Ivorian officials engage with President Paul Kagame in Kigali

Abidjan, 26 May 2026 — A high-level Ivorian delegation, led by Minister of State Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali on 22 May. The encounter took place during the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL) Investor Day, where Minister Adjoumani represented Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara.

The discussions underscored the strong bilateral ties between Côte d’Ivoire and Rwanda, along with shared perspectives on the continent’s future. The Ivorian delegation conveyed warm greetings from President Ouattara, reinforcing the importance of cooperation between the two nations.

Minister Adjoumani highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to leveraging sport as a driver of economic growth and regional integration. President Kagame, in turn, emphasized the transformative potential of the Basketball Africa League in building a structured sports economy across Africa. The league, he noted, not only attracts investment but also fosters job creation and talent development on the continent.

During the meeting, President Kagame announced his upcoming official visit to Côte d’Ivoire, further solidifying the momentum for deeper collaboration.

This engagement reflects the shared vision of both leaders to build an ambitious Africa, one that prioritizes youth empowerment and continental unity. It also aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s broader strategy to position sport as a cornerstone of its development agenda.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter