The long-awaited year 2020 is here and Rwanda can only look forward toward 2050 with hope and hard work demonstrated over the last 20 years.
Nasra Bishumba breaks down the exciting events and milestones that are expected across sectors of the country in 2020.
1. June 2020 CHOGM
Rwanda has made a name for itself over the last few years for hosting historical summits but the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2020 must be the biggest on its calendar yet.
The meeting, scheduled to be held at the Kigali from 22 June will bring together leaders from all 53 Commonwealth countries.
The theme for the meeting is; ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’.
Leaders are expected to discuss ways the contemporary Commonwealth can transform societies, in accordance with Commonwealth Charter values of democracy, multilateralism, sustainable development, and empowerment of women and youth.
2. Africa Drone Forum 2020
The 2020 African Drone Forum, scheduled to take place in Kigali from 5-7 February, comprises an exposition and a flying competition. The flights competition will start on February 8, 2020.
A Zipline drone used to deliver blood. Rwanda is set to host the Africa Drone Forum 2020. Photo: Sam Ngendahimana.
The Forum is a timely multi-stakeholder engagement in a country already using drone technology to improve the lives of its citizens. This forum showcases the latest drone technology, convenes experts and regulators together in a symposium, and challenges drone companies to take part in flying competitions with real-world elements.
3. International Golf Club
Rwanda and international sports enthusiasts will this year begin enjoying the perks that come with an international standard 18-hole course.
Construction works on the course kicked off in October and the facility is slated to reopen for competitions in May this year.
Speaking to The New Times recently, the Kigali Gold Club Captain Davis Kashaka revealed that the revamped Golf Club will accommodate a bowling alley and squash court and most importantly, be eligible to host big international competitions.
"With nine holes, there is a certain number of golfers we can’t exceed in a single competition. Once extended to 18-hole course, that limitation will be no more. We will be able to bid for and host bigger competitions and star golfers from around the continent and beyond,” he said.
The revamped KGC is expected to host a Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) golf event, one of the activities lined up during the 26th CHOGM Meeting.
4. Solar Business Expo (SBE)
Slated for May 29, this solar expo is a leading international Business-to-Business exhibition that brings together manufacturers, distributors, installers, finance providers, service providers, facility managers, and project developers. It provides a unique business platform for connecting, creating linkages, networking, marketing, and doing business in the solar and storage industries.
5. Tour du Rwanda
It slid into the sports calendar slowly but Tour du Rwanda is now one of the greatest sporting events on the social calendar of many Rwandans. The 2020 edition of Tour du Rwanda will be held from February 16-23.
6. Peace Cultural Summit
Slated for March 25-28th this year, the Peace cultural summit is an annual event on action to promoting a culture of peace, and matters of common concern. This year’s summit in Rwanda, Kigali under a sub-theme ‘’new leadership approaches for sustainability and peace’’ seeks to address different thematic issues affecting Africa as a continent and the entire world as well.
7. Basketball Africa League (BAL2020)
The 2020 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season was the inaugural season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
The league is a joint effort between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and FIBA with sponsorship from the Jordan Brand and Pepsi.
Starting from this season, it is the highest tier continental league of Africa, replacing the FIBA AfroLeague.
In its first season, the league exists out of 12 teams and is scheduled to begin in March 2020. The qualifying rounds for the season kicked off in October 2019.
8. Africa Tech Summit Kigali
The summit will be held in Kigali from February 4 to 6, to provide insight, networking and business opportunities for African and international tech leaders and investors who want to do business in Africa.
The three-day tech summit will feature – The Future Summit, The Money & Blockchain Summit and The Africa Start-up Summit.
Each will explore the latest trends, connect 600+ digital leaders, tech corporates, MNO’s, banks, investors, regulators, start-ups, creative media and leading tech ventures from across Africa over an action-packed insight, networking and entertainment.
9. Ubumuntu Art Festival 2020
In July 2020, the fan favourite Ubumuntu Arts Festival will be back with the aim to creat an avenue where people from different walks of life can come together and speak to each other in the language of Art.
First held in 2015, the annual festival is held following the last week of the 100 days of commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
It is held at the outdoor amphitheatre of the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre and brings different artists from around the world.
Festival activities include but are not limited to performances, workshops, panels and genocide memorial site visits.
The festival is free and open to everybody and therefore relies on donations and sponsors for financial support.