The second iteration of the Giants of Africa Festival officially closed on Saturday night following a Closing Concert at BK Arena. Campers, coaches, staff and the local community gathered for an evening of celebration with performances by African superstars Ayra Starr, Kizz Daniel, Timaya, The Ben, DJ Senshi, and more.
Under the spirit of a borderless Africa, the festival united 320 boys and girls from 20 African countries to promote themes of community, culture, basketball, education and entertainment over eight days (July 26 – August 2).
“When we come together as one continent and celebrate our incredible diversity, Africans can dream big,” said Giants of Africa Co-Founder, Masai Ujiri.
“Through competing in the game we love, dancing to our favourite music, and by showing off our incredible fashion, I am proud to say that 320 giants of Africa have created a community of future leaders. Thank you to His Excellency, President Paul Kagame, and the beautiful people of Rwanda for hosting us once again and sharing our vision of a borderless Africa.”
During the festival, the campers participated in a four-day basketball tournament that saw more than 100 games played within Kigali Sports City – a complex that includes BK Arena, Amahoro Stadium and Zaria Court Kigali, which was officially opened during the festivities. The boys from Rwanda defeated Senegal in the finals while the girls from Mali also defeated Senegal to be crowned back-to-back champions. To cap off basketball programming, one boy and one girl from each country were selected to participate in an All-Star game at Zaria Court to showcase the next generation of African basketball.
Throughout the eight days, the campers learned skills on and off the court from more than 100 coaches including four from each of the 20 participating nations. The coaches were responsible for encouraging campers to discover their potential and forge deep cross-cultural connections, while building a network of lifelong friendships.
As part of their final duties, Giants of Africa coaches hosted a clinic for 100 local coaches on the last day of the festival, to advance their coaching skills and education, and learn from a team of experienced NBA and professional basketball coaches and personnel.
In support of the local community, the Giants of Africa Festival participated in purpose–driven programming including the observation of Umuganda, a mandatory nationwide community service, empowering young women through outreach events and inviting local youth to hear from internationally renowned speakers.
On the last day, Giants of Africa, with the support of two-time NBA Champion Kawhi Leonard, unveiled three new courts at St. Ignatius School in Kigali. The courts were built under the ‘Built Within’ initiative – a mult-year 100-court investment in the infrastructure of basketball throughout Africa.
Giants of Africa Festival 2025 by The Numbers:
2000+ – Local youth participation
320 – Giants of Africa campers
118 – Basketball games played
104 – Coaches
126 – Accredited media
20 – African Countries
12 – Official festival events
8 – Festival days
7 – Venue activations
3 – New basketball courts built
1 – United continent
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