On August 8, 2025, RDB announced the start of the second phase of its collaboration with Bayern Munich. The revised agreement extends the partnership until 2028, shifting its focus from the 'Visit Rwanda' promotional campaign to strengthen youth football scouting and development programs.
The changes prompted speculation in some outlets that Bayern Munich had pulled out of its deal with Rwanda. The German champions, however, issued a statement rejecting that narrative.
'Yesterday, FC Bayern announced that there have been substantive developments in its cooperation with the Rwandan Development Board [RDB]. In some media coverage, the impression may have arisen that FC Bayern had ended its partnership with the RDB. This is not correct,' the club stated.
'Following positive and constructive discussions, we have jointly decided to transition the commercial element of our previous agreement ['Visit Rwanda'] into a new cooperation for youth football, running until 2028. As a result, the entire focus of our partnership â€" which also includes the Ministry of Sports of Rwanda â€" is now on expanding the FC Bayern Academy in Kigali,' adds the statement.
Investing in Rwanda's football future
Rwanda's football history boasts memorable highlights, including the men's national team's debut at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and the U-17 national team's qualification for the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico.
That U-17 squad had been specially prepared for the tournament, but since then, no youth or senior team has made a similar breakthrough on the international stage.
Today, Rwanda is committed to nurturing young sporting talent, with the government viewing sport as both a driver of national pride and a growing industry built on skill and performance.
Since the partnership began in August 2023, Bayern Munich has played an active role in this vision. The club established the FC Bayern Academy in Kigali two years ago, now home to 30 fully sponsored young players.
The academy offers a professional environment rarely seen in Rwanda, with access to high-quality training, modern facilities, and expert coachingâ€"including staff from Germany.
Training sessions take place at the Kigali Pelé Stadium, with evening practice made possible by floodlights, ensuring players get the most out of their development programs.
The collaboration is already producing results. Two Rwandan players, Ndayishimiye Barthazar and David Okoce, have been selected to join Bayern Munich's U-19 teamâ€"a sign that the partnership is beginning to open professional pathways for local talent.
With the renewed agreement, both Bayern Munich and Rwanda aim to build a stronger foundation for the future of football in the country, turning potential into lasting success on and off the pitch.
IGIHE
