President Paul Kagame said that those who believe a country like Rwanda cannot host major events such as the UCI Road World Championships hold an outdated mindset.
He made the remarks on Thursday, September 25, 2025, while attending the 194th Congress of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), held at the Kigali Convention Centre.
This congress, which included the election of a new UCI president, took place in Kigali at the same time as the 2025 UCI Road World Championships—the first time in 104 years that the event is being held in Africa.
In his welcome remarks, UCI President David Lappartient thanked President Kagame for his pivotal role in making it possible for both the 2025 Road World Championships and the 194th UCI Congress to take place in Africa.
He added: “The 132 countries represented here asked me to thank you, Mr. President, and Rwanda, for making this historic milestone possible. Thanks to this extraordinary World Championships, we will never forget the moments we are experiencing in your beautiful country. Being here today gives us strength and adds great value to our congress.”
President Kagame also thanked UCI and its president for choosing Rwanda to host both landmark events, which are among the most attended in the history of the Union Cycliste Internationale.
He said: “The 125th anniversary of UCI’s founding is remarkable. Even more so is the fact that it is the first time these events are being held in Africa. We are delighted that 108 countries are competing, a record number globally. In Africa alone, 36 countries are represented, the highest participation from our continent since the championships began.”
He also expressed gratitude to the athletes and fans who traveled from across the world to Kigali, saying their participation is what gives meaning to the championship.
“We thank the athletes and fans who came from afar. From the cycling giants to the smallest nations, your presence here gives these events true significance.”
“To the athletes, we know our hills are demanding, but you are handling them with strength. Your endurance reflects Rwanda’s own journey that has brought us to this historic moment. You inspire us, and we will be there at every step to support you.”
The Head of State noted that bicycles have long been an everyday tool for Africans and that Rwanda’s investment in cycling has yielded results, with the “Tour du Rwanda” now one of the leading races on the continent.
He said: “In many parts of Africa, bicycles have long served as a means of transport and daily livelihood. In Rwanda, we also invested in developing the sport of cycling, thanks to strong partnerships. These efforts made Tour du Rwanda one of the top races in Africa and laid a strong foundation leading to this week’s milestone.”
He also spoke about the UCI Satellite Centre launched in Rwanda in February, making the country the second in Africa after South Africa to host such a facility. He emphasized that it is already bearing fruit by helping African riders reach higher levels of performance.
He added: “We see sport as a catalyst for development and opportunity. Hosting world-class events accelerates growth and multiplies impact.”
President Kagame criticized those who doubt Africa’s or Rwanda’s ability to host world-class competitions, saying such views are outdated.
“When Africa or a less familiar country is selected to host an event, it is often met with skepticism, and some even wish to have it revoked. To those who think only a few should monopolize hosting global events, that mindset is no longer relevant and should not persist.”
He once again praised UCI President David Lappartient for upholding principles of transparency, saying: “In this regard, you deserve a gold medal.”
He added: “On behalf of Rwanda, I thank you for your integrity and commitment to supporting what is right and worthy. Sports governing bodies have a duty to open doors and create opportunities for others, and this is exactly what UCI is doing. We thank you all for that.”
Finally, the President underlined that investing in Africa means investing in one of the fastest-growing and most significant regions of the world—whether in nurturing athletes, building industries, providing training, promoting tourism, or hosting events.
