Ministry of Sports Sets Ambitious Goals for 2025

Rwanda’s sports sector is gearing up for major growth. During the swearing-in ceremony of new leaders, including Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, and Minister of State Rwego Ngarambe, President Paul Kagame emphasized the importance of advancing sports and turning it into a sustainable business.

Minister Mukazayire shared the Ministry’s key goals for 2025, focusing on harnessing talent and maximizing the benefits of sports. She highlighted that sports is no longer just a pastime but a thriving industry, with the potential to generate income.

"It’s not easy, but it’s possible," said Minister Mukazayire. She explained that with the right infrastructure and the country’s current progress, sports can drive economic growth. The aim is to create profitable sports initiatives that bring in revenue, including hosting competitions and other entertainment events.

The Minister further emphasized the importance of nurturing talent. "Sports begins with talent, and we need to invest in it to reach the highest level," she said. This approach will involve strengthening teams, fostering professionalism, and ensuring Rwanda’s athletes can compete and win internationally.

The Ministry plans to work closely with partners to develop youth talent and elevate local sports to the next level. This initiative is about more than just training young athletes; it’s about turning those talents into an economic asset for the country.

Additionally, Minister Mukazayire noted the importance of sports infrastructure. "Without proper facilities, it’s hard to grow talent or generate the expected returns," she explained. The Ministry has made it a priority to build sports facilities in every region.

The goal is to have at least two sports fields in each district. "Although we’ve focused on FIFA-standard fields, we aim to build 30 to 60 fields across the country," she added.

As part of the FIFA Forward program, which aims to develop football, $2 million will be allocated to building new fields. One million dollars will be used to build a FIFA-compliant stadium in partnership with FERWAFA. This field will serve as a training ground for youth and a venue for various events.

The remaining $1 million will go toward building nine additional fields, enhancing Rwanda’s sports infrastructure and creating more opportunities for young athletes to thrive.

The Ministry’s vision is clear: to use sports as a catalyst for development, and with these new initiatives, Rwanda is poised to make a lasting impact on the global sports stage.