FIBA formalizes Rwanda’s hosting rights for Women’s AfroBasket 2023

The 26th edition of the competition, which will bring together twelve nations, will take place at the BK Arena from July 28 to August 6 in the Rwandan capital.
Rwanda has hosted a number of continental competitions in recent years, including AfroBasket 2021, the second window of African World Cup qualifying and the final three seasons of the Basketball Africa League (BAL). Rwandan Sports Minister Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju presided over the ceremony alongside FIBA ​​Africa Regional Director Alphonse Bilé. “As a champion in promoting women’s development,” Ms. Munyangaju said, “Rwanda is very excited and honored to once again host exciting encounters between Africa’s top female players. Basketball has become part of the Rwandan way of life and will ensure a memorable world-class experience for all tournament participants. »

This is the first time that this East African country has hosted an edition of the women’s AfroBasket. The last three editions of the tournament have taken place in Cameroon (2021), Senegal (2019) and Mali (2017). ” The experience and skills acquired during the events organized in recent years have allowed us to acquire the confidence and the will necessary to organize a successful event that exceeds the expectations of our partners. We take this opportunity to show our commitment to promoting gender in sport, as Rwanda has made significant progress in promoting women’s participation in sport. Hosting the FIBA ​​Women’s AfroBasket 2023 is a vote of confidence from FIBA ​​in our commitment“, stressed Munyangaju.

The official continued: We hope this tournament will inspire young girls across Africa to pursue their dreams in sport, and we truly encourage the participation of all nations in this exciting event. Alphonse Bilé said: “It is an honor and a pleasure to recognize that once again Rwanda will host the most important continental women’s competition, and we hope it will be a great competition. FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave was among the guests and shared his thoughts on why Rwanda was chosen as the tournament’s host country.

Manave said: “Over the past three years, Kigali has become the basketball capital of Africa. It hosted many competitions including AfroBasket (men), BAL Finals, but one event was missing. Today, they complete the cycle with the women’s AfroBasket. The qualified teams for the Women’s AfroBasket 2023 are defending champions Nigeria, hosts Rwanda, Mali, Cameroon, Senegal, Mozambique, DR Congo and Egypt. The remaining places for the women’s AfroBasket, a biennial competition, will be allocated over the coming months through regional qualifiers.

FIBA