Following his commitment to develop infrastructure aimed at advancing national development, in July 2021, the Government of Rwanda granted Masai Ujiri a 2.4-hectare parcel of land located in Amahoro Village, Rukiri II Cell, Remera Sector, Gasabo District, Kigali City.
This land was allocated for specific national interest purposes to accelerate development.
The presidential decree authorizing the land grant was published in the Official Gazette on July 19, 2021, following a request by the Minister of Environment and approval by the Cabinet on June 12, 2021.
Demonstrating determination, Masai Ujiri promptly initiated the construction project of Zaria Court Kigali immediately after receiving the land.
'Zaria Court,' named after the Zaria region in Nigeria where entrepreneur Masai Ujiriâ€"who also holds Canadian citizenship and is widely recognized for his career in the NBA and as former President of the Toronto Raptorsâ€"originates, is a state-of-the-art facility in Kigali dedicated to sports, culture, and entertainment.
The Zaria Court Kigali complex, which has been completed at a cost of approximately $25 million (over Frw36 billion), is now fully operational and preparations are underway for its official inauguration.
The facility comprises multiple components, including an 80-room hotel, several restaurants, a rooftop dining and bar area, a gym, office spaces, and a broadcast studio.
Additionally, the complex features a multipurpose arena hosting various sports events, festivals, concerts, markets, and other activities. It also includes a large supermarket aimed at serving both residents and visitors.
The construction of Zaria Court Kigali was officially launched in August 2023 by President Paul Kagame and Masai Ujiri.
Che Rupari, Brand and Compass Manager at Zaria Court Rwanda, recently described the new facility as a versatile hub for sports, hospitality, culture, and entertainment.
'Zaria Court is one of the newest venues in this area, featuring multiple sports courts including football and basketball, event spaces, and a hotel. Our vision is simple: come play, stay, and enjoy,' he stated.
Rupari further explained that the venue can accommodate large gatherings, with a capacity of over 5,000 people. The sports bar comfortably seats 200 to 300 guests, while the basketball courtâ€"also a multipurpose areaâ€"can host a significant number of attendees.
He emphasized that visiting Zaria Court offers a diverse experience all in one place: whether playing basketball or football, watching a game at the bar, relaxing, or even resting overnight at the hotel.
'This is a venue suited for various events. Whether you're planning for 1,000 guests, 20 people, or a large crowd, we have the space to accommodate you. Zaria Court is a multifunctional venue ready to host any kind of event.'
'As previously noted, the completed Zaria Court project has incurred costs exceeding $25 million, with potential for further investment.'
He emphasized that sports serve as a unifying force, and through facilities such as basketball and football courts, youth are provided with opportunities to engage socially, collaborate, and initiate developmental projects.
'Our vision was to establish a multifunctional venue where young people can convene, interact, and collaborateâ€"integrating hospitality, sports, and entertainment to foster innovation and creative expression.'
Addressing the financial outlook, he clarified that while profitability is an objective consistent with any enterprise, the primary mission is to empower youth by cultivating their talents in arts, sports, and related sectors.
'We anticipate a return on investment over time; however, the fundamental value lies in creating a hub for connection and dialogue among African youth.'
'We are confident that facilitating such transformative engagement will ultimately generate economic benefits, although our foremost priority remains social impact.'
He reported that the construction phase employed over 700 workers, of whom 30% were women, alongside more than 3,000 casual laborers. Approximately 1 billion Rwandan Francs disbursed to personnel significantly contributed to the national economy.
Post-construction, the facility is expected to provide permanent employment for over 300 individuals across its diverse operational units.
Notably, the site encompasses a historically significant area formerly occupied by Hotel Amahoro, which served as lodging for United Nations personnel, including General Romeo Dallaire, during the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Furthermore, he highlighted that 90% of the construction materials were locally sourced within Rwanda, with only 10% imported, underscoring the project's commitment to supporting local industry.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/inside-masai-ujiri-s-multi-billion-sports-complex-in-kigali-photos
