Abigail Lemma Hailemichael, FIFA's Development Manager overseeing North, East, and Central African countries, recently spoke to IGIHE about ongoing projects and future plans that position Rwanda as a key player in the region's football evolution.
Since the regional office was established in Kigali over four years ago, Rwanda has served not only as a strategic hub for FIFA's operations but also as a pilot ground for innovative football development programs. Working alongside Davis Ndayisenga, the regional office head, Abigail coordinates efforts across 16 member countries, helping to implement FIFA's global agenda locally.
One of the standout projects highlighted by Abigail is the recent approval for the installation of four artificial pitches across Rwanda. The synthetic turf pitches will be built in several districts, including Gicumbi, Rutsiro, and Rusizi, as well as at the Rwanda Football Federation's (FERWAFA) training facility in Kigali.
The pitch near Kigali, in particular, will upgrade an existing accommodation centre, developed under the FIFA Forward program, transforming it into a fully operational technical centre.
In addition to the full-sized pitches, Rwanda is among five African countries selected to pilot the Mini Pitches Project, which involves constructing smaller, quality pitches in schools. This initiative aims to provide young players with better access to proper facilities right within their educational environments, promoting grassroots participation and talent development.
FERWAFA plans to roll out 10 such mini pitches this year, targeting schools recognised as football development hubs.
Rwanda also benefits from the FIFA Football for Schools Program, a continent-wide initiative that has already reached 12 countries under the supervision of the regional office. The program uses football as a tool to teach life skills to children, distributing hundreds of thousands of footballs and training coaches to engage youth through fun and educational football sessions.
Abigail emphasised that despite progress, challenges remain across the region, particularly regarding the limited financial and operational capacity of some member associations. To address these gaps, FIFA has focused on creating partnerships with commercial stakeholders and launched the FIFA Club Professionalisation and Management Program.
This initiative targets top leagues and clubs to enhance administrative skills, improve governance, and boost financial sustainability.
Looking beyond Rwanda, ongoing projects include the near-completion of the Kadiba Stadium in Uganda and the establishment of a national technical centre in Egypt.
The development manager also highlighted FIFA's commitment to women's football, detailing specialised programs aimed at increasing female participation, improving coaching and league structures, and raising the visibility of women's football through targeted campaigns.
For young footballers and aspiring professionals in Rwanda and the wider region, Abigail shared an inspiring message, stressing that football is a platform full of opportunities. With dedication and support, it can open doors beyond the pitch, whether as players, coaches, referees, or sports administrators.
Watch the full interview below:
Wycliffe Nyamasege
