Kawhi Leonard just dropped 30, but not on the court—this time, it was in Kigali.
The two-time NBA champ known for his silent swagger just made a loud statement in Rwanda, and it had nothing to do with a buzzer-beater. Kawhi Leonard spent four transformative days in Kigali as the headliner for the 2025 Giants of Africa Festival, a two-decade initiative focused on “educating, enriching, and empowering African youth through basketball,” Essence reports.
Linking up with longtime friend and former Raptors President Masai Ujiri, Leonard showed up for the culture in every sense of the word. He kicked off the weekend by co-hosting the Giants of Africa Music & Sports Festival with Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr, pulling together athletes, coaches, and creatives from over 20 countries. The moment was pure inspiration, but the real headline came when Leonard unveiled a custom-built basketball court at St. Ignatius School—designed by himself as part of the “Built Within” project to construct 100 courts across Africa.
And this wasn’t just any court. It was a visual love letter to his roots in Moreno Valley, California, dripped in bold colors and affirmations like “Play Hard, Have Fun,” “You Are Stronger Than You Think,” and “Be Great.” The murals perfectly embodied the spirit of the NBA star.
The trip wasn’t just about speeches and ceremonies. Leonard got in the paint—literally and figuratively—running a free youth basketball clinic for 50 kids aged 12 to 17. Each camper got fundamentals, one-on-one coaching, and mental game gems straight from a Finals MVP. Oh, they also walked away with fresh pairs of Kawhi’s New Balance kicks and limited-edition tees he designed, featuring a hand cradling a basketball—a symbol of higher purpose and hard-earned rewards.
Even Rwandan President Paul Kagame pulled up. After catching some of the action, he and Leonard sat down for a private two-hour chat about the future of African youth, sports, and education. The two later appeared together at the Giants of Africa camp at Club Rafiki, where Kagame praised Leonard’s hands-on approach and long-term commitment.
Leonard didn’t just stay within the city limits. He took time to explore Rwanda’s natural beauty with a private safari, soaking in the landscapes and culture that made this trip to the Motherland even more meaningful. But this wasn’t a vacation—it was a mission—one rooted in purpose, community, and giving back.
And he’s just getting started. His next stop? Asia. Leonard is set to embark on a 10-day global tour focused on youth development and expanding the game internationally. The vision is big, the mission is global, and the impact is already undeniable.
Kawhi may not say much, but the world listens when he moves. And Kigali heard him loud and clear.
Cover photo: Kawhi Leonard Builds Courts and Community in Rwanda/Photo credit: Kawhi Leonard/Giants of Africa/Instagram