KIGALI (Rwanda) - FIBA Africa, Rwanda Ministry of Sports and the country's Basketball Federation (FERWABA) signed  on Thursday the agreement to host the 2023 FIBA Women's AfroBasket in Kigali.

The 26th edition of the twelve-nation competition will take place at BK Arena from July 28 to August 6 in the Rwanda's capital city.

Rwanda has hosted a number of continental competitions in recent years, including the 2021 AfroBasket, Window 2 of the World Cup African Qualifiers, and the Final Round of the last three seasons of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Rwanda Minister of Sports Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju presided the ceremony alongside FIBA Africa Regional Director Alphonse Bile. 

"As a champion in the promotion of women development," Munyangaju said, "Rwanda is really excited and honored to host yet another set of exciting games by the best African female basketball players. Basketball is now part of Rwanda's lifestyle and will ensure a memorable world-class experience for all participants in the tournaments."

Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju

This is the first time that the East African country host an edition of the Women's AfroBasket. The last three editions of the tournament were held in Cameroon (2021), Senegal (2019) and Mali (2017).

"Experience and skills gained already from hosted events in recent years have really provided the needed confidence and willingness to deliver a successful event beyond the expectation of our partners. We embrace this opportunity to showcase our commitment to gender promotion in sports as Rwanda has made significant strides in promoting women's participation in sports. And hosting the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2023 is a lot of confidence by FIBA to our dedication," Munyangaju pointed out.

The official continued: "We hope that this tournament will inspire young girls across Africa to pursue their dreams in sports, and we really encourage the participation of all nations in this exciting event."

Alphonse Bile said: "It is an honor and a pleasure to recognize that, once again, Rwanda will host the most important continental women's competition, and we hope it to be a great competition."

Alphonse Bile

Among guests was FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave who shared his thoughts on the reasoning to select Rwanda as hosts of the tournament.

Manave said: "Over the last three years Kigali became the capital of basketball in Africa. They have hosted many competitions, including AfroBasket (men), BAL Finals, but there was one event missing. Now they complete the cycle with the Women's AfroBasket."

Teams qualified for the 2023 FIBA Women's so far include reigning champions Nigeria, hosts Rwanda, Mali, Cameroon, Senegal, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo  and Egypt. 

The remaining spots for the biennial Women's AfroBasket will be complete over the next few months through regional qualifiers.

FIBA