Rwanda has taken another decisive step in strengthening its football infrastructure following the official inauguration of key facilities developed in partnership with FIFA on March 30, 2026.
The ceremony, held in Kagarama, Kicukiro District, marked the unveiling of a modern mini pitch at Kagarama Secondary School. Constructed under the FIFA Arena project, the facility is designed to promote grassroots football and provide young players with a platform to nurture their talent in a professional environment.
In addition to the mini pitch, authorities also officially inaugurated the FERWAFA stadium and hotel, projects realized through the FIFA Forward program. These infrastructures are expected to significantly boost Rwanda’s capacity to host football activities while supporting the development of the sport at both grassroots and elite levels.
The event was attended by top football and government officials, including FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire, and FERWAFA President Fabrice Shema. Their presence reflected the strong collaboration between Rwanda and international football governing bodies.
As part of the initiative to support young talents, children participating in football programs received boots through the “FIFA Boots for All” campaign. The program aims to eliminate barriers that hinder talented players from fully engaging in the sport due to lack of essential equipment.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who addressed the event virtually, described the week as “special and remarkable” for Rwandan football. He highlighted the importance of the FIFA Series 2026 hosted in Rwanda, noting that it created rare opportunities for national teams that do not usually compete against each other.
Infantino also stressed the importance of ensuring equal access to football, stating that it is unacceptable for a talented child to miss out on opportunities simply because they lack proper gear. He reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to expanding support programs globally, including in Rwanda.
He further commended Rwanda’s role as a key partner in Africa and a model for sports development, while extending special appreciation to President Paul Kagame for his leadership and continued support in advancing sports and youth development initiatives.
With these new infrastructures and ongoing collaborations, Rwanda continues to position itself as a rising force in African football, laying a strong foundation for the growth of the game and the development of future generations.
