The event brought together the key players of the region’s business community and presented a unique opportunity to build closer relationships on the golf course, and off it.
In Nyarutarama, Kigali’s upscale neighborhood, the sun rises over the lush green landscape, casting a warm hue and carrying the fresh scent of cut grass in the air. A gentle breeze sways the flags adorned with partner company logos, decorating the surroundings of the newly-opened, modern 18-hole golf course, Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, which offers a premium experience for both local and international golfers.
The prestigious golf course played host to the CNBC Africa Corporate Golf Tournament Rwanda for the inaugural Rwanda Golf Day on September 12, 2024, organized by the ABN Group. The event brought together key players from Rwanda’s corporate community, including Rwanda’s Central Bank Governor, John Rwangombwa, CVL’s Jack Kayonga, Trinity Metals’ Peter Geleta, the Rwanda Stock Exchange’s (RSE) Celestin Rwabukumba, and many more influential figures.
After 17 successful years of hosting the event in South Africa, this was the first time the tournament was organized by ABN outside of South Africa. ABN Group Chairman Rakesh Wahi explained that the event was part of ABN’s broader strategy to bring businesses together through golf, fostering valuable networking opportunities.
“CNBC Africa was established in Rwanda nine years ago, and we have been sharing Rwanda’s development success story with the world. As business continues to grow, it’s important to bring the regional business community together — not just to discuss business, but also to connect through sporting activities. There’s no better way to do this than through golf. Kigali is the second city to host this event, and we plan to expand it further,” said Wahi.
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The tournament drew more than 70 participants from leading companies in Rwanda, who teed off alongside Wahi and Denham Pons, CNBC Africa’s Head of East Africa. Among the key sponsors was Trinity Metals. It’s CEO, Geleta, highlighted the importance of participating in the tournament: “We’ve only been operating in Rwanda for two and a half years, and this event provides an opportunity to connect with our business partners and support the growth of the mining industry in Africa.”
Diane Mukunde of NCBA Bank Rwanda, another major sponsor of the day, emphasized how the tournament offered a unique opportunity to build closer relationships with clients, while MTN Rwanda’s Head of Enterprise Business, Didas Ndoli, pointed out the value of corporate engagement: “We’re pleased to partner with CNBC Africa for this golf event. It’s an excellent platform to engage with our VIP customers.”
Other sponsors of the event included I&M Bank, SKOL Brewery and Kivu Noir, all contributing to the event’s success. The tournament, held in a four-ball format, saw 18 teams competing across the course’s 18 holes. Starting at 8AM, these executives-turned-semi-professional golfers battled the elements, sinking aces and eagles while navigating tricky bunker shots. Rwangombwa expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m looking forward to an enjoyable game, and of course, I hope to win something today.”
As the day progressed, players enjoyed refreshments at the halfway house, re-energizing for the rest of the competition. The RSE’s Rwabukumba enjoyed the mix of networking and sport, remarking, “Everyone wants to win, but I’m also enjoying meeting industry leaders in a relaxed environment.
It’s great for destressing while discussing business.”
The event concluded at 2PM, with teams submitting their scorecards and preparing for the gala awards ceremony at Kigali Serena Hotel. The dinner was attended by notable figures including Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Francis Gatare, Rwanda’s former Ambassador to South Africa Vincent Karega, Rwanda’s Minister of State in charge of National Treasury Richard Tusabe, and I&M Bank CEO Benjamin Mutimura.
In his welcome speech, CNBC Africa’s Pons thanked the participants and sponsors for their support and reiterated the ABN Group’s commitment to telling the East Africa story. Geleta also highlighted the reason behind his company’s sponsorship of the event: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase Rwanda’s mining potential and put it on the global map.”
In his keynote speech, RDB’s Gatare praised the ABN Group for organizing the event and promoting business in Rwanda: “It’s vital to have business leaders like Rakesh Wahi and the ABN Group encouraging the use of this remarkable golf course. Sports tourism is central to our strategy to grow Rwanda as a leading tourism destination.”
The night ended with the presentation of awards. Dries Grobler won the Longest Drive award, while James Mureithi took home the Nearest to the Pin prize. The team of Robert Bafakulera, Kenneth Murangira, Innocent Rutamu and Ras Tinyinondi emerged as group champions with a score of 80 points.
As a live band serenaded the crowd, and guests enjoyed gourmet cuisine, camaraderie filled the air. Attendees left with anticipation for next year’s event, looking forward to building lasting relationships in a relaxed yet vibrant setting.
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