Christian Kayiteshonga

This afternoon, following the announcement of the Formula 1 African Grand Prix to take place in Rwanda, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame hosted a luncheon, where they were joined by @fia President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, @F1 President Stefano Domenicali, key private sector leaders on the continent and partners from the motorsports community.

“We are looking at Rwanda in the context of the continent. This is what young Africans deserve. We have to make sure that what we are saying translates into realities that we want our people to benefit from.” President Kagame #f1 #africangp

“It is an honour and privilege for Rwanda to be chosen as a destination in the Formula One calendar. What brought us together is a shared conviction that Africa has the potential to elevate the quality of motorsports as a global and elite discipline. Integrating African markets with global sports franchises and competitions offers transformative opportunities. Yet, if we have to be honest with ourselves, this cross-border connection has existed for a long time, just not in Africa’s favour. The message for all of us is simple: sports is a great equalizer, but we have to be intentional about delivering this promise. Rwanda is happy and excited to be part of a journey that will change how Africa is perceived in the world of sports. We want to contribute, not just participate, and this new chapter in motorsports starts today" President Kagame | Formula 1 African Grand Prix Announcement

"Discipline is important. It is what helps you decide what you want, how you go about achieving it, and why it matters. It guides you to make the right choices, to respect others, to respect yourself, and to keep seeking knowledge. When you have knowledge, discipline gives even greater value to what you know. It keeps you focused on your purpose instead of allowing yourself to drift into things that do not build you, but can instead destroy you. That is why coming here for this training, being part of this Itorero, and everything you have learned is meant to instill discipline in you. If you embrace it, it will take you far. If you disregard it or fail to apply it as you should, it may take you only so far before your progress comes to an end." President Kagame | Indangamirwa 16th Cohort #MeetThePresident

“Rwanda aims to be a high-income country, by 2050. That requires abundant electricity, and that is why we have decided to make nuclear energy central to our strategy. Achieving this requires strong institutions, sound regulation,and an educated workforce, and that is the foundation Rwanda is building. Rwanda is determined to do what it takes, to power our development with nuclear energy, and we look forward to you being a part of this journey.” President Kagame | Nuclear Energy Summit.

“Nowadays, none of us can afford to be indifferent to geopolitical trends. Whether or not you believe that there was a rules-based international order, it is clear that changes are underway, which will affect all of us. One thing that has not changed, however, is that right and duty of every nation, to ensure the safety of its borders and its people. It is that duty that never changes. Rwanda is no exception. And yet, for reasons that continue to elude us, Rwanda is consistently asked to ignore threats to its security and compromise its national defence. The conflict in eastern DRC is neither new, nor is it too difficult to understand. It has been prolonged for decades, due to neglect and complacency, notably by those with the power to make the biggest difference in resolving it. Rwanda’s security concerns stem from the continued presence of the FDLR and its violent extremist ideology, which is the ideology of genocide. Unfortunately, that seems to have some backers in the region and beyond, under all kinds of guises. Rwanda, because of its history and its geography, requires defensive borders. Our defensive measures are aimed at this objective, and nothing else.” President Kagame | Diplomatic Dinner

President Kagame also met with football legends Luis Garcia @luchogarcia14 and Bacary Sagna who represented @visitrwanda_now partners @Atleti and @Arsenal, respectively, during the 20th Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony.

“In Rwanda, 10% of tourism revenue goes directly to the communities living around our parks. It’s not just support - it’s an incentive to protect and sustain our shared heritage. To our friends and partners: Rwanda is your home. You are always welcome.” President Kagame | Kwita Izina Gala Dinner

“Our struggle as a country has always been guided by values. The rules we follow and the choices we make are grounded in those values - ones that unite us and ensure no one is left behind because of their background. We also believe in aiming high. If we are human beings like others, why should we settle for less? Why limit what we can achieve when we have the ability to rise? Our mindset is what determines whether we rise - or sink. Unity is another core value. We’ve seen what happens when it’s absent. That’s why we must bring everyone along and define together what is best for us. But we don’t exist in isolation. No country is an island. We must stay connected to the world - but that starts with being grounded in who we are: our people, our politics, our foundation. Before reaching out, we must get things right where we are anchored. That’s how we gain strength - and that’s how we are embraced by others. This is not a one-time decision. It’s an ongoing process. We must constantly reflect, examine our values, and adjust our rules and choices to fit the moment and the future we are building.” President Kagame | #Kwibohora31