The Giants of Africa Festival returns to Kigali, Rwanda from July 26 to August 2, 2025, and promises to be bigger and more impactful than ever. Headlining this year’s roster is two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, who will mentor youth, launch a new court at St. Ignatius School, and lead a basketball clinic for 50 young people at Club Rafiki in one of Kigali’s underserved neighborhoods.
Leonard, alongside an influential lineup that includes broadcast legend Robin Roberts, football icon Didier Drogba, two-time WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike, comedian Michael Blackson, and actor Boris Kodjoe, brings star power and purpose to the week-long celebration.
Founded by Masai Ujiri—President of the Toronto Raptors and the first African executive in North American sports history—Giants of Africa uses basketball as a catalyst for social change. Since 2003, the organization has hosted youth camps, built courts, and provided mentorship across the continent, anchored in values of leadership, integrity, and empowerment.
This year’s festival will gather 320 young athletes from 20 African nations for intensive basketball programming, leadership development, and cultural exchange. More than 20,000 spectators are expected to take part in the festivities, which will culminate in a vibrant concert on August 2. Nigerian pop star Ayra Starr will headline the musical showcase, joined by Afrobeats sensations Kizz Daniel and Timaya, promising an unforgettable close to the festival.
The Giants of Africa Festival not only celebrates athletic excellence but also fuels local economies and community development. The inaugural 2023 edition attracted 14,000 attendees and contributed an estimated $1.5 million to Kigali’s economy. That success laid the groundwork for 2025’s expanded vision.
For Ujiri, this work is deeply personal. Drawing from his own journey from Nigerian player to NBA executive, he sees the festival as his most meaningful legacy. “Basketball is just the beginning,” he shared in recent interviews on The Kelly Clarkson Show and Good Morning America. “This is about unlocking potential, uniting communities, and transforming lives.”
With its blend of sport, culture, mentorship, and entertainment, the Giants of Africa Festival 2025 is set to once again light up Kigali—and inspire a generation across the continent.
