Côte d’Ivoire and Rwanda strengthen ties through sports diplomacy at Basketball Africa League event
Abidjan, 26 May 2026 — A high-level Ivorian delegation, led by Minister of State Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani and accompanied by Sports Minister Metch Adje Silas, concluded a productive meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali on 22 May. The encounter took place on the sidelines of the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL) Investor Day, where Minister Adjoumani represented President Alassane Ouattara.
The closed-door discussion reinforced the deepening partnership between Côte d’Ivoire and Rwanda, with both leaders sharing a forward-looking vision for Africa’s future. The Ivorian delegation conveyed President Ouattara’s warm regards and commitment to fostering cooperation between the two nations. This visit underscores Côte d’Ivoire’s strategic focus on leveraging sports as a driver of economic growth and regional cohesion.
President Kagame highlighted the transformative potential of the Basketball Africa League, describing it as a catalyst for Africa’s burgeoning sports economy. He emphasized how the league’s structured approach and investor appeal are unlocking job opportunities while nurturing local talent across the continent.
During the meeting, President Kagame announced his upcoming state visit to Côte d’Ivoire, signaling a new chapter in bilateral relations. The discussions reaffirmed the shared ambition of both governments to build a dynamic, youth-focused Africa united in purpose and progress.
This diplomatic engagement comes at a time when Côte d’Ivoire is doubling down on sports as a cornerstone of its national development strategy.
