Zaria Court, a $25 million multi-purpose facility in Kigali, combines modern sports infrastructure, entertainment facilities, and cultural hubs to meet the evolving needs of Rwandan youth. The facility includes two state-of-the-art soccer fields, a large multi-functional basketball court, an 80-room hotel, retail spaces, rental offices, and cutting-edge podcasting studios.
Che Rupari, Director of Marketing and Operations at Zaria Court, shared with The New Times that construction is 90% complete. The remaining works include interior finishing, furniture installation, plumbing, electricity setup, and final inspections before the grand launch.
She explained, “Think of it as a home that's already built but waiting for beds and running water. We're just about ready and will begin welcoming guests in June, with the official grand opening scheduled for July 26.”
A Perfect Blend of Sports, Tourism, and Culture
Designed to redefine Rwanda’s youth experience, Zaria Court is more than a sports hub—it’s a vibrant cultural and entertainment space. Its infrastructure includes two football fields, a fully adaptable basketball arena for different events, and a venue spacious enough to host up to 5,000 attendees for concerts and celebrations.
Rupari highlighted this broader vision, saying, “We didn’t want just sports courts—we wanted a transformational space where people can play, relax, reflect, and connect. Its multifunctional design supports diverse needs, from intimate games of 20 people to large-scale concerts for 2,000.”
The 80-room hotel is designed to accommodate athletes, artists, visitors, and event participants, serving as a world-class lodging facility. Additionally, the premises include trendy sports bars, outdoor lounges, recreational spaces, and retail outlets, creating an all-encompassing experience in one location.
Beyond sports, Zaria Court offers office spaces ideal for businesses looking for corporate facilities, meeting rooms, or investment hubs. It will also serve as a venue for conferences, exhibitions, music concerts, and more, aiming to foster vibrant interactions and long-term community engagement.
A standout feature is its high-tech podcasting studio, catering to Rwanda’s digitally savvy population, particularly the youth who are passionate about producing social media content.
“As media consumption evolves, we’re providing advanced tools to amplify youth voices. By enabling modern audio-visual solutions, we offer a platform that eliminates dependency on traditional media networks,” Rupari emphasized.
Driving Rwanda’s Economic Growth
Zaria Court's construction process contributed significantly to Rwanda's economic development, creating over 700 full-time jobs. Women made up 30% of this workforce—a testament to the facility’s commitment to gender inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated industry. An additional 2,000 employees worked in temporary roles, including suppliers and construction laborers.
Rupari disclosed that over 1 billion Rwandan Francs were infused into the local economy through wages and contracts with local suppliers. Workers used their earnings to meet essential household needs, such as rent and school fees, boosting household welfare across the region.
Zaria Court is expected to generate more than 300 permanent jobs across retail, hospitality, operations, and event management sectors post-launch.
“This project isn’t just about constructing a stunning building,” Rupari explained. “We’re building a job-creating ecosystem that will grow even after the construction wraps up.”
The project also prioritized sustainability by sourcing 90% of its interior design resources locally in Rwanda, including furniture, woodworks, textiles, and decorations, thus strengthening the domestic economy.
A Grand Inauguration During the Giants of Africa Festival
Zaria Court will open its doors officially during the renowned Giants of Africa Festival from July 26 to August 2, 2025. This is the second time this prestigious festival, which nurtures African youth through basketball and cultural events, will take place in Rwanda.
Founded by Masai Ujiri, Toronto Raptors President, the event expects to host more than 320 youth from 20 African countries, engaging them in basketball contests, music performances, and educational sessions.
The festivities promise unforgettable moments, featuring entertainers like South African DJ Uncle Waffles, choreographer Sherrie Silver, and artist Kevin Kade during the opening concert. At the closing ceremony, The Ben, Timaya, and Kizz Daniel will take center stage, keeping attendees energized.
With its innovative design and community-focused features, Zaria Court aspires to redefine Rwanda’s sports, tourism, and entertainment industries. It aims to empower Rwanda’s youth while placing Kigali at the forefront of international event-hosting excellence.
Kigali is eagerly awaiting Zaria Court's opening, a landmark set to revolutionize local sports and culture.
Zaria Court: Built for $25 million to redefine Kigali’s skyline.
Zaria Court’s fresh architecture blends aesthetics and functionality.
Grand inauguration set for July 26 during the Giants of Africa Festival