Nelly Mukazayire
Nelly Mukazayire (born 1982) is a Rwandan economist, public administrator and politician who has served as Minister of Sports in the Cabinet of Rwanda since 20 December 2024, appointed by President Paul Kagame to succeed Richard Nyirishema.
Mukazayire holds a bachelor's degree in international economics from the University of Rwanda and a master's degree in economic policy management from Makerere University. She began her public-service career as a policy researcher in the economics department of the Prime Minister's Office, before moving to the Office of the President, where she spent roughly a decade as senior adviser and later Deputy Chief of Staff. She went on to lead the Rwanda Convention Bureau as CEO, was promoted to Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board in March 2023, and became Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports in September 2024 before her appointment as minister three months later.
As minister, she has championed grassroots programmes such as the Isonga talent-development scheme, backed Rwanda's bids to host continental tournaments including the African Men's Handball Championship, and spoken often about unity, discipline and resilience as values shared by sport and national life.
Quotes
[edit]- Confidence is realizing the unique talent in you.
- On the qualities she considers essential to both sport and life. Minister Mukazayire reflects on her leadership path and sport's role in Rwanda's transformation Igihe (August 11, 2025)
- Sport helped Rwanda face forward. Together.
- On the role sport has played in Rwanda's recovery. Hon. Nelly Mukazayire, Minister of Sport – BikeCast Ep. 4 #rideforunity Ride For Unity (August 6, 2025)
- I strongly believe that out of adversity comes resilience and even more special things.
- Rallying the RSSB Tigers ahead of their Basketball Africa League debut. Rwanda backs RSSB Tigers for historic BAL debut after late call-up (March 24, 2026)
- Now more than ever do we as a destination need to position ourselves to support the recovery of the sector, by applying our collective efforts to align with trends and measures that support us all during these challenging times,
- said Nelly Mukazayire, CEO of Rwanda Convention Bureau (The New Times, , July 01, 2020)
- Having Ironman 70.3 in Rwanda is really exciting. The milestone is going to give a lot of visibility to the race destination. It is a unique opportunity for us, both in sports and business aspects.
- According to Nelly Mukazayire, Chief Executive Officer said(The New Times, , January 20, 2022)
- Trusting in yourself doesn’t make you complacent, it’s courage that elevates your talent to the next level. As the ministry and other stakeholders, we are here to support you.
- Believe in your talent, Mukazayire tells young athletes (The New Times, August 10, 2025)
- As a Rwandan, it’s difficult to dissociate one’s journey from the country’s
- Minister Mukazayire reflects on her leadership path and sport’s role in Rwanda’s transformation (Igihe, 11 August, 2025)
- Sport has always been part of my day-to-day
- Minister Mukazayire reflects on her leadership path and sport’s role in Rwanda’s transformation (Igihe, 11 August, 2025)
- I had voices telling me you cannot make it.
- Minister Mukazayire reflects on her leadership path and sport’s role in Rwanda’s transformation (Igihe, 11 August, 2025)
- This leadership instilled hope and equal opportunity. The vision of the leadership that picked up all the pieces set a path for me and so many others to be where we are.
- Minister Mukazayire reflects on her leadership path and sport’s role in Rwanda’s transformation (Igihe, 11 August, 2025)
- We all, including me, got an opportunity to live again, to see hope, or see a belief that there can be a future because of a leadership that had a vision.
- Minister Mukazayire reflects on her leadership path and sport’s role in Rwanda’s transformation (Igihe, 11 August, 2025)
- Confidence is realizing the unique talent in you… Competence means putting in the work… Consistency equals discipline.
- Minister Mukazayire reflects on her leadership path and sport’s role in Rwanda’s transformation (Igihe, 11 August, 2025).
- We’ve understood that Rwanda is what we’ve got. There’s no us without Rwanda.
- Minister Mukazayire reflects on her leadership path and sport’s role in Rwanda’s transformation (Igihe, 11 August, 2025).
- Without economic transformation, without alleviating poverty, you’ll still be struggling.
- Minister Mukazayire reflects on her leadership path and sport’s role in Rwanda’s transformation (Igihe, 11 August, 2025).
- Our leadership has been clear that this is a sector where you have to invest before you attract.
- Minister Mukazayire reflects on her leadership path and sport’s role in Rwanda’s transformation (Igihe, 11 August, 2025).
- Are we building ourselves to take up those opportunities and being bold enough to know we can do it… Are they confident enough to seize opportunities they have, to build their skills and their abilities and knowledge to take up the 30%? That’s the biggest challenge.
- Minister Mukazayire reflects on her leadership path and sport’s role in Rwanda’s transformation (Igihe, 11 August, 2025).
- We can confidently confirm that we are ready to host this championship, with everything already in place - from infrastructure, team activation, and prepared hotels, to hospitality and communication. All of these elements have been implemented, and the results are visible today, ensuring that everything will run smoothly.
- Rwanda assures readiness to host historic 2025 UCI Road World Championships (Xinhua News, 2025-09-20)
- It is a great source of pride, but also a challenge, because we must ensure that we deliver at the expected standard, as is duly required of us as Rwanda.
- Rwanda assures readiness to host historic 2025 UCI Road World Championships (Xinhua News, 2025-09-20)
- From the preparation phase through implementation and into evaluation, every step is being carefully monitored.
- Rwanda assures readiness to host historic 2025 UCI Road World Championships (Xinhua News, 2025-09-20)
- Each of you has a unique talent. Believe in yourself, stay determined, and remember—true strength is in lifting the team, not chasing personal glory.
- AfroBasket U16: Minister Mukazayire visits Rwanda’s U-16 Teams. (Ground sports, August 29, 2025).
- Keep your ambition alive and your eyes on the goal. The journey won’t be easy, but never lose sight of where you’re going.
- AfroBasket U16: Minister Mukazayire visits Rwanda’s U-16 Teams. (Ground sports, August 29, 2025).
- Either I win, or they lose. Be tough. Be relentless.
- AfroBasket U16: Minister Mukazayire visits Rwanda’s U-16 Teams. (Ground sports, August 29, 2025).
- Every decision you make is yours—but remember, its impact reaches your team, your community, and your country.
- AfroBasket U16: Minister Mukazayire visits Rwanda’s U-16 Teams. (Ground sports, August 29, 2025).
- You may be under 16, but your journey is just beginning. Be fighters. Carry Agaciro [dignity] and embrace the Rwandan spirit: think big, think wide, and never limit your potential.
- AfroBasket U16: Minister Mukazayire visits Rwanda’s U-16 Teams. (Ground sports, August 29, 2025).
- Our message today is to tell you that we are fully supporting you, that we are all behind you. We trust in your talents, you have the willingness and commitment and that’s why you’re so far here, and we trust that.
- BAL 2025: Minister Mukazayire assures APR of full support (Africa- Press , May 9, 2025).
- As the way people say, the whole village is behind you, and indeed we are very much behind you. BAL has grown into becoming really recognisable globally, and as a country we are so proud that this is an initiative that started with the vision of our President.
- BAL 2025: Minister Mukazayire assures APR of full support (Africa- Press , May 9, 2025).
- So when we are playing down there as APR, as Rwandans, it’s not only the game of basketball, it’s also the vision we uphold. So it’s not only that we’re going to win as the talents, as the players in the game, but it’s also to show the rest of the world, because as we know, that actually is possible.
- BAL 2025: Minister Mukazayire assures APR of full support (Africa- Press , May 9, 2025).
- Good evening! We have continued to see reports related to the match between Rayon Sports and Bugesera FC, especially the incidents that took place there. We would like to remind football fans and all Rwandans that violent or disorderly conduct in sports is not allowed and is punishable by law.
- Sports minister speaks out on abandoned Bugesera FC vs Rayon Sports league game (The Kaminuza Star, May 18, 2025).
- Regarding how the match went and any complaints the clubs might have, there are legal channels through ‘FERWAFA’ and ‘Rwanda League’ that should be followed. As Rayon Sports, we also have responsibilities and collaboration mechanisms with other institutions, and we will follow up through those.
- Sports minister speaks out on abandoned Bugesera FC vs Rayon Sports league game (The Kaminuza Star, May 18, 2025).
- The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was planned, taught, and carried out. For all of you who want to distort history, the evidence is there, the survivors are there, and the perpetrators are there. As President Kagame once said, ‘The evidence will never be lost.’
- Minisitiri wa Siporo Nelly Mukazayire yakebuye abakigaragaraho gupfobya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi. (Doma news April 11, 2025).
- All Rwandans, survivors of the Genocide, those who returned from exile, those in the country who were not among the innocent who did not participate in the Genocide, and those whose families participated in the Genocide, were saved by the Inkotanyi led by our hero Paul Kagame. That is the Principle!
- Minisitiri wa Siporo Nelly Mukazayire yakebuye abakigaragaraho gupfobya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi. (Doma news April 11, 2025).
- This Rwanda has come a long way, we owe it to heroes who were not afraid to give their lives to this day so that we can live, have a name, and have an origin. My role is also yours because of Rwanda. Who we are, what we do, all that we own is because we have Rwanda. Without it, it does not exist!
- Minisitiri wa Siporo Nelly Mukazayire yakebuye abakigaragaraho gupfobya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi. (Doma news April 11, 2025).
- Let us, the youth, remember that Rwanda does not owe us anything, but rather owes us much. Let us remember that even though we are educated, we understand, we have been given the opportunity to ask and be asked about our country. There is a limit! The Genocide against the Tutsi is no longer a matter of debate! Let us remember and rebuild ourselves.
- Minisitiri wa Siporo Nelly Mukazayire yakebuye abakigaragaraho gupfobya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi. (Doma news April 11, 2025).
- Throughout my life, I have been a sports enthusiast. I played basketball in high school and college, briefly played for the National Team, and then moved on to other sports. Sports are a part of my daily routine, and I still play basketball as a non-professional.
- Nelly Mukazayire yavuze ku rukundo rwe rwa siporo, kuba Minisitiri n’amateka ye ashaririye (Umuryango, August 11, 2025).
- We all had the opportunity to live again, to have hope, to feel that we can have a future because of a country with a vision, a country that shows us that even though we were in difficult times as a country and as individuals [...] because Rwanda's history is so difficult that some have difficulty having hope for the future, survivors of the Genocide, those who were refugees for a long time, families who found themselves without a vision in a difficult life where some of your family members were killed, another part participated in the genocide; it is a difficult situation that the country found itself in and then in terms of economy, politics and infrastructure, the country collapsed.
- Nelly Mukazayire yavuze ku rukundo rwe rwa siporo, kuba Minisitiri n’amateka ye ashaririye (Umuryango, August 11, 2025).
- Sometimes we have that hope, but we don't use all our strength, you need to work hard, study, and put in the effort.
- Nelly Mukazayire yavuze ku rukundo rwe rwa siporo, kuba Minisitiri n’amateka ye ashaririye (Umuryango, August 11, 2025).
- You must also understand that you are here to contribute, and that you are among those who must play a role in building this country. That every opportunity you will be given is for you to contribute.
- Nelly Mukazayire yavuze ku rukundo rwe rwa siporo, kuba Minisitiri n’amateka ye ashaririye (Umuryango, August 11, 2025).
- Sometimes your history can tell you it's impossible. Personally, I have a difficult time saying how could I do it? I have family members who survived the Genocide, and other family members, especially my mother, who was involved in the Genocide.
- Nelly Mukazayire yavuze ku rukundo rwe rwa siporo, kuba Minisitiri n’amateka ye ashaririye (Umuryango, August 11, 2025).
- Sometimes I had many voices telling me that I couldn't do it. But what made me realize that I could do it was the leadership that showed you that you don't have to obey your mother, your family, your religion, your values, but rather obey the vision of the country, that you are a Rwandan, that you have a responsibility, that you have a position, and then you have to put in the effort to achieve it, and then the goal is to serve the country because when I serve the country, I am also serving myself, and I am also serving those who will come after me.
- Nelly Mukazayire yavuze ku rukundo rwe rwa siporo, kuba Minisitiri n’amateka ye ashaririye (Umuryango, August 11, 2025).
- Sometimes your history tells you, ‘This is not possible, In my case, my background is so complex that you might think I could never achieve certain goals. Some members of my family survived the Genocide, while others especially my mother—were involved in it.
- Overcoming History and Driving a New Era in National Sports (Taarifa, January 27, 2026).
- What gave me strength, was leadership that showed me success does not depend on who your mother is, your family background, your religion, or your ethnicity. What matters is the vision the country has, that you are Rwandan, that you understand your responsibilities, and that you seize the opportunities given to you with dedication.
- Overcoming History and Driving a New Era in National Sports (Taarifa, January 27, 2026).
- When I work for my country, I am also working for myself, I am working for those who will come after me.
- Overcoming History and Driving a New Era in National Sports (Taarifa, January 27, 2026).
- The future Olympic Movement must be truly global, not concentrated in a handful of regions, but representative of every continent and every people. Africa is ready to shoulder that responsibility.
- Africa Is ready’: Rwandan minister makes case for Olympic Games hosting rights. (The newtimes. June 6, 2026).
- Rwanda’s experience has shown that when international sports federations choose Africa, they are not lowering standards; they are expanding the future of global sport.
- Africa Is ready’: Rwandan minister makes case for Olympic Games hosting rights. (The newtimes. June 6, 2026).
- My message to you is shock the world; just shock the world. And you're capable of doing that, you have all it takes in you, Go there, go with the spirit of Rwanda, a spirit full of resilience.
- Mukazayire rallies Tigers to ‘shock the world’ at Intercontinental Cup (The newtimes. September 17, 2026)
- Though the deal with Arsenal has come to an end, they are going to build football pitches in the country. We are currently identifying suitable locations where there is the greatest need. This is a huge opportunity for us.
- Arsenal to build three football pitches in Rwandanew Times(Friday, July 17, 2026)
- It is truly an honour for me to join you today for the official opening of the 2026 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally. This is not just an event. It is a celebration of commitment, passion and ambition.
- I was particularly inspired to see families competing together, including a mother-and-daughter crew. Sport brings families together, and motorsport is no exception.
- This rally reflects Rwanda's ambition to continue hosting major international sporting events while inspiring more young people to embrace motorsport.
- It was an intense experience. At some moments I felt like I wanted to get out of the car because of the speed and adrenaline. Karan is a very skilled driver. There were moments when I thought he should brake, but I quickly realised that I couldn't do what he does. The experience gave me a new appreciation of the level of concentration, skill and courage required in motorsport.
- "Patel tops qualifying stage of Mountain Gorilla Rally", News Times (July 10, 2026)
- Sport is one of the best investments we can make in our health and wellbeing. Let’s embrace physical activity, combine cardio and strength training, eat healthy, and make sport part of our everyday lives. Sport is health!
- We haven't been doing much or enough in terms of understanding the athlete beyond the skill.
- “This is not the first time inter-school sports competitions are happening, but this marks a new chapter.”
- Government looks to revive talent growth as inter-school games kick off new Times (October 21, 2025)
- “We’re committed to ensuring that young talents are nurtured right from the lower levels, starting in schools.”
- Government looks to revive talent growth as inter-school games kick off new Times (October 21, 2025)
- “I would like to thank each of the players, the coaches, and the technical team for your flexibility and determination.”
- Minister Mukazayire rallies RSSB Tigers ahead of BAL debut in Pretoria newTimes (March 24, 2026)
- “We did not accept to die. We chose to live.”
- Mukazayire: Rwanda’s leadership conquered adversity through courage, faith new Times (November 08, 2025)
- “We are overcomers. We are winners.”
- Mukazayire: Rwanda’s leadership conquered adversity through courage, faith new Times (November 08, 2025)
- “We are pleased to announce that, for the first time, there will be a Women’s Under-23 category in the Road World Championships.”
- Rwanda ready for UCI World Championships, says minister Mukazayire new Times (September 20, 2025)
- “It is also the first time that the Individual Time Trial (ITT) will start indoors, at BK Arena.”
- Rwanda ready for UCI World Championships, says minister Mukazayire new Times (September 20, 2025)
- “Being an athlete is not only about winning, but also about teamwork.”
- Believe in your talent, Mukazayire tells young athletes newTimes (August 10, 2025)
- “Making tough decisions, and being patient.”
- Believe in your talent, Mukazayire tells young athletes newTimes (August 10, 2025)
- “Being a child of a genocide perpetrator, and at the same time being a cabinet member, minister of sports, it is a testimony of that leadership of equal rights and opportunities to all Rwandans.”
- Mukazayire Leadership Conquers Adversity Through Courage africa-press.net (2025-11-09)
- “Rwandans, we are overcomers. We are winners.”
- Mukazayire Leadership Conquers Adversity Through Courage africa-press.net (2025-11-09)
- “We issued new guidelines in July.”
- Sports Ministry tightens accountability africa-press.net (2025-11-06)
- “Unlike before, we no longer release funds without first agreeing on budget priorities.”
- Sports Ministry tightens accountability africa-press.net (2025-11-06)
- “It reflects both their exceptional talent and the success of our youth development efforts.”
- Rwandan Duo Selected for U19 FC Bayern World Squad 2025 africa-press.net (2025-07-08)
- “We believe they will represent our country with excellence.”
- Rwandan Duo Selected for U19 FC Bayern World Squad 2025 africa-press.net (2025-07-08)
- “Riotous behavior in sporting activities is illegal and punishable by law.”
- MINISPORTS to probe fans’ protests in Bugesera FC vs Rayon match press.net (2025-05-18)
- “We, as @Rwanda_Sports, within our responsibilities, will follow up on this.”
- MINISPORTS to probe fans’ protests in Bugesera FC vs Rayon match press.net (2025-05-18)
- “We were well prepared to host this Tour du Rwanda.”
- Rain Or Sunshine, Tour du Rwanda 2025 Set The Stage For UCI Road World Championships ktpress.rw (March 3, 2025)
- “This confirms that we are more than ready to welcome the world.”
- Rain Or Sunshine, Tour du Rwanda 2025 Set The Stage For UCI Road World Championships ktpress.rw (March 3, 2025)
- “Rwanda is doing all it can to align all the legal and regulatory frames.”
- Rwanda Moves To Align With Global Forum Tax Compliance, Transparency Standards KT PRESS (August 1, 2023)
- “The e-register serves as a robust tool to fulfil this duty efficiently.”
- Rwanda Moves To Align With Global Forum Tax Compliance, Transparency Standards KT PRESS (August 1, 2023)
- “We are gathered here today to discuss and explore the critical role of intellectual property in shaping Africa’s future.”
- 2nd Edition of the ARIPO Heads of IP Offices Conference (HIPOC) Commences in Kigali rdb.rw(06 June 2023)
- “We can effectively maximize the potential of our intellectual assets.”
- 2nd Edition of the ARIPO Heads of IP Offices Conference (HIPOC) Commences in Kigali rdb.rw(06 June 2023)
- “Gender equity should not be seen in the sense of a fight between men and women.”
- Gender equity, mental health take center stage as women in business tackle work-life balance NEWTIMES (August 05, 2024)
- “It’s more of trying to establish a balance.”
- Gender equity, mental health take center stage as women in business tackle work-life balance NEWTIMES (August 05, 2024)
- “Rwanda hopes to secure crucial business partnerships with Chinese companies.”
- “The CIIE presents an excellent platform for raising brand recognition for Rwandan products.”
- “Let us build safe families and an empowered generation.”
- Rubaya: Rwanda Sports Minister Urges Youth to Shun Drugs, Embrace Sports gicumbi.gov.rw (28 September 2026)
- “Let us work together to build the Rwanda we want.”
- Rubaya: Rwanda Sports Minister Urges Youth to Shun Drugs, Embrace Sports gicumbi.gov.rw (28 September 2026)
- “The future Olympic system should be truly global.”
- Minister Nelly Mukazayire: Africa Is Ready to Shape the Future of the Olympic Movement mod.gov.rw (5 June 2026)
- “Africa is ready for that responsibility.”
- Minister Nelly Mukazayire: Africa Is Ready to Shape the Future of the Olympic Movement mod.gov.rw (5 June 2026)
- “We are proud of you and the work you have done.”
- Kagame urges Amavubi to build on Liberia victory thedawnrwanda.com ( September 26, 2026)
- “It has shown commitment, sacrifice and determination.”
- Kagame urges Amavubi to build on Liberia victory thedawnrwanda.com ( September 26, 2026)
- “The future of sports in Africa will be driven by three major pillars: science and technology, healthy communities, and business investment.”
- “Who know the right decisions to take.”
- Making Sport a New Front in the Fight Against Drugs and Illicit Alcohol KT PRESS (September 27, 2026)
- “When we say a sober generation, we mean youths who are disciplined.”
- Making Sport a New Front in the Fight Against Drugs and Illicit Alcohol KT PRESS (September 27, 2026)
