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Forbes
a day ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Inside The Giants Of Africa Festival With Coach Joe Touomou
The GOA Festival Opening Show which included a parade young athletes from 20 African nations. In Kigali, Rwanda, the air is charged with excitement. Beats bounce off basketball courts, and hope glimmers in the eyes of young athletes from 20 different African nations. It's the second edition of the week-long Giants of Africa Festival, and amid the vibrant energy, one figure moves with quiet purpose: Coach Joe Touomou. His name might not dominate headlines, but his legacy is inscribed in the journeys of countless players, in the transformation of grassroots basketball, and in the very fabric of Giants of Africa. For Coach Joe who is the Giants of Africa's coach for West Africa, this isn't just another event. It's a mission. 'You can be tired, but when you see all these kids dancing together from different countries, enjoying each other's music, it gives you energy,' he shared with ahead of the festival, smiling with pride and humility. A Brotherhood Built on Purpose: The Early Days For someone who has dedicated his life to unlocking the potential of African youth through basketball, his journey with Giants of Africa is deeply personal. When asked what initially drew him to the initiative, he highlights a shared brotherhood that predates the movement's rise to prominence across the continent. "When Masai and Godwin started this program, we were just young college graduates," he recalls. At that time, Godwin Owinje, co-founder of Giants of Africa and a scout for the Brooklyn Nets, was his teammate at Georgetown University. Meanwhile, Masai Ujiri, former vice chairman and president of the Toronto Raptors, was already a familiar face from their days on the junior national team. This familiarity established a foundation for a lifelong bond rooted in a shared purpose. 4 Jan 1999: Joseph Touomou #4 of the Georgetown Hoyas in action during the game against the Seton ... More Hall Pirates at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Pirates defeated the Hoyas 61-72. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /Allsport During that time, Coach Joe was already running a basketball program in Cameroon. However, what Ujiri and Owinje were doing in Nigeria, then known as the 'Top 50 Camps,' caught his attention. 'They were bringing all these talented players from all over Nigeria,' he recalls. 'I was eager to give back, share my knowledge, and offer opportunities I didn't have. I was excited to join them and travel to Nigeria in the beginning.' Those early camps were modest, with duffel bags filled with donated sneakers, t-shirts, and uniforms. Today, Giants of Africa is a fully-fledged organisation with nearly 100 people working behind the scenes. 'We were sitting in a room the other day, and I said, 'Wow, I cannot believe we've come this far.'' That growth reflects more than just scale; it demonstrates a lasting impact. Despite his family life in the U.S. and responsibilities at the NBA Academy in Senegal, Coach Joe consistently found time to give back to the continent. 'I was still able to take time from my break to spend four weeks with Giants of Africa, touring with Masai and Godwin and running camps.' When asked why he makes this effort, his answer is simple: 'I think I just got addicted to the Giants of Africa spirit.' This spirit is defined by empowerment, unity, and a desire to give back. From Scarcity to Opportunity Coach Joe's passion is rooted in his own story, one defined by resilience and limited resources. Growing up in Cameroon, basketball looked very different for him. 'We didn't have opportunities like this. No cable TV, no internet, no shoes, no courts,' he recalls. He and Ujiri were part of a generation inspired by pioneers such as Hakeem Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutombo. 'We were probably the third generation of Africans to attend college in the U.S., and even then, we were just figuring it out.' This gap between ambition and access is what Giants of Africa seeks to bridge. 'Masai didn't just become an NBA team president; he became someone African youth could see and believe in. We didn't have that growing up.' Today, over 6,000 young people across the continent have participated in Giants of Africa camps. 'Many of these kids have gone on to college. Some have become doctors, architects, and financial advisors. Basketball is just the vehicle for their success.' Watching this transformation firsthand is what has kept Coach Joe motivated. 'You come to the festival and see kids in full uniforms, dancing, smiling, and learning. For those of us who grew up without anything close to this, it's emotional. It inspires you to keep doing more.' Giants Of Africa: A Festival of Unity and Hope For many athletes, the Giants of Africa Festival isn't just a camp, it's a gateway. And for Coach Joe, who has attended tournaments across Africa, this one stands apart. 'I've been everywhere for basketball, from AfroBasket to local games. But this festival is something else. It's unique.' That uniqueness is felt in Kigali. In its inaugural edition, the Rwandan capital embraced the festival with open arms. Streets were lined with banners, local vendors flourished, and volunteers gained valuable experience. The ripple effect was immediate, economically, socially, and emotionally. However, it's the human moments that left the biggest impression. Cameroonian Campers In Their Traditional Regalia During The Opening Ceremony Of The 2025 GOA ... More Festival Held At BK Arena 'Seeing a kid from Somalia hug one from South Africa, or a Cameroonian coach exchanging ideas with someone from Tanzania, that's unity. That's the dream. It's like the Olympics for Africa's youth.' Many participants were stepping out of their home countries and comfort zones for the very first time. 'Eighty per cent of those kids had never flown before,' Joe explained. For many, stepping off that plane was their first glimpse into a different kind of reality for themselves as Africans. 'And then to land in Kigali, such a clean, orderly city, opens their eyes. They see a different version of what Africa can be.' One standout moment? Their participation in Umuganda, Rwanda's monthly community service day. The GOA Festival this year once again partnered with the Imbuto Foundation and Ministry of Youth and ... More Arts to participate in Umuganda ahead of the start of the festival. 'All of them still talk about it,' he added. 'They couldn't believe how the whole community comes together to clean their neighbourhoods. It showed them another way of life, of collective responsibility and pride.' This year, as Giants of Africa returns to Kigali with 20 countries and four coaches per team, the vision is expanding. 'This one will be even bigger, and the impact, even greater,' Joe says. It's Never Too Early, Never Too Late PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 05: Joel Embiid () #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers hoist the MVP ... More trophy after being named 2022-23 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player prior to game three of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center on May 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) One of the most powerful messages echoed throughout the Giants of Africa festival is that greatness has no fixed timeline. Whether you start at 14 or 17, what matters most is belief, discipline, and opportunity. Coach Joe speaks to this with conviction, drawing on two deeply personal success stories that represent opposite ends of the developmental spectrum: Joel Embiid and Ulrich Chomche. 'What Embiid has brought to the game, for a kid who started playing basketball at 17, it's just incredible,' he says of the 2023 NBA MVP. But raw talent alone wasn't enough. Coach Joe remembers speaking to Embiid's parents in Cameroon, encouraging them to see beyond the limits of their environment. 'We had to help him dream beyond his circumstances. We had to give him the mentality of dominance, so that by the time he got to the U.S., he was prepared to be the player I always knew he could become.' That dream, once distant, became reality. Embiid didn't just make it; he conquered the highest stage. On the other hand, there's Ulrich Chomche, whose journey began at just 14 when Coach Joe recruited him into the NBA Academy Africa. 'With Chomche, it was different. I saw him early. I knew his potential, but more than that, I understood his why—why he wanted to be successful, why he trained every morning at 6 a.m. without complaint.' That early commitment was matched by a deep mutual trust between coach, player, and program. 'He trusted me, and he trusted the Academy. And that made all the difference. He wanted to make his community, his country, and his continent proud.' TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 23: Ulrich Chomche #22 of the Toronto Raptors is introduced ahead of the ... More game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on October 23, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Today, Ulrich is part of the Toronto Raptors, a full-circle moment underscored by the fact that it was Masai Ujiri who gave him that shot. Together, the stories of Joel and Ulrich reveal the full arc of what's possible. The message is clear: it's never too early, and it's never too late to dream big and make it happen. Belief, Competition, and a Blueprint for the Future Young African basketball players attend the 17th edition of NBA Basketball Without Borders Africa ... More camp, bringing together top youth players from across Africa to learn from current NBA and FIBA players, in Dakar, on July 28, 2019. - NBA Basketball Without Borders Africa camp 17th edition takes place from July 28-31 in Dakar. (Photo by Seyllou / AFP) (Photo credit should read SEYLLOU/AFP via Getty Images) Coach Joe speaks about African basketball with quiet conviction. He believes strongly in its potential for growth, a belief rooted in decades of effort. He highlights initiatives like the NBA Academy, the SEED Project, Basketball Without Borders, and especially Giants of Africa as crucial to this growth. 'Masai Ujiri gave Africans a chance to succeed in the league because he believed in African talent,' Coach Joe reflects. This belief is inspiring, but he emphasises that belief alone isn't enough. 'We need quality coaching. We need our kids to compete. If they receive proper coaching and are exposed to consistent competition, we're going to dominate the sport.' That's where the festival becomes transformative. It's not just about drills or speeches; it's about live learning through play. 'For three or four days, the court transforms into a classroom. That's how you develop basketball instincts.' Coaching With Purpose For Coach Joe Touomou, coaching has always been about making an impact rather than seeking accolades. As an African coach who once walked the halls of Georgetown University and worked under elite mentors like Leonard Hamilton and Quin Snyder, returning to the continent was not just a career move; it was a calling. 'Basketball gave me everything,' he says. That sense of gratitude drives every camp, every session, and every mentoring moment he engages in. 'I had to come back and help.' Through Giants of Africa, he has done precisely that, impacting more than 20 countries and helping to shape not only players but also coaching standards and community mindsets. He speaks with quiet pride about those who have passed through his programs and are now giving back themselves. 'I just play my part,' he says. 'I just coach. I help coaches, and I help players grow.' His story, like that of Giants of Africa, is a reminder that sport can be a bridge: between countries, cultures, and generations. It can educate, empower, and transform. And that's exactly what is taking place across Rwanda: a powerful experience that each camper will carry with them across Africa and for decades to come. Long after the courts are cleared in Kigali, the festival's influence will endure, in the lives he's shaped, the values he's instilled, and the belief he's sparked in a new generation ready to take the game, and the continent, forward.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Ambassador GAO Wenqi Visits Chinese-Invested Enterprises in Rwanda
On July 25, Ambassador GAO Wenqi visited the C&D Products Group. The company executives gave a briefing on the company's production, operations, and development, as well as the working and living conditions of its employees. Ambassador GAO encouraged the company to adhere to safe production and compliant operation, and take good care of its employees, so as to actively fulfill its social responsibilities and set up a good image for Chinese enterprises. He also asked the company to actively take part in and contribute to Rwanda's economic and social development, and promote China-Rwanda relations. Specializing in apparel manufacturing and export, C&D was established in Rwanda in 2019. It has created over 7,000 jobs for local communities. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Rwanda.
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Rwanda's Kagame appoints central banker as new prime minister
KIGALI, July 24 (Reuters) - President Paul Kagame has replaced Rwanda's long-serving prime minister, naming the deputy governor of the central bank, who was once pardoned for a corruption conviction, to the role responsible for the government's day-to-day operations. The appointment of Justin Nsengiyumva, the former prime secretary at the education ministry who holds a PhD in economics from the University of Leicester, was announced by the office of the government spokesperson in a post on X late on Wednesday. The post did not say why the incumbent, Edouard Ngirente, was dropped. Ngirente, who had been prime minister since 2017, thanked Kagame on X, writing: "This journey has been deeply enriching." Kagame appointed Nsengiyumva as deputy governor at the National Bank of Rwanda earlier this year. Nsengiyumva's official biography says he has worked for the British government, including as senior economist for the Office of Rail and Road. Prior to his work in the UK, Nsengiyumva served as permanent secretary at Rwanda's education ministry. In 2008, while serving in that role, he was arrested for alleged corruption and later convicted, according to the state-owned New Times newspaper. Kagame pardoned him in March 2023 alongside 380 others in unrelated cases, the New Times reported. A Rwandan government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for a comment. Rwanda last held elections in 2024 when Kagame was re-elected with 99.18% of the vote, extending his near quarter-century in office.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) to hold its 20th Plenary Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) ( will convene for its 20th Plenary Assembly from July 30 to August 4, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme: 'Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.' The plenary will bring together over 250 participants, including Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Consecrated Men and Women, and Lay Leaders from across Africa and its islands, as well as partners from other continents. The Kigali Assembly will assess the progress made since the 19th Assembly, held in 2022 in Accra, Ghana, and chart a visionary course for the Church in Africa. Key agenda items include: Presentation of SECAM's long-term vision document for 2025–2050, built around 12 foundational pillars such as evangelization, family leadership, youth engagement, care for creation, digital mission, and political responsibility. A pastoral reflection on accompanying Catholics in complex cultural realities, including polygamous unions. Discussions on governance, justice, peace, interfaith dialogue, climate change, and safeguarding. The Assembly will also unveil the Triennial Strategic Plan (2025–2028) and initiate the renewal of SECAM's leadership in line with its constitution. Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior Secretary General of SECAM Accra, Ghana Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). For more information, please get in touch with the Secretary General of SECAM at the following contact: secamsg@ Communications Coordinators on the following contacts: +233541717984 mutabazifide@ + 250783 462125
Zawya
18-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Rwanda: Nick Barigye's ‘homecoming' at Crystal Ventures as CEO
Rwanda's state-owned investment firm Crystal Ventures Ltd (CVL) has appointed Nick Barigye as its new group chief executive officer. He replaces Jack Kayonga, who has been at the helm of Rwanda's biggest private company since 2020. In the appointment notice, CVL board described Barigye as a seasoned leader with vast experience across multiple sectors and a proven track record in operational excellence, innovation and sustainable growth. Barigye joins CVL from government-owned Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), where he served as CEO for over five years. During his tenure, he is credited with positioning Rwanda as a financial hub and achieving notable success in global visibility, investor confidence and institutional partnerships.'We're especially proud to welcome him back as an alumnus of CVL,' the company stated. 'With his global and local insights, we are confident that under his leadership, CVL will continue to thrive and advance its strategic goals.'Barigye has previously held various roles at CVL and its subsidiaries. Private sector growthCVL was established in 1995 and operates as an investment firm run by the Rwandan Patriotic Front, the ruling party of Rwanda. It was initially known as Tri-Star Investments before changing its name in a rebranding move. CVL's interests include engineering and construction, fast-moving consumer goods and security services. Kayonga, who took over as CEO in March 2020, is credited with steering the company through a period of pandemic-related uncertainty while consolidating its position as a key player in Rwanda's private sector growth. CVL has been at the centre of the Rwanda's recovery and economic development, investing in key strategic sectors such as infrastructure, energy, telecommunication, fast-moving consumer goods, construction, among others. The CVL portfolio includes leading firms such as the dairy and beverage company Inyange Industries, NPD Contraco, Isco, and East African Granite. By 2017, CVL had grown to become the second-largest employer in the country, with an estimated investment portfolio of $500 million. The company says the leadership transition is part of a broader strategy to sustain long-term growth and reinforce Rwanda's competitive edge in regional and global markets. CVL has extended its investment tentacles to countries such as the Central African Republic and Mozambique, where Rwandan military support has helped to quell terrorist insurgents threatening these governments. Following Rwanda's military intervention in Cabo Delgado province in 2021 to secure $20 billion Mozambique LNG project owned by TotalEnergies, CVL's civil engineering subsidiary NPD Contraco Ltd secured contracts related to the liquefied natural gas project. The firm is specifically involved in clearing and structural work for TotalEnergies' gas project on the Afungi Peninsula. Macefield Ventures, a CVL subsidiary that focusses on overseas mining and electrification, has also established mining investments in Mozambique. Macefield is also implementing an electrification project in Zimbabwe. Barigye's appointment comes at a time when CVL is expanding its portfolio in infrastructure, agriculture, real estate and technology investments across Rwanda and the region. Although data on its investments is limited, it is estimated that CVL's total investments now stand at $1.8 billion, and its portfolio is expected to continue expanding as it increases its investments in other African countries. © Copyright 2022 Nation Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
