President Paul Kagame and Masai Ujiri, the co-founder of Giants of Africa, graced the groundbreaking event for the construction of the Zaria Court which will come as an additional facility at the upcoming Kigali Sports City.
Zaria Court comes from a partnership between, Kagame, Ujiri who is also the president and vice-chairman of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, and several of their partners who, Ujiri say, share a goal to transform Africa's sports and entertainment landscape.
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The project not only brings forth a dynamic urban complex, but also embodies the potential for economic growth, talent retention, and pan-African impact.
As the construction gets underway, Zaria Court is poised to leave an indelible mark on the continent&039;s sporting legacy, fostering a vibrant community and contributing to Africa's continued development.
Below are ten key facts you should know about Zaria Court:
1) Location: Zaria Court will be located in Remera sector, Gasabo District at the former premises of Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) along the road to Amahoro Stadium. The facility will sit on an average of 2.4 hectares as indicated by Rwanda Housing Authority.
2) Name: Zaria Court ultra-modern sports and leisure hub derives its name from Zaria city in Nigeria which lies within four local government areas in Kaduna State; it is the capital city of the Zazzau Emirate Council and one of the original seven Hausa city-states, and a major city in the state. Ujiri was born in Bournemouth, UK, to Nigerian and Kenyan parents. His parents were foreign students in England. The family moved back to Nigeria when he was two years old, and he grew up in Zaria, Nigeria.
3) Urban hospitality hub: Zaria Court will serve as a vibrant urban hospitality hub. This facility will encompass an array of services, including an 80-room boutique hotel, restaurants, rooftop lounges, fitness centres, wellness spaces, co-working areas, and even a podcast studio. Briefly, one can play games, head to a restaurant after the game, later relax at the rooftop and attend a concert.
The hotel property within Zaria Court will be managed by Aleph Hospitality, a pan-African hospitality management company with a growing portfolio of hotels across Africa and the Middle East.
4) Multipurpose court: At the heart of Zaria Court will lie a dynamic multipurpose court designed to host a myriad of events. Sporting competitions, festivals, performances, markets, and various gatherings will find a fitting venue within this adaptable space.
The court includes an innovative retail area created from repurposed shipping containers, promoting sustainability and offering a space for women-owned businesses and local young entrepreneurs. This retail hub serves as an incubation centre, supporting economic growth and creativity within the community.
5) Jobs and businesses: The project is anticipated to create over 500 jobs in the hospitality, tourism and sports sectors, offering valuable employment opportunities for the local community and contributing to Rwanda's economic growth.
6) Pan-African impact: While rooted in Rwanda, Zaria Court holds the promise of benefiting not only the nation but also the broader African region. Its establishment aligns with Ujiri and Kagame's vision of nurturing talent, generating revenue, and propelling Africa to greater competitive heights.
7) Sports ecosystem: Zaria Court builds on a shared dream that began with the construction of the BK Arena. President Kagame's meeting with Ujiri at the 2016 All-Star Game in Toronto sparked the idea of transforming Africa's sports industry, leading to the creation of iconic sports venues.
8) Ultra-modern architectural design: Designed by Kunlé Adeyemi, a Nigerian architect, Zaria Court's aesthetic and functional design aims to create a sports haven. This project envisions a future where the space evolves into a pivotal sports park, serving as a cornerstone within Africa's sporting landscape.
Financing for Zaria Court was arranged through collaboration with institutions like the Bank of Kigali, Helios Sports & Entertainment Group, and a consortium of local and international investors. This support underscores the project's significance and potential impact.
9) Retaining African talents: One of the project's underlying goals is to create an environment where African talents are retained within the continent. By providing opportunities for growth and development, Zaria Court seeks to discourage the trend of seeking opportunities beyond Africa.
10) Green Space: The project embraces sustainability with 70 per cent of the site designated as open green space. This biodiverse area not only provides a serene environment for relaxation but also incorporates play areas for children and two five-a-side soccer pitches, enhancing the community's overall well-being.