Todt and Yeoh, who also serves as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, were in Rwanda to attend the Kwita Izina, baby gorilla naming ceremony held in Musanze District on September 5, 2025.
Jean Todt, a French national, is a veteran of motorsport and served as President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) from 2009 to 2021. He is best remembered as Ferrari's legendary team principal during the team's golden era, when Michael Schumacher won multiple Formula One titles. He has been the UN Special Envoy for Road Safety since April 2015, appointed under then-Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Michelle Yeoh, his wife, is a Malaysian-born actress acclaimed for her roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Memoirs of a Geisha, Crazy Rich Asians, and Everything Everywhere All at Once, which won her an Academy Award in 2023.
She is celebrated as a trailblazer for Asian actors in Hollywood and has also been recognized as one of the world's most influential voices.
During the Kwita Izina ceremony, Todt named a baby gorilla 'Ruvugiro', while Yeoh chose the name 'Rwogere.'
Later on September 6, 2025, Todt and Yeoh also participated in a road safety activity at the Gishushu junction in Gasabo District, where they helped mark pedestrian lines.
Todt emphasized the importance of such measures, noting that road markings play a vital role in reducing traffic accidents.
On the same day, President Kagame received Mathieu Flamini, Arsenal Legend and co-founder and CEO of GFBiochemicals, who visited Rwanda to participate in the baby gorilla naming ceremony.
GFBiochemicals is a world pioneer in producing high-performing renewable alternatives to harmful petrochemical ingredients.
The Head of State also met with a delegation from Marriott, led by David S. Marriott, Chairman of the Board of Marriott International, who named a baby gorilla during the 20th Kwita Izina ceremony.
IGIHE
