The Sahara Conference of the third edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) kicked off yesterday at the Dakar Arena in Senegal with Visit Rwanda promoting Rwanda as founding and host partner for the third straight season.

Last year’s champions of the Rwanda Basketball League (FERWABA), Rwanda Energy Group (REG) started their campaign with a win against Nigeria’s Kwara Falcons on Sunday. 

Ahead of the match, the Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Michaella Rugwizangoga alongside the BAL President, Amadou Gallo Fall held a press conference to brief the media on the season 3 finals that will take place in Kigali on 21-27 May this year. The media engagement provided an opportunity to encourage attendance to the finals.  

Ms. Rugwizangoga highlighted factors such as Rwanda’s world-class facilities, safety, connectivity and diverse tourist attractions as key to hosting continental sports tournaments such as the BAL in Rwanda seamlessly. 

On his part, the President of the BAL, Amadou Gallo Fall noted:

“I cannot thank you [RDB/Visit Rwanda] enough. Your support has been consistent. Rwanda believes and wants to grow with us as we build an entire ecosystem around basketball. I look forward to going to Kigali in May as we crown the third champion.”

The Ambassador of Rwanda in Senegal, H.E Jean Pierre Karabaranga, also in attendance gave a vote of thanks to the organisers and participants of this season’s league and invited all to visit Rwanda for unique experiences.

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Resources:

• Download photos from today’s event here

About the BAL x Visit Rwanda Partnership

Visit Rwanda is proud to be the official Founding and Host Partner of the Basketball Africa League.

Through the partnership, Rwanda hosted the first-ever Basketball Africa League tournament at the BK Arena in 2021 and 2022 and will host the playoffs and final games in May 2023. This unique collaboration showcases Rwanda as a world-class tourism and investment destination and positions the country as a continental hub for sporting events and sports-based tourism.

Visit Rwanda and the Basketball Africa League also collaborate on basketball and youth development initiatives.

Media Contacts

Doreen Ingabire, Head of Communications, Rwanda Development Board at communications@rdb.rw