Distinguished guests, partners, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening and welcome.

Thank you Claire, for presenting and welcoming the guests to this event, and as the High Commissioner of Rwanda in UK, permit me to take the opportunity to welcome you to London and United Kingdom. 

It is our absolute pleasure that this special Visit Rwanda and Basketball Africa League gathering is hosted in London.

Visit Rwanda is more than a brand, it is a story. 

When we partnered with Arsenal many, some well-meaning, wondered why we were throwing precious money at the jersey of a powerful football club. They asked why we were not spending it on our clearly teething priorities. 

But here we were, a post genocide, third world, poor country known, everywhere one stepped, for a genocide we had no role in, and we represented the political forces that sought to make it never, even a remote possibility, ever again. So while we could not deny and had a duty to always remember the fact of the Genocide against the Tutsi, we also needed to show up as who we were;  the new, progressive, restless, determined, ambitious, business and tech savvy young people intent on changing Rwanda for better and for good, and prepared to do what it took. 

So, tonight is more than an event, it is a celebration of an incredible story of how imagination, ambition, partnership and the power of sport disrupted a narrative, connected Rwanda to the world, inspired Rwandans and other people, strengthened tourism and unlocked unprecedented opportunity that keeps giving to date.

That sleeve sponsorship made Rwanda visible to millions of people worldwide, some of whom are today's investors, tourists, commercial agents, faith leaders and other actors. Others yet, simply know and tell Rwanda better. 

That partnership became a true launchpad for a lasting campaign, and today, we are excited to continue that journey through basketball and, make no mistake even beyond.  The Rwanda Convention Bureau team here will elaborate some more how far the brand continues to contribute to development in Rwanda

Sports is not just entertainment. It is a catalyst for development, youth empowerment, innovation, and investment. The Basketball Africa League represents the energy of a new generation of African excellence, driven by talent, professionalism, and global ambition. Rwanda is proud to be one of the champions and voices pushing this message forward.

There could be no better place for this conversation than London, a global capital of finance, culture, sport, and ideas. It is symbolic that we gather here today, bringing together leaders, investors, creatives, and sports champions to explore how sport and investment can work hand in hand to shape sustainable growth and meaningful partnerships. 

As we look ahead to the discussions the evening's conversations, I encourage you all to engage, connect, and imagine what more we can achieve together, for sport, for investment, and for lasting impact.

Let me also remind you that while we have teams from Kigali that you may connect with, the High Commission is permanently based here and at your service. We have always supported visit Rwanda initiatives, and we will continue. Check-in with us any time you have an idea to explore or some facilitation you may need. 

Once again, thank you for joining us, and welcome to this exciting chapter of the Visit Rwanda and BAL journey.

Enjoy the evening.