When Rwego Ngarambe, 30, Rwanda’s youngest minister, is not working, he is often playing basketball, spending time with family, or shouting his lungs out cheering during games, especially when Team Rwanda is playing. Appointed by President Paul Kagame in December 2024 as the Minister of State for Sports, the international sports lawyer is part of a dynamic team entrusted with steering the sports industry at a time when the country aims to earn big from the global sports market. “To be honest, it's still hard to believe,” he told Times Sport when asked about his feelings upon appointment. “But yeah, you take a deep breath, let it sink in, and say, OK, it’s happening. Yes, it’s me; I’m here, so let me do it.” Ngarambe’s early acquaintance with sports began during his school years, particularly during university. Standing at 1.97 meters tall, he played for Roche Vendée Basket Club in France while pursuing his studies in the European country. Although he chose not to pursue professional basketball, his passion for the sport remained undiminished as he took the path of studying it academically. From France, he proceeded to Spain, where he earned a Master’s degree in International Sports Law from the Higher Institute of Law and Economics, equipping him with the expertise to navigate sports management at the highest levels. When he returned home, he began applying what he had studied, working in different positions. Since then, he has risen through various ranks in the Rwanda Basketball Federation (Ferwaba) and the Ministry of Sports, to become one a key figure in the country’s sports leadership. As such, he now shoulders significant responsibilities. Yet, he remains a man who truly breathes sports. “It’s just a matter of seeing a volleyball, cricket ball, or anything I can get my hands on, really,” he says. Quizzed on what team he supports locally, he says he avoids taking sides in club competitions, but always backs teams representing Rwanda. “I never pick sides because I like the team that represents everyone. Even before I was in this position—maybe I didn’t tell you—I worked with the Rwanda Basketball Federation, and there was no team I favoured over another,” he points out. In addition to his love for sports, in his free time, Ngarambe says he enjoys taking walks, reading, or listening to music. On the personal front, he is a newlywed, having tied the knot in August 2024. His vision for the ministry For Ngarambe, his appointment is an opportunity to inspire young people, encouraging them to recognise that Rwanda is theirs to keep building. “We have great minds, great leaders, and a history to learn from and know exactly where we are heading,” he notes. “The vision that Rwanda has, the vision that the leadership has, and the ambitions we share as a nation are too big to be carried by just a few people. With 70 percent of the population being youth, it’s time for that 70 percent to wake up and take this opportunity,” he says.