Minister Nelly Mukazayire: Africa Is Ready to Shape the Future of the Olympic Movement

During a panel titled “The Future of the Olympic Movement: Challenges and Prospects” at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026 in Russia, Minister Nelly Mukazayire emphasized the need for a more globally balanced Olympic system that reflects all continents and peoples.

Speaking on the panel, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, highlighted that the future of international sport should not remain concentrated in a few regions but must evolve into a truly inclusive global system.

“The future Olympic system should be truly global, not concentrated in a few regions, but reflective of all continents and all peoples. Africa is ready for that responsibility,” she said.

She further underscored Africa’s readiness to take on a greater role in hosting and shaping global sporting events, noting that increased inclusion is not about lowering standards but about expanding opportunity and strengthening the global sports ecosystem.

“From Rwanda’s experience, we can confidently say that when international federations choose Africa, they are not lowering the standard, they are expanding the future of global sport,” she added.

Her remarks reflect Rwanda’s broader ambition to position itself and the African continent as key partners in the development and hosting of international sporting events, while advocating for fairness, accessibility, and global representation within the Olympic movement.

The discussion took place on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026, which brought together global leaders to debate economic cooperation and international development, including the future of sport.

Rwanda continues to use such platforms to advocate for sports diplomacy and to reinforce its growing influence in global sports governance.