By Eric Eugene
Murangwa, MBE
Africa has birthed some of the world’s best exceptional football players. In recent years, the Africa Cup of Nations received acclaim for its sporting excellence, and an African team, Morocco, recently reached the semi-final of the World Cup, football’s most prestigious competition. Yet, despite these advancements, our continent’s football potential has not always translated into economic growth or shifted global perceptions beyond stereotypes of conflict and despair.
This is precisely why Rwanda’s latest partnership with FC Bayern Munich is a pivotal moment that transcends the world of sports.
Economic Benefits
In a region where natural beauty and cultural richness abound, Rwanda’s latest venture speaks far and wide beyond the pitch, echoing a narrative of renewal for the entire continent. While the partnership may involve a football club, this move reflects a broader dedication to progress.
First and foremost, the economic implications of this collaboration are substantial. In 2019, tourism revenues increased to US $498 million from the previous US $425 million in 2018. This demonstrates an untapped well of possibilities waiting to be harnessed. Learning from the successes of the Arsenal campaign, which saw Rwanda’s tourism revenues surge by an impressive 17% within a year, the financial growth is more than just numbers.
The real power lies in how these revenues are reinvested into communities. A significant 10% of tourism earnings are funnelled into neighbouring communities, ushering in a blend of prosperity and conservation. Rwanda’s approach underscores its commitment to sustainable growth by encompassing substantial conservation efforts.
Investing in local players
However, this partnership extends beyond economic benefits. Collaborating with Rwanda’s Ministry of Sports, the upcoming establishment of a football academy by FC Bayern stands as a testament to nurturing local talent. Central to this initiative is an investment in the youth through camps aiming to provide an environment where budding talents can thrive and blossom up until the age of 16. The pinnacle of this journey will culminate in participation in the globally acclaimed FC Bayern Munich Youth Cup, showcasing the ambitions that fuel this partnership.
But successfully blending sports with business first requires bridging the gap between these ambitions and grassroots sports development. To truly involve our youth in this exciting journey, we must provide them with ample training and the necessary infrastructure to nurture their talents.
A first step would be establishing robust systems to place knowledgeable, skilled, and passionate individuals in key positions for both technical aspects of football and the day-to-day management of clubs and institutions like the National Football Association.
While Rwanda’s current football structures lack professionalism and accountability, partnerships with esteemed institutions such as Arsenal, PSG, and Bayern Munich can pave the way for substantial improvements in our operations.
This partnership isn’t just about developing players; it’s about developing individuals who can be catalysts for change, on and off the field. Rwandan coaches will have the invaluable opportunity to receive training from arguably the world’s best sports management team, a learning experience that will invariably enrich the Rwandan football landscape.
Africa Football Rising
And this isn’t unique to Rwanda—this spirit echoes across the continent.
Nigeria and Ivory Coast have pioneered football academies, nurturing young talent by providing coaching, education, and support for aspiring football players. Kenya’s dedication to youth development programs, including youth leagues, training camps, and scouting initiatives, mirrors the continent’s collective commitment to growth.
The partnership between Rwanda and FC Bayern Munich also resonates with conversations beyond sport. Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo are rumoured to engage with clubs like Atletico Madrid for similar collaborations, underscoring a shared aspiration to reshape global perceptions and promote themselves as destinations worth exploring.
Going beyond expectations
In Western countries, the partnership has sometimes raised questions about resource allocation in developing countries. Critics may question whether investing public funds in non-essential domains is prudent.
Yet, history reminds us that transformative growth often springs from bold innovation. In the 1960s and 70s, the impetus for change emerged from audacious initiatives in the “Asian tigers” – which have since become models for economic development.
Rwanda’s pioneering initiative stands as a testament to the power of ambition, harnessing football as a vehicle to elevate its future. It embodies a determination to challenge preconceptions that have long confined our continent and underscores the necessity of being forward-looking, innovative, and deeply invested in the potential of our people.
So, let’s get in the game—whether on the field or in our communities – and embrace the spirit of innovation rising across the continent. By doing so, we can, one step at a time, create a future where the prowess of our players, the beauty of our landscapes, and the richness of our cultures converge to reshape Africa’s role on the global stage.
.Murangwa, a Rwandan based in London, is a former Rwandan International Footballer, Genocide Survivor, and Founder & CEO of Foundation Ishami.