When Rwanda welcomes the world for the UCI Road World Championships kicking off this weekend, history will be written on our roads. For the first time in a century, the cycling world’s most prestigious race comes to Africa, and Rwanda stands tall as the proud host. This sporting event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase who we are and what we are becoming. For the global racing community, Kigali will be more than just another venue. Our steep hills, vibrant streets, and cheering crowds will leave an impression on riders who have raced across Europe’s cobblestones and America’s highways. Rwanda’s unique terrain will test their endurance in new ways, while our warmth as a people will remind them that cycling holds deep connection beyond speeding. And this is exactly what we want them to take home. At home, this event caps years of investment in building a cycling culture. From the days when local riders trained with second-hand bikes, our country now boasts a thriving ecosystem of clubs, coaches, and rising stars. Young talents see heroes in riders like Adrien Niyonshuti, and now they will witness the very best of the world racing on their own soil. Such moments spark dreams and fuel the determination needed to take African cycling to the next level. The Championships are also a triumph of sports diplomacy. They affirm our place as a trusted partner in hosting global events, building on the success of the “Visit Rwanda” campaign. Our hotels, restaurants, artisans, and tour operators will benefit from thousands of visitors. The ripple effect on the economy, from taxi-moto riders ferrying fans to vendors selling flags and jerseys, will be felt far beyond the finish line. Yet perhaps the greatest significance lies in the message to Africa. Kigali’s roads will tell a story of possibility, that African nations can not only participate in the world’s biggest sporting stages but also host them with excellence. For our children, watching the peloton thunder past the hills will not just be entertainment; it will be inspiration. So let us turn up in numbers, lining the roads, waving our flags, and cheering our lungs out. Because when Rwanda shines, Africa shines. And this coming week, the world is watching.
