Rwanda to host 2023 Women’s Afrobasket

The 26th edition of the 12-nation competition will take place in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital from July 28 to Aug. 6.

Rwandan Sports Minister Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju signed the agreement on behalf of the government, along with Alphonse Bile, the FIBA Africa Region executive director, and the country's Basketball Federation (FERWABA) in Kigali.

Munyangaj said the tournament will give Rwanda an opportunity to showcase the country’s commitment to sports and gender equality.

“As a champion in the promotion of women's development Rwanda is really excited and honored to host yet another set of exciting games by the best African female basketball players,” she said.

“Basketball is now part of Rwanda's lifestyle and will ensure a memorable world-class experience for all participants in the tournaments,” she added.

Munyangaju expressed hope that the tournament will inspire young girls across Africa to pursue their dreams in sports.

The signing ceremony took place as a side event of the ongoing Basketball Africa League (BAL) finals due to close on Saturday in Kigali.

“It is an honor and a pleasure to recognize that, once again, Rwanda will host the most important continental women's competition, and we hope it to be a great competition,” said Bile.

Some teams which have qualified for the 2023 FIBA Women's tournament so far include reigning champions Nigeria, and hosts Rwanda,  Mali, Cameroon, Senegal, Mozambique and Egypt.

The remaining spots for the biennial Women's Afrobasket will be completed in the coming months through regional qualifiers. Rwanda has hosted a number of continental competitions in recent years, including the 2021 Afrobasket, Window 2 of the World Cup African Qualifiers, and the Final Round of the last three seasons of BAL. Enditem