Kwita Izina is inspired by the Rwandan tradition of naming newborn children during ceremonies attended by family members and friends. Over the past 20 years, 438 baby mountain gorillas have received names through the annual ceremony held in Kinigi, Musanze District, in Rwanda’s Northern Province.
The gorilla-naming ceremony forms part of Rwanda’s environmental conservation efforts, particularly its commitment to protecting mountain gorillas. After their population began declining, Rwanda introduced measures to conserve the endangered species and raise international awareness about them.
Kwita Izina officially began in 2005, when 23 baby gorillas were named. It subsequently became an annual event, with prominent personalities from Rwanda and around the world selected to name the gorillas.
During the second edition, held on June 17, 2006, 12 baby gorillas received names.
The third ceremony was held on June 30, 2007, when 23 baby gorillas were named.
The fourth edition took place on June 21, 2008, with 20 baby gorillas receiving names.
At the fifth ceremony, held on June 20, 2009, 18 baby gorillas were named. That year, the United Nations Environment Programme dedicated its annual campaign to gorillas.
The sixth Kwita Izina ceremony was held on June 5, 2010, alongside World Environment Day celebrations in Kinigi, Musanze District. Eleven baby gorillas were named during the event.
In 2011, 22 baby gorillas received names. During the eighth edition, held on June 16, 2012, another 19 were named.
Twelve baby gorillas were named during the ninth ceremony on June 22, 2013.
In 2014, 19 baby gorillas received names, while 24 were named in 2015.
During what the source identifies as the 12th edition in 2015, 19 baby gorillas were named. It also states that another 19 received names during the 13th edition in 2016.
In 2017, during what the source describes as the 14th edition, 14 baby gorillas were named.
Another 23 were named on September 7, 2018, followed by 25 on June 18, 2019.
In 2020, the ceremony was conducted virtually because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Twenty-four baby gorillas received names on September 24.
Another 24 baby gorillas were named on September 24, 2021.
On September 2, 2022, 20 baby gorillas were named, while another 12 received names in 2023.
A ceremony described in the source as the 19th edition had been scheduled for October 18, 2024, when 22 baby gorillas were expected to receive names. The event was postponed as Rwanda responded to the Marburg virus outbreak.
The 20th ceremony was held on September 5, 2025, combining the naming of baby gorillas born in 2024 and 2025. A total of 40 baby gorillas received names.
During the 21st edition scheduled for September 4, 2026, another 22 baby gorillas are expected to be named.
Rwanda’s Tourism Growth Over 20 Years
Rwanda generated more than $647 million from tourism in 2024, up from $620 million in 2023.
According to the Rwanda Development Board, 659 projects worth more than Rwf5.5 billion have been implemented in communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park since 2005. More than half of the projects supported agricultural activities.
Rwanda introduced the Visit Rwanda initiative in 2018 to promote tourism and strengthen the country’s international visibility. The campaign has since become an important pillar of the tourism sector’s development.
An RDB report indicates that gorilla-based tourism generated more than $200 million, accounting for 27 per cent of Rwanda’s tourism revenue.
The number of people visiting Rwanda’s national parks increased by 10.7 per cent in 2024, while revenue generated by the parks rose by 8.5 per cent.
The figures reflect the Government of Rwanda’s investment in conserving the biodiversity found in national parks across the country.
Communities Receive 10% of National Park Tourism Revenue
RDB Chief Executive Officer Jean-Guy Afrika said tourism revenue also benefits communities and contributes to improving their living conditions.
“Over the past 20 years, since the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme was introduced, 10 per cent of national park tourism revenue has been allocated to projects benefiting communities living around the parks.
“So far, Rwf18 billion has been invested in bringing infrastructure closer to residents, including the construction of schools, health centres, markets and houses. These initiatives reduce conflict between communities and wildlife, while conservation helps improve people’s welfare and demonstrates the relationship between wildlife and tourism,” Afrika said.
Tourism has become an important pillar of Rwanda’s economy over the past 20 years. The number of visitors increased from the relatively small numbers recorded in the early 2000s to 1.49 million in 2025.
Rwanda’s tourism sector has recorded considerable growth over the period. Revenue reached $647 million in 2024 before increasing to $685 million in 2025, equivalent to more than Rwf997 billion.
Through RDB, the Government of Rwanda is targeting annual tourism revenue of $1.1 billion by 2029.
RADIOTV10