The diverse range of events we witnessed in 2023 only solidified Rwanda’s standing as a premier destination for various gatherings like forums, conferences, and sports events. Last year, the country hosted the 73rd FIFA Congress, the Women Deliver Conference 2023, and the 23rd World Travel & Tourism Council Summit, among others. December alone was marked by the unforgettable displays by global superstars like Kendrick Lamar, a year-end gospel concert featuring singer Israel Mbonyi, and the traditional fireworks display on December 31st.
Kicking off the year with the 26th National Prayer Breakfast, 2024 is anticipated to be another thrilling and bustling period throughout the year. Here’s a glimpse of what the calendar has in store for this year.
UK-Rwanda Business Forum
Souce: The East african
Closing the month of January, the UK-Rwanda Business Forum under the theme Succeeding in Rwanda: Unlocking Growth & Opportunities will highlight investment prospects in Rwanda’s growing economy. With a focus on sectors like Agriculture, Critical Minerals, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Green Economy, and Financial Services, the forum aims to foster discussions among business leaders, investors, and government officials to unlock growth and opportunities from 29th to 31st January. It will be hosted by the British High Commission Kigali in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board at Kigali Convention Center.
Tour du Rwanda
The 16th edition of Tour du Rwanda (TDR) will take place from the 18 to the 25th of February. Cyclists from various countries, both far and near, including Israel, Rwanda, Belgium, Canada, France, Kenya, South Africa, Eritrea, Algeria, and Gabon, compete. The 2024 edition will host 20 teams.
Tour du Rwanda provides African riders with the opportunity to showcase their talents within the context of participating in a professionally organized event, offering a pathway to join the ranks of top professional teams in the global cycling elite.
The Basketball Africa League (BAL)
Source: Visit Rwanda
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), will return in May this year. The Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers, which took place in five African cities, began on Friday, October 6, in Antananarivo and concluded on Sunday, November 26, in Johannesburg. The 2024 BAL season will feature a record number of 48 games across four African countries – South Africa, Egypt, Senegal, and Rwanda – over four months. This marks the first time BAL games will be played in South Africa and the first instance of the league being hosted in four different countries.
2024 Rwandan Elections
Source: VOA
In June, Rwandans are set to go to the polls to elect their next deputies and president, with current head of state his excellency Paul Kagame up for a fourth term. Candidates will be able to campaign from June 22 to July 12. In addition, on July 16, electoral colleges and committees will select twenty-four women parliamentarians, two youth representatives, and one representative for Rwandans with disabilities. It was in September 2023 that His excellency Paul Kagame announced his candidacy for a fourth term.
The inaugural Veterans Clubs World Championship (VCWC)
Source: Igihe
In September, from 1st to 10th September 2024, Rwanda will be graced with the 2003 World Cup Winner Ronaldo de Assis Moreira for the inaugural Veterans Clubs World Championship(VCWC). The VCWC is intended for former football players who have decided to retire. Over 150 former participants are expected to be in Kigali for the ten-day competition.
In addition to the main tournament, the VCWC will offer various other activities related to football. A women’s football match will be featured to promote gender equality in sports, while an amateur tournament will allow local players to participate in this unique experience.
