Giants of Africa co-founder Masai Ujiri has called on Africa’s youth to believe in their potential and take the lead to shape a stronger, more united Africa. Ujiri was speaking during Umuganda community service on Saturday, July 26, in Kigali, where more than 400 campers, coaches, dignitaries, and international guests gathered on the opening day of the 2025 Giants of Africa Festival. “We have the talent. We have the people. We have the resources, yes, we have everything on this continent to be great,” Ujiri said. Organized in partnership with the Imbuto Foundation and Rwanda’s Ministry of Youth and Arts, the gathering highlighted the power of service, unity, and shared purpose. ALSO READ: What you should know as Giants of Africa Festival returns to Kigali Ujiri emphasized that real progress comes not from waiting for change, but from creating it — together, across borders, reminding the present youth that adversity is unavoidable, but unity and resilience are the solutions. Drawing from his own childhood experience in Northern Nigeria, the former Toronto Raptors president reminded the youth that their communities and stories matter just as much as anyone else’s. “Yes, we will face adversity. Yes, we will encounter tough times... but we work through them. It doesn’t require wealth to do great things; you can always improve and grow bigger, regardless of where you come from. You can become anything you want,” he noted. He went on to challenge young people to not only dream big but to also walk with confidence and purpose, underlining that the Giants of Africa platform is only the beginning and that true leadership means going beyond it. ALSO READ: Giants of Africa Festival to return in Kigali on July 26 Rwanda’s Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire echoed Ujiri’s words and urged young people to take an active role in building their country, emphasizing that national progress depends not only on government or institutions. Mukazayire commended Giants of Africa for standing with Rwanda during Umuganda, “Building our country is not just the job of leaders; it starts with all of us, it is our responsibility. I also want to appreciate the spirit of community. Let us thank Giants of Africa and their team for joining us. It shows a shared commitment to rebuilding and restoration, not just in Rwanda but in Africa as well, she said. The Minister called on the young people to embrace the full value of sport — not just as a game, but as a tool for learning and self-development and a life-shaping force. “Sport is a teacher; it teaches ability, discipline, resilience, and everything we need in life. So make the best use of it.” This year’s festival—running through August 2—is themed “A Borderless Africa.” It brings together youth and mentors from across the continent and beyond to celebrate culture, sport, and leadership.
