Masai Ujiri’s youth program extended to Kigali
Monday, May 29, 2023
GOA Career Fair Participants in a group photo with the GOA Founders, Edwin Owinje and Masai Ujiri together with a special guest Hollywood actor Boris Kodjoe in Kigali on May 29. Courtesy

More than 50 young Rwandans selected from a pool of 125 students are set to benefit from the youth internship program career fair organized by Masai Ujiri’s Giants of Africa.

The Career Fair, hosted at the sidelines of the just-concluded Basketball Africa League (BAL) finals, aims to provide talented individuals with hands-on experience and education in the profession of their choice.

Giants of Africa, founded by Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri, hosted the program for the first time in Kigali.

The event brought together aspiring young talents and influential industry professionals, in what the organization said was part of ongoing efforts to empower and inspire the next generation of African leaders.

The Career Fair was hosted in support of the Youth Internship Program that will take place at the Giants of Africa Festival, a week-long youth celebration of basketball, education, culture and entertainment due from August 13–19 in Kigali.

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A total 1,900 local youth between the ages of 20 to 30 applied.

Ujiri emphasized the importance of education, resilience, and self-belief in overcoming obstacles and achieving dreams.

"The Youth Internship Program and Career Fair continues our mission to empower African youth beyond the basketball court. By exposing them to a wide range of career options and giving them opportunities for hands-on professional experience, we want to equip them with the knowledge and experience necessary for their future success.”

MASAI UJIRI Co-Founder Giants of Africa engaging with the participants of GOA CAREER FAIR during a session in Kigali on May 29.

Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive seminars, discussions and workshops.

The seminars covered a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship, sports management, media and communications, technology, and social impact.

Esteemed professionals from these fields shared their expertise and provided valuable career advice to the eager participants.

The Minister of Youth, Dr. Jean-Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, commended Giants of Africa for empowering youth through the Career Fair.

"Rwanda as a nation, recognizes that our greatest resource lies within our youth. We firmly believe that investing in their talents, skills, and ambitions is vital for the sustainable development of our country,” he said.

"Giants of Africa share this vision, and together, we are shaping a brighter future for our youth.”

Godwin Owinje, Giants of Africa co-founder engaging with the participants of GOA CAREER FAIR