Rwanda launches 2026 CAVB Championship, hosts 24 teams in Kigali
Rwanda has officially launched the 2026 CAVB Men’s Club Championship, setting the stage for one of Africa’s premier volleyball competitions.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a media briefing held in BK Arena, confirming that the country is fully prepared to host 24 top teams from across the continent.
The tournament, which will run over the next 10 days, is expected to draw significant attention as clubs from at least 14 African nations compete for continental glory.
Participating countries include Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, and Burundi, reflecting the growing reach and competitiveness of volleyball across Africa.
Speaking at the launch event held at BK Arena, Rwanda Volleyball Federation President Raphael Ngarambe welcomed teams and officials, highlighting Rwanda’s readiness to deliver a well-organized and high-quality tournament.
He emphasized that the federation has worked closely with partners, including the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) and the Government of Rwanda, to ensure international standards are met both on and off the court.
“We are committed to providing a world-class experience for players, officials, fans, and the media,” Ngarambe said, extending a warm welcome to all participants arriving in Kigali.
CAVB Vice President Louis Rwakiranya praised Rwanda for hosting the championship, noting that it represents a significant step in expanding elite volleyball competitions into Sub-Saharan Africa.
He described Rwanda as a country of unity, vision, and leadership, expressing optimism about the continued growth of the sport across the region.
Meanwhile, Sanga Issouf Kone, Chairman of the Control Committee, confirmed that the 24 teams will be divided into four groups of six.
The official draw was scheduled to take place Tuesday evening during a technical meeting at BK Arena. He also commended the warm hospitality extended to visiting teams upon their arrival.
On behalf of the government, Gilbert Muvunyi, Director General of Development in the Ministry of Sports, underlined the broader impact of hosting such a major tournament.
He noted that the event presents a valuable opportunity to inspire young athletes and promote volleyball development at grassroots level.
The 47th edition of the championship will officially get underway on Wednesday, with matches set to be played at BK Arena and Petit Stade, marking another milestone in Rwanda’s growing reputation as a hub for international sporting events.
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