President Kagame Calls for Sports to Become a Revenue-Generating Business

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of three new government officials on Monday, December 23, 2024, Kagame emphasized the importance of resource mobilization in their mandates.

"You must understand that your responsibilities include seeking resources," Kagame said. "Sports is not just about participation; it is about generating value, including financial resources. That’s why we invest in infrastructure and other initiatives."

The President highlighted Rwanda's growing investment in sports infrastructure as part of the strategy to harness talent for economic gain. “Sports today is a business driven by talent, whether from Rwandans or others. Talent can be commercialized, and this should be our goal," he stated, pointing to facilities being built across the country to support this vision.

Minister Mukazayire replaces Richard Nyirishema, who had held the position since August 2024. The ceremony also welcomed Rwego Ngarambe, the first-ever Minister of State for Sports, and Godfrey Kabera, the new State Minister for Finance. Kagame challenged all three to not only manage existing resources but to find innovative ways to generate more.

“Those in finance should not just calculate what we already have but find ways to grow it. This requires constant effort and ingenuity,” Kagame added, underscoring the interconnected role of the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Finance in achieving these objectives.

With Rwanda becoming a regional hub for sports and talent development, the new leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming the sector into a major contributor to the nation’s economy. "The groundwork is set; now it's about execution and ensuring sports delivers both opportunities and revenues," Kagame concluded.

President Kagame urges sports to evolve into a profitable industry

Rwego, Mukazayire, and Kabera Sworn into new roles