ISONGA: the AFD program at the heart of Rwanda’s youth sports future

Rwanda is witnessing a transformative era in youth sports development. With the participation of 17 schools, ISONGA has rehabilitated 27 playgrounds, identified 599 student athletes and trained 37 coaches. These efforts are laying a solid foundation for future sports stars poised to compete internationally, including at the 2026 Olympic Games in Dakar. "Isonga" means “the best of the best” in Kinyarwanda.

“If this program continues, in the next three to five years, Rwanda will emerge as a leading sports hub in Africa − not only in infrastructure but, most importantly, in talent,” stated Mediatrice Mwizeramana, women’s football team coach at G.S. Kabare (picture on the left), during the National Sports Talent Week 2024 held in November.

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A holistic approach to sports development

Implemented by Rwanda’s Ministries of Sports and Education, ISONGA has established centers of excellence in secondary schools. These centers provide young athletes with high-quality training facilities, equipment, skilled coaches and valuable mentorship in football, volleyball, basketball, handball, athletics, and cycling.

“With the ISONGA program, I have everything I need to thrive in basketball − great coaches, purpose-built facilities and even essentials like clothes and shoes. Now, I can focus solely on achieving my dreams,” said Cruz Ian Kabutura, an ISONGA participant at Lycée De Kigali.

Transforming lives and building confidence

The true strength of the ISONGA program lies in its transformative impact on individual athletes. Beyond competition, the program empowers participants to achieve personal goals and gain the confidence needed to pursue professional sports careers.

“The program provided me with coaches and high-quality training equipment, helping me achieve goals beyond what I dreamed of as a young volleyball player. This year, I qualified for Rwanda’s U18 national team to compete in Tunisia. Now, my aim is to go even further than the national level,” shared Tabrez Cyusa, a 16-year-old volleyball player at GSOB Huye (picture on the left).

The program’s impact extends beyond individual successes. It instills confidence and hope for a bright future: both for young athletes and Rwanda as a nation, which is looking to position itself among Africa’s top three countries in basketball, volleyball, athletics and Paralympic sports.

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Empowering female athletes

A standout feature of the talent week was the increased participation and visibility of female athletes, reflecting the program’s commitment to fostering sporting talent across genders.

Sandra Musoni, a 12-year-old referee for the women’s football finals during National Sports Week (picture below), said: “One of the greatest gifts the ISONGA program has given me is the confidence to pursue my passion. I love football, not as a player, but as a referee. This program has helped me grow, and now I look forward to representing my country as an international referee.”

The women’s 100-meter winner Sonia Abizera is also causing a buzz. Thanks to the training provided by the ISONGA program, she has achieved a significant milestone, clocking in a time that qualifies her as an elite runner according to international rankings.

Peter Ndacyayisenga, Rwanda Athletics Federation Technical Director, praised her achievement: “Today, Sonia finished in 58 seconds, ranking her internationally. She has outgrown our current coaching capacities. With continued training alongside other elite athletes, I have no doubt she will be on the podium at the 2026 Olympic Games.”

Investing in the country’s future

With Rwanda striving to lead the continent in sports participation and excellence, the ISONGA program stands as a beacon of opportunity for the nation’s youth. “Rwanda aims to be not only a host of major international competitions but a country that wins them. This journey starts with investing in young talent, which is why today is so important,” said H.E. Antoine Anfré, the French Ambassador to Rwanda.

Pictures: © Leslie Akimana / AFD