NBA Star Kawhi Leonard Visits Rwanda, Discusses Youth Sports With President Paul Kagame

Kawhi Leonard spent four days in Rwanda, beginning on August 3, with a focus on youth development and a high-level conversation with President Paul Kagame about investing in education and sports across the country.

The two met privately for roughly two hours in Kigali to discuss ways athletics can open doors for young people, then reconnected later at a Giants of Africa camp, where Kagame addressed the players and praised Leonard for making the trip.

While in Kigali, Leonard unveiled a new outdoor basketball court he designed at St. Ignatius School as part of Giants of Africa’s “Built Within” initiative, which aims to construct 100 courts across the continent. The court features messages drawn from Leonard’s childhood—“Play Hard, Have Fun,” “You Are Stronger Than You Think,” and “Be Great”—and color choices inspired by his middle and high school alma maters. The goal is to give thousands of local kids a place to play and a daily reminder to keep going.

Leonard didn’t just cut a ribbon and bounce. He hosted a free clinic for 50 boys and girls aged 12–17 on the new court, drilling fundamentals such as shooting, ball handling, and defense alongside mindset work. Each participant left with a Leonard-designed T-shirt featuring a hand cradling a basketball—a nod to effort meeting opportunity—and a pair of his New Balance signature shoes.

Beyond the court opening, Leonard dropped in on multiple youth tournaments, spoke directly to campers about confidence and ambition, and emphasized using sport as a tool for growth. President Kagame later joined Leonard and Giants of Africa cofounder Masai Ujiri at Club Rafiki, connecting the on-court work to broader plans for education and community investment.

Leonard’s stop in Rwanda coincided with the 2025 Giants of Africa Festival, which brought together young athletes, coaches, and creators from 20 nations. Next up for Leonard is a 10-day visit to China focused on youth programming and expanding access to the game globally.