Rwanda has reached a new milestone in its sporting history with the official opening of the African Handball Confederation (CAN) Handball Championship 2026, marking the first time the prestigious continental tournament is being hosted in the country.
The opening ceremony highlighted Rwanda’s growing prominence on Africa’s sports map.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire said hosting the championship reflects the country’s steady progress in developing and promoting sport at both regional and continental levels.
“We are proud to host this prestigious continental competition for the first time, marking a significant milestone in our sporting journey,” Mukazayire said.
“This championship will contribute to the long-term development of handball in Rwanda and across the African continent.”
The tournament brings together top national handball teams from across Africa and underscores Rwanda’s capacity to host high-level international sporting events.
Beyond the competition itself, the championship is expected to inspire young athletes, strengthen technical expertise in handball, and enhance cooperation among African sports institutions.
Hosting CAN Handball 2026 further reinforces Rwanda’s reputation as a regional sports hub, showcasing its modern indoor arenas, efficient event organization, and strong standards in security and hospitality.
The event is also projected to boost sports tourism, create opportunities for local professionals, and accelerate the growth of handball infrastructure and grassroots programs nationwide.
On the court, hosts Rwanda made a strong start to the tournament with a convincing 30–19 victory over Zambia in their opening match.
Reflecting on the win, Rwanda head coach Hafedh Zouabi said the match allowed him to rotate his entire squad due to the relatively low level of difficulty.
However, he expressed disappointment with his team’s performance in the closing minutes.
“We still need to improve, especially towards the end of matches,” Zouabi said, adding that consistency will be key if Rwanda is to achieve its main objective of finishing top of the group.
As the championship continues, Rwanda is using the tournament to position sport as a driver of youth development, international visibility, and long-term national growth.
By Andrew Shyaka
