The Head of State was speaking at a welcome cocktail held at the Kigali Convention Centre on the evening of December 12, 202.
"I want to thank from the bottom of my heart FIA and Mohammed bin Sulayem [FIA President] and his team for putting all this together and doing Rwanda proud to be able to host you. We appreciate that and I hope for all the time you are going to be here, you are going to enjoy your stay."
The welcome cocktail was held at the Kigali Convention Centre, attended by conference participants, high-profile guests, and leaders from various sectors in Rwanda.
Among those present were Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, and renowned comedian and actor Steve Harvey.
Before the cocktail reception, President Kagame, together with FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem, unveiled the first-ever FIA Level 2 Affordable Cross Car produced in Africa, an innovative project developed through collaboration between Rwandan polytechnic students, the FIA, and the Rwanda Automobile Club.
Kagame expressed his gratitude to the FIA for supporting the project, highlighting its role in facilitating knowledge transfer and encouraging the development of local talent and skills in various creative fields.
Kagame remarked that the initiative was not just important for Rwanda, but for the entire African continent, as many opportunities had long been overdue.
He acknowledged that while Africa is rich in talent, access to opportunities remains a major challenge.
Kagame emphasized that Africa should not only focus on exporting talent but also become a place where people from other parts of the world are attracted to come, contribute, and help develop the continent's potential.
On his part, Sulayem praised the close collaboration between FIA and Rwanda in organizing the General Assembly, highlighting that it was the first time the event had been hosted with the head of state personally welcoming the attendees.
He expressed his gratitude to President Kagame for the trust placed in the FIA and thanked all attendees for traveling from around the world to participate.
The evening also celebrated the work of Rwandan artists who created pieces commemorating the FIA's 120th anniversary. Ishimwe Gad, a student from Rwanda Polytechnic-Kigali College, was awarded first prize for his artwork, which will be displayed at the FIA headquarters in Paris, France.
From December 10 to December 13, 2024, Rwanda is hosting the FIA General Assemblies, which will culminate in the award ceremony at the BK Arena on the evening of December 13.
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