Bayern Munich, the German football club, has unveiled a comprehensive five-year partnership with Rwanda, spanning football development and tourism promotion, set to last until 2028.
The alliance was introduced during FC Bayern’s inaugural home game of the season. It entails close collaboration between the club and Rwanda’s Ministry of Sports, focusing on the establishment of a football academy aimed at fortifying the growth of football within the nation.
Furthermore, the partnership involves the showcasing of Visit Rwanda branding on LED boards during matchdays at the 75,000-seat Allianz Arena. Various initiatives will be orchestrated to spotlight tourism and investment prospects in Rwanda.
Jan-Christian Dreesen, CEO of FC Bayern, remarked, “I am greatly satisfied with this partnership, extending until the summer of 2028. FC Bayern’s footprint on the African continent can expand, presenting valuable learning opportunities. This platinum partnership aligns with our long-term ambitions. We will endorse ‘Visit Rwanda’ and contribute to Rwanda’s sports growth through youth football projects. These responsibilities are both demanding and important. Africa represents a realm of possibilities, and this marks a crucial stride in FC Bayern’s international expansion.”
Andreas Jung, Executive Board Member for Marketing at FC Bayern, expressed enthusiasm for this engaging collaboration. “We are excited about this new and dynamic partnership. Our support for the Rwandan Ministry of Sports includes nurturing youth football programs, including our FC Bayern Youth Cup. We aspire to spread the allure of ‘Visit Rwanda’ as a prime tourism destination. We also extend a warm welcome to our new partner into our business network.”
Rwandan Minister of Sports, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, conveyed her delight in this partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with FC Bayern to elevate the development of youth football for both boys and girls in Rwanda.
The envisioned FC Bayern Academy will allow its expert coaches to share their football knowledge with local players and coaches. Rwanda possesses significant potential for excelling in football, and this collaboration offers an excellent platform for Rwanda to strive for excellence in the realm of sports.”
Clare Akamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, expressed the institution’s contentment in welcoming FC Bayern Munich as a strategic partner. “Since the inception of the Visit Rwanda campaign five years ago, our journey has been remarkable. Enlisting FC Bayern as an additional partner enables us to reach out to their millions of global fans and encourage them to explore Rwanda. Germany holds a prominent place among Rwanda’s top tourism markets, and through this partnership, we aim to attract more tourists, spotlight investment opportunities, and inspire visitors to experience Rwanda.”
The partnership aligns with Germany’s strong connections with Rwanda, exemplified by various collaborative efforts and initiatives over the years.
