Rwanda will celebrate the birth of 22 mountain gorillas during the 20th Kwita Izina Ceremony, set for October 18, according to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The event will take place at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District, and will bring together local communities, conservationists, and international guests.
Kwita Izina, a unique Rwandan tradition of naming baby gorillas, has played a vital role in the country’s conservation efforts since its inception in 2005. Over the past 19 years, 395 baby gorillas have been named, significantly contributing to the protection of the endangered species. This year’s event marks the 20th anniversary of the ceremony, which has become a symbol of Rwanda’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism.
“The 2023 Kwita Izina is a major milestone as we celebrate 20 years of this flagship event,” said Michaella Rugwizangoga, Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, during a press conference on September 25. She noted that the event not only promotes conservation but also drives economic growth, with tourism generating over USD 620 million in 2023 from 1.4 million visitors.
The ceremony will feature 22 baby gorillas receiving names from distinguished guests, including past and new namers, whose identities will be revealed in the coming days. The event will also involve various celebrations across the country, thanks to partnerships with the private sector, which will organize pop-up events to engage the broader community.
Ariella Kageruka, Head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB, announced that plans are underway to expand the Virunga Volcanoes Park. In partnership with the World Bank, USD 300 million will be invested in the first phase of the expansion, aimed at enhancing conservation efforts and boosting the country’s tourism potential.
In addition to the naming ceremony, several events will take place in honor of Kwita Izina’s 20th edition. These include the Business of Conservation Conference from October 14-16, the Kwita Izina Golf Tournament on October 19, and the Kwita Izina Gala Dinner featuring performances from both local and international artists.
Celebrity guests, including footballers, movie stars, and musicians, alongside top tourism professionals and journalists, are expected to attend the ceremony. Kwita Izina is recognized as a global platform that highlights Rwanda’s conservation success and attracts international attention to its tourism sector.
Gorilla tourism, which contributes 1% to Rwanda’s GDP, remains a key driver of community development. Since 2005, approximately Rwf 12.86 billion has been invested in 1,108 community projects, including schools, health centers, and dairy farms. These initiatives have empowered local communities to become stewards of conservation, ensuring the protection of wildlife and the environment in national parks such as Volcanoes, Akagera, Gishwati-Mukura, and Nyungwe.
With the upcoming Kwita Izina, Rwanda continues to set an example of how conservation and tourism can work hand in hand to benefit both the environment and local communities.
