Africa needs to believe in the giant that it is, says Kagame

President Paul Kagame has urged African youth to believe in the giants within themselves and work hard to unlock the continent’s full potential. He made the remarks during the Giants of Africa Festival opening show held on Sunday, July 27, at BK Arena in Kigali, marking the beginning of a week-long festival that runs until August 2. ALSO READ: Masai Ujiri challenges African youth to dream bigger The event also brought together young leaders from 20 African countries and artists who opened the festival with vibrant performances showcasing their diverse cultures. President Kagame thanked Masai Ujiri, the Co-founder of Giants of Africa, and his team and partners for their dedication to organising the festival. “Masai you see here, he has invested his passion, his time, his own money and mobilised more resources to be able to put this festival together. I thank you, Masai,” Kagame said. “In fact, when I am thanking you, I want it to be understood that through you, I am also talking about your family who are here and who support you, and who are friends of this continent and the young talent that we have here in front of us today.” This is the second time Rwanda has hosted the Giants of Africa Festival, following its debut in Kigali in 2023. ALSO READ: What you should know as Giants of Africa Festival returns to Kigali “I am very pleased that we could host this festival for the second time in Kigali. We feel proud, together with you, that we can pull off this, something that brings out a lot about our continent,” he said. The President commended Giants of Africa for its work in developing young African talent through sports and infrastructure. “Giants of Africa has been a trailblazer in sports, in infrastructure, in identifying and developing the talent that is in Africa’s youth, that you represent here tonight.” “I thank each and every country represented here, the 20 countries that you represent. We appreciate you, we welcome you, and we want you to feel at home while you are here. And we hope you will be back, even for other things beyond just this festival. You are most welcome,” Kagame said. He urged young people to believe in the giants within themselves. “And then you go out, you work hard, you put in all the time and resources you have, on court, off court and that will bring out the giant in you. And that’s what Africa needs to do. Africa needs to believe in the giant that Africa is.” ALSO READ: Ujiri believes Africa has ‘everything’ to become great The President said giants grow by believing in themselves, stressing that Africa must not continue to lag the rest of the world. “But in a small way like this, in this festival, we are reminded that we can start. The numbers are here, the countries represented, and we can grow and bring out the many millions that Africans are, and show their worth, and continue to do Africa proud.” “We can do it. We can do it through sports. We can do it through many things. It shouldn’t just be a slogan; it should be deeds as well. And we are capable of doing that. Just that.” Kagame encouraged the youth to stay energised and aim high, saying their efforts are key to uplifting the continent.

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Africa needs to believe in the giant that it is, says Kagame