As the countdown to the grand opening of Zaria Court Kigali reaches its final hours, the landmark facility is already open and operational ahead of the official launch on Monday, July 28, 2025, at its headquarters in Kigali.
A $26 million investment, Zaria Court is the first physical realization of the Zaria Group’s arena ecosystem strategy—designed to serve Africa’s young, urban population while fostering sustainable economic opportunities.
WATCH THE TOUR HERE AND PHOTOS HERE
The facility includes:
- An 80-room boutique hotel
- A 2,000-seat event space
- A podcast studio and creative co-working space
- A public basketball court and five-a-side football pitches
- A modern fitness gym
- A curated selection of restaurants, a sports bar, and retail outlets
- Public open spaces, including a children’s playground
Zaria Court was developed by Zaria Court Group, under the leadership of Masai Ujiri, a British-born investor of African heritage best known as the longtime President of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors. The project reflects Ujiri’s bold investment thesis: “sports and entertainment infrastructure is infrastructure.”
Anchored in sports, Zaria Court aims to be a cultural hub for Africa’s growing middle class, especially millennials and Gen Z seeking authentic, lifestyle-driven experiences. The Kigali launch is the first step in the group’s broader expansion plan, which includes five flagship sites in major African cities by 2030.
Importantly, Zaria Court Kigali has already created nearly 500 jobs, with a focus on women and youth. The project also supports retail incubation programs targeting women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In an exclusive interview with Kigali Today media team, Che Rupari, Brand and Campus Manager of Zaria Court Kigali, shared insights into the vision behind this multi-functional complex that blends business, sports, hospitality, and entertainment.
“This development is meant to complement other infrastructure like BK Arena, Amahoro Stadium, and Petit Stade,” said Rupari. “Whether someone is coming from any of these venues to relax, they won’t have to go far. From swimming, mini football, basketball, watching international sports on big screens, shopping, or just bringing kids to play—or even staying at the hotel—everything is available right here without needing to criss-cross Kigali.”
Rupari emphasized the project’s job-creation impact: “As of now, about 500 people have been employed, and considering we’re just getting started, the number of jobs—especially for young people—will only increase as we grow.”
Zaria Court Kigali was officially launched with a foundation stone ceremony on June 14, 2023, officiated by President Paul Kagame and Masai Ujiri. Today, the complex is fully complete and already in use.
6 comments
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This great opportunity for Rwandan people and really want this Job
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I like Zaria court Kigali alot
Hello 👋, can I get a job in Zaria court kigali hotel I’m a chef
Awesome presentation by Che Rupari. Zaria Court is indeed a great entertainment infrastructure, that complements the aesthetics of the beautiful city of Kigali. Masai Ujuri’s vision to transplant this idea to other African cities along with his Giants of Africa basketball initiatives is indeed a well appreciated. I for one has have taken advantage of checking out the site, each time I was in the area,enjoying the ambiance of the Sports Bar and the restaurant during the trial opening to the public. The view from the rooftop bar is amazing, I can’t wait to lodge some of my friends visiting with me in Kigali at their contemporary hotel room and suites. My overall assessment of this infrastructure is beyond imaginable. Kudos to our dear friend and fellow countryman Masai Ujuri for a job well done.
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