitless future. From that evening on, several festival events were hosted in the spectacular multi-purpose space.
Threads of Africa: A Culture of Fashion
For the first time ever, Giants of Africa presented a fashion show that became a celebration of continental pride. Curated by Giants of Africa Creative Advisor Ramatu Ujiri, who walked the runway for the first time in 17 years, “Threads of Africa” spotlighted three extraordinary designers: Cameroon’s Hortense Mbea, Niger’s Alia Baré, and Rwanda/South Africa’s Nyambo Masamara. The event went far beyond fashion, celebrating African narratives through the artistry of our own hands.
Basketball: Where Champions Are Forged
At the basketball tournament, more than 100 games turned Kigali Sports City into a stage for dreams. By the time the Finals arrived at Zaria Court—with NBA Champion Kawhi Leonard in the stands—the energy was electric. Rwanda’s boys thrilled a roaring home crowd with victory over Senegal, while Mali’s girls secured back-to-back championship glory. Yet the true triumph wasn’t measured on the scoreboard—it lived in the lessons learned, the friendships formed, and the borders erased.
That same night the All-Star Game shone as a glimpse into Africa’s basketball future, where one boy and one girl from each nation stepped forward to show the world that greatness knows no boundaries.
Built Within: Dreams Made Concrete
In partnership with two-time NBA Champion Kawhi Leonard, Giants of Africa unveiled three new courts at St. Ignatius School—courts number 41, 42, and 43 of the ‘Built Within’ initiative. Each court represents more than infrastructure; they are launching pads for dreams, bringing us closer to the vision of 100 courts across Africa where young people can discover their greatness.
A Night to Remember
The festival’s culmination came with the Closing Concert at BK Arena, where African superstars Ayra Starr, Kizz Daniel, Timaya and The Ben, created an evening that will echo in memories forever. As campers, coaches, staff, and the local community celebrated together, one truth became crystal clear: this wasn’t just the end of a festival—it was the beginning of a movement that will reshape Africa’s future.
The Giants of Africa Festival 2025 proved that when young Africans are given the platform, support, and belief they deserve, they don’t just meet expectations—they shatter them. Every workshop, every game, every moment of connection planted seeds that will grow into the Africa we’ve always known was possible.
Thank you to our unbelievable sponsors and donors for helping make this dream come true.
