Kigali welcomes the world and inspires Africa’s next generation of cyclists

From September 21 to 28, the African continent will make history by hosting the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Road World Championships for the very first time. The spotlight will shine on Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, as it welcomes the world for a landmark week of racing.

While Rwandans are already well-acquainted with the excitement of the annual Tour du Rwanda, the UCI Road World Championships marks a significant new chapter—bringing the global cycling stage to Kigali, and Africa, for the first time.

Hosting the event places Rwanda firmly on the international map, with an estimated 7,000 international visitors expected and a worldwide television audience of over 300 million viewers. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and its remarkable journey of recovery, resilience, and renewal.

In just three decades since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda has not only recovered but has also achieved remarkable progress. The country has seen significant investment in tourism, including the development of world-class infrastructure, museums, music venues, and the promotion of ICT and innovation, among other sectors. Today, Rwanda is one of the safest and most popular destinations in the world.

Beyond making history by hosting the UCI Road World Championships, the country is also inspiring a new generation of African champions. This event is more than just a race — it's a powerful symbol of Africa’s growing influence on the global sporting stage.

What was once just a dream for many Rwandans has now become a reality. A vision our grandparents may have believed was beyond reach is being brought to life by their grandchildren — a powerful testament to Rwanda’s journey. This moment has been made possible through visionary leadership committed to sustainable peace, unity, and development, as reflected in the remarkable progress the country has achieved.

This achievement goes beyond merely hosting a global sporting event — it symbolizes opportunity. Today, the youth in Africa are growing up in a continent that offers platforms once thought unimaginable.

For the first time, the UCI Road World Championships are being held on African soil — a moment of immense pride and a powerful source of inspiration for young riders who dream of competing on the world stage. This historic event serves as both a spotlight and a springboard for the next generation of African cyclists. To the youth of Rwanda, and to young people across Africa: this is your moment. I challenge you to seize the opportunity, embrace the spotlight, and make the most of this incredible platform to showcase your talent, ambition, and determination to the world.

To make this vision a reality, UCI — through its World Cycling Centre (WCC) and the Continental Development Satellite in Paarl, South Africa — has been actively nurturing Africa’s most promising cycling talent. Guided by its Africa 2025 strategy, UCI is committed to equipping these athletes with the training, support, and opportunities they need to compete at the highest level.

As Kigali welcomes the world, the UCI Road World Championships serve as a powerful reminder that our dreams are within reach.

To the youth, young professionals, and entrepreneurs, the UCI Road World Championships is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and a unique platform to broaden horizons and unlock new opportunities.

Local businesses — from hotels and restaurants to coffee shops — will see increased foot traffic, making this the perfect moment not only to generate income but also to showcase excellence through outstanding service and hospitality.

In today’s digitally connected world, powered by social media, information technology, and a growing desire for global interconnectivity, internet service providers will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth communication and global engagement throughout the event.

For local markets, artisan cooperatives, and small businesses, this is a prime opportunity to proudly display and promote Made in Rwanda products to a global audience. This moment is as much about culture and commerce as it is about sport. And the entire nation stands to benefit.

Thousands of visitors arriving for the event are more than just tourists or fans — they represent potential partners, clients, friends, and investors. For entrepreneurs, this period is a valuable opportunity to network, exchange ideas, gain insights, and learn from peers locally and internationally.

Hosting the UCI Road World Championships also highlights Rwanda’s capacity for innovation across various sectors and helps create an environment conducive to building long-lasting partnerships with global investors.

The championship will bring together experts in event management, sports science, and media from across the globe. Dear fellow Africans, and Rwandans, this will be an invaluable opportunity to learn new skills, gain knowledge, and acquire experience that will empower us for future endeavours and active participation on the global stage.

For the youth, this is the moment to dream bigger and bolder — to understand that a professional career in sports is truly within reach. The UCI Road World Championships demonstrate that young people can build successful lives fuelled by their passions. Whether you aspire to become a professional rider, team manager, event organizer, or even a fashion designer, success is possible.

To all the riders, spectators, fans, families, and friends joining us from around the world for the UCI Road World Championships — you are warmly welcomed. We love having visitors, and the more, the merrier!

The author is a professional accountant and currently pursuing certification with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).