“What a week, what an experience! History has been made, and what a pride and privilege to be a Rwandan today!” These were the words of Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, following the close of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.
Her tribute captured the emotion of millions of Rwandans and visitors who witnessed a defining moment in the nation’s sporting and cultural journey.
Mukazayire’s heartfelt message went beyond the adrenaline of cycling competitions. It was a recognition of the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame, whose foresight has positioned Rwanda as a trusted global host for world-class events.
It was also a tribute to the local organising committee (LOC), the tireless volunteers, professional conference organisers, and the vibrant communities of Kigali who came together to deliver what many participants described as one of the most memorable championships in UCI’s 125-year history.
But the significance of Rwanda’s UCI moment stretches far beyond sport. It is a story of resilience, transformation, and the power of a nation that has rebuilt itself from tragedy to global admiration.
A first for Africa, a benchmark for the world
The UCI Road World Championships had never before been staged on African soil. For cycling enthusiasts across the globe, the choice of Rwanda was both symbolic and strategic.
Symbolic because Rwanda embodies endurance, a quality that cycling demands; strategic because Rwanda has spent the past two decades investing in infrastructure, security, and international-standard hospitality.
Kigali’s hills—once a metaphor for hardship—became an arena of athletic heroism. The relentless ascents tested riders from the world’s biggest cycling nations, while the descents offered breathtaking views of Rwanda’s green landscape.
From Nyamirambo to Kimironko, from KCC to Kimihurura and from Kimihurura to Nyabugogo and Norvege zones, the city vibrated with colour, music, and unity.
Cycling fans who travelled from Europe, Asia, and the Americas marvelled not only at the challenging routes but also at the warmth of Rwandan spectators.
Locals lined the roads in their thousands, waving flags, drumming, singing, and dancing—transforming the championships into a festival of national pride.
The spirit of community
Minister Mukazayire’s special thanks to “Abafanaaaa” (the fans) was not incidental. Rwanda’s culture of togetherness was the true engine behind the success of the event. The LOC mobilised thousands of volunteers, from university students to community cooperatives, who worked around the clock.
These young men and women managed logistics, guided visitors, ensured safety, and infused the event with unmistakable Rwandan hospitality.
Professional conference organisers (PCOs) showcased Rwanda’s growing expertise in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry.
From fan zones with interactive exhibitions to seamless event coordination, the championships were an advertisement of Rwanda’s readiness to host complex global gatherings.
DJs, artists, and cultural troupes created an electric atmosphere that merged cycling with celebration, proving that sport in Rwanda is not just competition—it is culture, business, and identity.
Business of sport: A growing economic engine
For Rwanda, the UCI Road World Championships were not only about prestige. They were about the “business of sport.”
Hotels brimmed with guests, restaurants overflowed with visitors, and small businesses—from street vendors selling flags to artisans making memorabilia—experienced booming trade.
Kigali International Airport welcomed thousands of tourists, many of whom extended their stays to explore Rwanda’s national parks, museums, and cultural sites.
The ripple effect on Rwanda’s economy is already being quantified, but beyond numbers, the event cemented Rwanda’s reputation as Africa’s hub for sports tourism.
Just as South Africa became synonymous with the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Rwanda has carved its name into the cycling world—and positioned itself for even greater sporting investments.
A Journey rooted in visionary leadership
At the heart of this achievement lies the leadership of President Paul Kagame. Long before the first cyclist pedalled into Kigali, Kagame championed the use of sports as a tool for national unity, youth empowerment, and international visibility.
His government invested in cycling infrastructure, supported Team Rwanda, and nurtured the dream of bringing the UCI championships to Africa.
Rwanda’s President has often described sports as a bridge between nations and a driver of development.
The UCI championships validated this vision, showing that sport can be both a unifier and a catalyst for innovation. Rwanda’s successful hosting reassures global federations that Africa can deliver world-class sporting spectacles.
From ashes to triumph: The deeper meaning
To fully appreciate the weight of this achievement, one must consider Rwanda’s history. Barely three decades ago, Rwanda was devastated by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The country was left in ruins—physically, socially, and emotionally. The thought of Rwanda hosting the world’s largest cycling event would have seemed impossible.
Yet, through resilience and unity, Rwandans rebuilt their nation. The same hills that once carried stories of pain now carry narratives of triumph. The same roads that were once paths of despair now host champions from across the globe.
Rwanda’s hosting of the UCI event is thus not merely about cycling—it is about rewriting the national story, showing the world what is possible when a people refuse to be defined by tragedy.
Global voices of praise
Cyclists, officials, and fans left Kigali with glowing reviews. Many praised the challenging but scenic routes, while others were touched by the warmth of the Rwandans. International media highlighted Rwanda’s efficiency, safety, and innovation, comparing the Kigali championships to the best in Europe.
UCI President David Lappartient described Rwanda’s hosting as “historic and inspiring,” noting that the event has set new standards for inclusivity and fan engagement. He hinted that more cycling events could return to Rwanda, given the country’s proven capacity.
The road ahead
Minister Mukazayire concluded her message with a powerful call: “Twikomereze Imihigo, twubake u Rwanda rutubereye kuko dukwiye ibyiza maze Rweme no kwisi hose.” (Let’s continue our performance contracts, let’s build the Rwanda we deserve, because we are worthy of good things, and Rwanda must be known globally).
This call reflects Rwanda’s philosophy of Imihigo—a culture of performance and accountability that has fueled the country’s progress.
For Rwanda, the UCI event is not an endpoint but a milestone. It opens doors for future opportunities: attracting global federations, encouraging sports investment, and inspiring the next generation of Rwandan athletes.
A legacy beyond cycling
The legacy of Rwanda’s UCI Road World Championships will endure in many ways. It will live in the memories of fans who lined the roads. It will inspire young Rwandans who now believe that they too can compete on global stages.
It will echo in the country’s strengthened tourism sector and in the confidence of international investors.
Above all, it will live in the national spirit—proof that Rwanda, though small in geography, is limitless in ambition. From resilience to renaissance, from tragedy to triumph, Rwanda has once again shown the world what it means to rise, to host, and to inspire.
