In September 2025, Kigali will make history as the first African city to host the UCI Road World Championships, one of the most prestigious events in international cycling. From September 21–28, thousands of riders, fans, and officials will descend on the “Land of a Thousand Hills” for a week-long competition. ALSO READ: Why Kigali 2025 is billed to be UCI’s hardest race ever But for Rwanda, this is more than a sporting spectacle. Hosting the UCI Championships is a diplomatic victory lap and an opportunity to project stability, strengthen international partnerships, and showcase Africa’s capacity to deliver world-class events. Cycling in Rwanda Cycling has been part of Rwanda’s national story for decades. Tour du Rwanda, launched in 1988 and later integrated into the UCI Africa Tour in 2009, has grown into one of the continent’s most prestigious races, attracting international teams and riders. ALSO READ: Guidelines for Kigali businesses ahead of global cycling race The sport’s rise mirrors Rwanda’s broader transformation. From grassroots cycling clubs in the countryside to the internationally recognized Team Rwanda Cycling, bicycles have become symbols of resilience and progress. For many Rwandans, especially in rural areas, the bicycle is also an everyday tool of mobility and livelihood. This dual identity sporting excellence and social utility explains why hosting the UCI Championships resonates so deeply with Rwanda’s people and leadership. It is not just an imported event; it is rooted in a cycling culture that has steadily matured over decades. Sport as soft power Globally, sport has long been a tool of soft power diplomacy. South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup reshaped perceptions of the continent. Qatar’s 2022 World Cup amplified its geopolitical clout. Rwanda, through Kigali 2025, is now using cycling to tell its own story – one of resilience, ambition, and global integration. Hosting Africa’s first UCI championships, Rwanda signals continental relevance. For East Africa and the African Union, Kigali 2025 elevates regional credibility, illustrating that smaller countries can lead on the international stage through vision and execution. By bringing the UCI Championships to Africa for the first time, Rwanda positions itself not only as a sporting nation but as a continental leader capable of setting precedents in global event hosting. Why Kigali, why now? Rwanda has built a reputation as a reliable host for major international gatherings. From the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2022 to the IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress, Kigali has become a hub for high-level diplomacy. The city’s modern infrastructure, political stability, and reputation for safety have made it a natural choice for the International Cycling Union (UCI). Cycling also carries symbolic weight in Rwanda. The annual Tour du Rwanda event has become one of Africa’s most competitive cycling events, while bicycles remain part of everyday life across the country. This cultural affinity strengthens Rwanda’s claim to host the global cycling community. The championship circuit will cover 15.1 kilometres through Kigali, with elite men tackling an exhausting 5,475 meters of total elevation gain among the toughest courses in UCI history. Beyond the physical challenge, the course symbolizes Rwanda’s own climb on the global stage: steep, demanding, but determined. The official slogan, “Riding New Heights,” captures this dual journey of sport and diplomacy. Regional and continental implications Hosting the UCI Championships is not just a national achievement but a continental breakthrough. For East Africa, it reinforces regional credibility in delivering global events. For the African Union, it underscores Africa’s demand for visibility in arenas long dominated by Europe and North America. Rwanda’s success signals that smaller nations, with vision and execution, can shape global narratives. Economic and political diplomacy on two wheels The UCI championships are expected to draw tens of thousands of international visitors, boosting Rwanda’s tourism, hospitality, and service industries. Global broadcasters will showcase Kigali’s landscapes to millions worldwide, strengthening Rwanda’s tourism brand. Equally important is the economic diplomacy dimension. Sponsorship deals, partnerships with international cycling federations, and government delegations create channels for trade, investment, and diplomatic engagement. The Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, said: “Cycling runs deep in our culture, and this tour celebrates sport's power to unite. We invite the world to experience Rwanda's spirit, vibrant culture and roads as we gear up for the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.” Opportunities and challenges The opportunities are substantial: Economic growth through visitor spending and investment. Youth inspiration by raising cycling’s profile in Africa. Diplomatic leverage by positioning Rwanda as a global convener. But challenges remain: Ensuring ordinary citizens benefit from infrastructure upgrades. Managing logistics and inclusivity, so the event is not seen as something for the elites only. Navigating international scrutiny, since high-profile events also invite critical attention to governance and human rights. Looking beyond the finish line When the final medals are awarded in Kigali, Rwanda’s gains will extend beyond podiums and photo finishes. The UCI Road World Championships represent a chance to consolidate soft power, elevate continental pride, and reaffirm Rwanda’s place in international diplomacy. In 2025, Rwanda will not just be hosting a cycling race. It will be riding a diplomatic victory lap proving that in global affairs, influence is not always about size, but about vision, endurance, and the will to lead. The writer is an international relations and diplomacy enthusiast.
