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Nelly Mukazayire

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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

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  • 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,
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!
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