A Historic Achievement for Rwanda
Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva has celebrated Rwanda’s successful hosting of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, calling it a remarkable achievement that showcased the country’s discipline, coordination, and ambition. Speaking at the UCI cocktail reception held at Kigali Convention Centre on October 3, Nsengiyumva emphasized that this milestone proved Rwanda’s ability to deliver not only for itself but for the entire African continent.
“Hosting the 2025 UCI Road World Championships was no small feat. It took discipline, coordination, and belief that we could do it. And Rwanda delivered, not just for itself, but for Africa,” he said. The event was more than a sporting competition; it was a celebration of Rwanda’s resilience, hospitality, and growing global profile.
“This wasn’t just a sporting event. It was a celebration, a showcase of our ambition, our capacity, and our hospitality. The world saw more than cyclists and smooth roads; they saw our hills, our colours, and our people. They saw a country ready for global stages, for big dreams, and bold moves,” Nsengiyumva said.
A New Era for MICE Tourism
The Prime Minister also highlighted that the championships reaffirmed Rwanda’s vision to become a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. “This event also reaffirmed our vision for MICE tourism. We are talking about larger opportunities, such as conferences, exhibitions, and global gatherings. Rwanda is open, ready, and unstoppable,” he stated.
Building a Lasting Legacy
Nsengiyumva pointed out that the legacy of the event is already taking shape through stronger partnerships, new opportunities for young athletes, and a boost to the sports economy. “The legacy is already here, stronger partnerships, new opportunities for our young athletes, and renewed confidence in our collective power,” he noted.
He commended everyone who contributed to the event’s success, from government institutions and the Rwanda Cycling Federation to private sector players, hospitality teams, and citizens. “You showed the world what unity, pride, and excellence look like. We are also grateful to our security organs whose timely communication and dedication ensured the safety of cyclists and fans, keeping our city vibrant,” he said.
A Commitment to Sports Development
Looking ahead, Nsengiyumva reiterated the government’s commitment to continuing its investment in sports infrastructure and supporting athletes to compete and win on the global stage. “For those involved in cycling and other sports, the government of Rwanda will continue to build the necessary infrastructure and make it easier for athletes to participate in international competitions and to win them. Next time, we might just have Pogačar here in Rwanda, and we’ll put in the effort to make that happen,” he remarked.
A Historic Moment for Africa
The 2025 UCI Road World Championships marked a historic moment as the event came to Africa for the first time in its century-long history. Over eight days, from September 21 to 28, riders competed in a full program of time trials and road races that turned Rwanda’s hills into a global cycling stage.
A Global Stage for Rwanda
The event served as a platform for Rwanda to showcase its capabilities on an international scale. It demonstrated the country’s ability to organize large-scale events and create an environment conducive to global participation. The success of the championships has positioned Rwanda as a key player in the world of sports and beyond.
Opportunities for Growth
With the success of the UCI Road World Championships, Rwanda is now looking to leverage this momentum for future events. The government is exploring opportunities to host more international sporting events, which could further enhance the country’s reputation and attract more visitors.
A Vision for the Future
Nsengiyumva’s comments reflect a broader vision for Rwanda’s future, where the country continues to grow and develop in various sectors, including sports, tourism, and international relations. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on collaboration and unity underscores the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
