Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Chief Executive Officer Clare Akamanzi this week posted a tweet about how the state of Utah in the United States of America made $250 million in one weekend for hosting the NBA All-star game that pitted select teams chosen by NBA stars-Lebron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

In 2021, the sports tourism industry in Rwanda generated over $6 million, accounting to 13 per cent of the total generated revenues earned from the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) industry.

While Rwanda is positioning itself as a regional sports tourism hub, more investments in infrastructure of international sports facilities is needed so that the country is able to host global sports events.

Currently, the government is refurbishing Amahoro and Kigali stadiums while renovation of stadiums in upcountry cities in Huye, Bugesera and Rubavu were completed in the last three years.

The government is not only investing in sports infrastructure but has also used Visit Rwanda – the country’s marketing flagship, to sponsor sporting tournaments like Tour du Rwanda, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and the Kigali Peace Marathon.

Also, stakeholders like Giants of Africa have also played a pivotal role in partnering with the government to refurbish basketball courts at Club Rafiki in Nyamirambo and Lycee de Kigali secondary school.

The role to develop sports cannot be solely left to the government. In some markets and countries, private sector players support finance and sponsor sports clubs and federations and in turn benefit from the visibility of the sport.

Sports leagues across the world have been known to play a key role in economic growth with multiple revenue streams ranging from broadcasting rights, sponsorships and advertising among others.

In turn, the private sector and investors have a role to support and finance sports to get past long term challenges which include structure challenges, lack of growth plans among others.