The first African hosting of the UCI Road World Championships in September 2025, will not be a mere sporting event when it comes to Rwanda. It is a political declaration: of potential, aspiration, and the rising status of the nation in the world. But how ready is Rwanda? The facts indicate that the country has been strategic in the area of infrastructure, policy, international relations and public politics that keeps the country in the right place but adversity and questioning also loom high.
Infrastructure & Urban Policy: Laying the Tracks
- Non-Motorized Transport / Cycling Infrastructure: Kigali is already a city with a number of car-free zones and 13 km of bicycle lanes in the Central Business District. Political intent to normalize cycling and walking can be seen in bi-weekly car-free Sundays (since 2016)
- National Transport Policy: Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure policy (2021) now directly includes non-motorized transport (NMT). This policy provides guidance on physically protected cycle paths, safer at-grade pedestrian and cyclist crossings, and proposals to launch or expand bike-sharing programs.
- Urban Mobility Investments: The $100 million Rwanda Urban Mobility Improvement (RUMI) Project, financed by the World Bank in Kigali, aims to enhance public transport, reduce congestion, expand sidewalks and cycling paths, and promote safer, more environmentally friendly mobility. These investments play a crucial role not only in hosting the event but also in leaving a lasting legacy.
These investments demonstrate that Rwanda is not merely constructing to host the event, but it is using the event as the catalyst to accelerate structural development in transport infrastructures, urban planning and mobility policy.
Organisational & Diplomatic Moves: Aligning with Global Standards
- Partnerships with Global Event Delivery Expertise:The Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) has entered into contracts with Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) of France and Golazo of Belgium to support the organization of the Championships. These partners bring extensive experience from major events such as the Tour de France and others, contributing logistical, technical, and operational expertise(Championships, 2024).
- Regional Training & Development: The UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC) has inaugurated a regional development satellite in Rwanda, in cities such as Bugesera, Musanze, and Rwamagana. These sites offer facilities for training, theoretical instruction, and athlete support, strengthening Rwanda’s cycling ecosystem ahead of 2025.
- Government Commitment at High Levels: Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, and the Ministry of Sports have repeatedly emphasized their support. Hosting this event is recognized not just as a sporting achievement but as part of Rwanda’s broader strategy, to be a continental hub in sports, to boost tourism, and to stimulate private-sector growth.
These show political alignment: the event has buy-in from national government, sports federations, international bodies, and private stakeholders.
Political Significance: National Identity, Diplomacy, and Soft Power
- Symbol of Continental First: Through hosting the UCI Road World Championships as the first African country, Rwanda is asserting its leadership position on the continent. It demonstrates that Africa is capable of hosting world-class events, enhancing national pride and cohesion, while also sending a clear message to foreign observers that Rwanda is stable and competent.
- Economic & Political Diplomacy: According to UCI, the event is projected to host over 20,000 international visitors, provide opportunities for the hospitality sector, present the Rwandan tourism brand name (Visit Rwanda) and generate jobs. Politically, it serves soft power: supporting international visibility, investments and partnership.
- Addressing Criticism & International Image: The media and human rights groups have raised concerns about Rwanda’s internal politics and its regional involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Kigali has been accused of backing rebel movements. These criticisms often frame Rwanda’s global sports hosting as a form of “sportswashing.” However, by hosting the UCI Road World Championships, Rwanda also has the opportunity to rebrand itself as a progressive and well-organized country, investing in long-term infrastructure, promoting gender equality (with women under-23 races included), and empowering youth
Why the UCI Decided to Keep the 2025 Road World Championships in Rwanda
According to UCI President David Lappartient, the decision to host the 2025 Road World Championships in Rwanda was based on three main reasons:
- Continental Representation and Global Cycling Development: According to UCI, bringing the championships to Rwanda marks the first time the event will be held in Africa, reflecting the organization’s commitment to expand cycling’s global reach and promote inclusion in the sport. This decision highlights Rwanda’s growing significance in international cycling and provides the African continent with unprecedented visibility on the world stage.
- Established Cycling Culture and Ideal Terrain: According to UCI, Rwanda has a vibrant cycling culture, with bicycles playing a key role in daily life and competitive cycling flourishing through events like the Tour du Rwanda. The country’s rolling hills provide the perfect combination of challenge and beauty, nurturing local talent while attracting international competitors. Kigali’s readiness to host elite cyclists demonstrates Rwanda’s potential as a continental hub for cycling.
- Infrastructure, Political Support, and Socioeconomic Impact: According to UCI, Rwanda has invested in cycling infrastructure, urban mobility projects, and car-free initiatives, supported by strong political will from government institutions. Hosting the championships is expected to boost sports development, create employment, stimulate the private sector, and promote Rwanda as a destination for tourism and investment, leaving a lasting legacy beyond the race itself.
Remaining Challenges & Political Considerations
- Capacity for Elite Competition: FERWACY acknowledges the benefits of home terrain and the emerging cycling culture, but states that there are still not many riders in Rwanda who could compete in all categories and achieve the highest results. Sporting realities may conflict with political expectations.
- Inclusivity & Access: It has only 6.5 percent household ownership of bicycles in Kigali with some women not riding the bicycle. To make the legacy of the event meaningful, policies must make cycling available, safe, and normalized to all genders and socioeconomic groups.
Conclusion: Poised, But Under Watchful Eyes
Rwanda seems to be in place structure, policy and political will have fallen into place making the 2025 UCI road world championships a success. It is prepared with its infrastructure planning, international cooperation, mobility and development investment, and the priority of national prestige.
Yet, there is more than sport on the line: the reputation of the country, its claims to leadership, and the validity of its vows are being put to the test. The way Rwanda will be able to maneuver through the challenges, such as equity, momentum after 2025, and criticism will be as significant as the way it will manage the race itself.
Benise
RADIOTV10
