The View From Africa: East African Nations Score Big in Recent Sporting Announcements
October 4, 2023
In this week’s View From Africa piece Cynthia Mumbo, CEO of SportsConnect Africa pens down a whirlwind of exciting developments in the sporting world and how East African nations have stepped into the limelight with a series of groundbreaking announcements over the past few weeks.
These revelations span various sports and promise to boost the region’s influence on the global stage. Here’s a closer look at the key highlights:
Rwanda’s Landmark Partnership with Bayern Munich:
In a landmark move, Rwanda has partnered with one of the giants of world football, Bayern Munich. This collaboration announced recently, is set to revolutionize Rwandan football and solidify the nation’s position on the global sporting map while promoting tourism through the VISIT RWANDA platform. It is worth noting that Rwanda has had remarkable partnerships with Arsenal, PSG and the NBA through the same initiatives.
Bayern Munich, a club renowned for its footballing excellence and worldwide fan base, will provide technical support and expertise to Rwanda’s football infrastructure. This partnership aims to improve the country’s footballing capabilities, nurture local talent, and enhance football education.
Jan-Christian Dreesen, FC Bayern Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am very pleased with this collaboration agreed upon until the summer of 2028. FC Bayern can become active on the African continent and gather important experiences. The new platinum partnership is aligned with long-term goals. We will promote ‘Visit Rwanda’ and help Rwanda grow in sports with projects for youth football. These are challenging and responsible tasks. Africa is a continent of opportunities. For FC Bayern, this is the next important step in internationalisation.”
Clare Akamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, said: “The Rwanda Development Board is pleased to welcome yet another strategic partner in FC Bayern Munich. It’s been five outstanding years since the Government of Rwanda announced the Visit Rwanda campaign and adding FC Bayern as another additional partner allows us to reach out to its millions of fans across the globe and tell them to visit Rwanda. Germany is among Rwanda’s top five tourism source markets and we aim to use this partnership to attract more tourists to Rwanda, showcase investment and business opportunities and encourage all to stay in Rwanda.”
CAF’s Decision to Award 2027 AFCON Hosting to East African Nations:
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently announced that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This is an important milestone for the area, since it marks the return to East Africa of one of Africa’s most renowned football games after several decades.
The decision to give the hosting rights to this trio of nations, rather than the typical one, underlines CAF’s trust in their capacity to organise a world-class event. East African nations will invest in new stadiums, infrastructure, and tourism amenities, giving the world a chance to see their cultural and sports capabilities. This historic announcement is not only a celebration of East African football but also a testament to the unity and collaboration between the participating nations in the spirit of the beautiful game.
Expressing faith in the hosts, CAF President Patrice Motsepe said “Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya have demonstrated their commitment and capabilities to host a world-class tournament. We look forward to a memorable AFCON that will unite and inspire the entire continent.”
NBA’s Expansion into East Africa with Office in Kenya:
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has set its sights on East Africa, announcing the opening of an office in Kenya in November 2023 in collaboration with the Kenyan government. This is a huge step forward for the region’s basketball growth.
The NBA’s presence in Kenya will serve as a platform for the sport’s growth, developing local talent and linking East African players to the global basketball community. It will provide coaching, training, and educational opportunities, paving the road for future basketball stars.
The Kenyan Government’s partnership with the NBA showcases their commitment to developing sports and youth talent. It also underscores the NBA’s dedication to making basketball a global game, with East Africa being the next frontier.
These statements mark a watershed moment in East African athletic history, with nations not merely participating but actively leading in world sports. These programmes’ collaborations and chances will definitely inspire future generations of athletes and contribute to the general growth and recognition of East African sports on the global stage. As these changes unfold, the athletic world’s gaze will be fixated on East African nations, eagerly anticipating the good influence these initiatives would have on the region’s sporting future.
