Rwanda Sports Sector Seen As New Hub for Qatari Investors

Beyond co-operative initiatives in Qatar’s financial sector, Rwanda is offering a new frontier for Qatari investments, particularly in the sports industry, according to a veteran fund manager.

“Qatar and Rwanda have forged strong ties in the financial sector, and we want to extend this to sports, which is a very promising and growing sector in Africa,” stated Ntoudi Mouyelo, who was in Qatar to promote the ‘SportsBiz Africa Forum 2025’ (SBA2025), which is set to take place from September 9 to 10 in Rwanda’s capital Kigali.

According to Mouyelo, SBA2025 is a strategic platform designed to bridge the investment gap in the African sports sector by connecting global investors, such as those from Qatar, with “investment-ready projects.” He said, “The forum is an opportunity for Qatari investors to directly access and evaluate promising ventures.”

Mouyelo emphasised that the upcoming SBA2025 is a continuation of the strong ties that already exist between Qatar and Rwanda in the financial sector. In 2021, the Kigali International Financial Centre signed a memorandum of understanding with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) as part of several strategic objectives between the two entities, which renewed their agreement in 2023.

Addressing industry challenges, such as the reluctance some investors may have toward the African market, Mouyelo explained that the best way to overcome “this resistance” is to showcase successful investments in Africa. Moreover, he invited potential investors to visit Kigali and explore the investment climate and success stories in Rwanda.

“If you are hesitant, come, watch, and take your own decision then,” Mouyelo said, citing Kigali’s modern infrastructure, such as the BK Arena.

He pointed out a major upcoming event that showcases Rwanda’s commitment to sports: the ‘UCI Road World Championships’, which will be held in Africa for the first time in Kigali next month.

Mouyelo explained that SBA2025 is actively working to build investor confidence by creating an “investment label” that certifies sports entities that are ready for investment. This certification guarantees that a project has the right governance, a sustainable economic model, and a positive social impact on the country, he further said.

“This programme will be the one feeding the pipeline project that you will find when you will be coming to the sport-based event in September,” said Mouyelo, adding that the forum will feature a “dealing room” where investors can meet project promoters, addressing a common issue of a lack of access to reliable information and direct contacts.

Mouyelo emphasised that Rwanda “is a leader in this area,” citing one of its companies already investing in nearly 10 different sports competitions across Africa, including in Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Nigeria.

“This is a testament to the country’s vision and its strong ties with other African nations,” he stressed.

“By offering a curated list of vetted projects and a direct way to connect with project owners, SBA2025 aims to make it easier for Qatari investors to tap into Africa’s sports economy. With Qatar’s own proven success as a global sports hub, the forum represents a clear pathway for the Gulf nation to extend its influence and expertise into Africa while also reaping the benefits of a rapidly growing market,” Mouyelo added.

Earlier, the Embassy of Rwanda gathered Qatari investors and other stakeholders at a networking event organised in Doha by Rwanda Events, in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau. It was aimed to foster partnerships, promote investment opportunities, and share insights on the latest advancements in these interrelated fields during (SBA2025).