The Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, has thanked the CAVB for the confidence shown in Rwanda to host the competition, promising that participants will see for themselves why the country is a premier sports destination.
This is an annual competition set to table place for the 47th time, bringing together the top-ranked clubs from their respective countries across the African continent, along with other strong teams from various nations.
Prior to the signing of the agreement, the logo for the tournament to be held in Kigali was unveiled. This was followed by the signing ceremony of the hosting agreement between the Rwanda Volleyball Federation (RRVB), represented by its President, Ngarambe Raphaël, and the CAVB, represented by its President, Bouchra Hajij.
Ngarambe Raphaël stated that they are pleased to sign the agreement to host such a competition in the country, noting that it will also serve as a qualifier for the World Championship.
The President of CAVB, Bouchra Hajij, thanked Rwanda for accepting to host the tournament, expressing expectations that it will be well-organized and distinct from all previous editions.
She said, “Rwanda is our partner. Facilitating visas for Africans is one of the factors that makes what they do successful. Rwanda has demonstrated the capacity to host international competitions. I am confident that the 2026 tournament will go well.”
She added, “I believe that President Kagame’s leadership has played a role in nurturing talent and has provided a clear vision for boosting the country’s economy.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, who attended the signing of the agreement, thanked CAVB for the trust placed in Rwanda to host the tournament, assuring that participants will experience why the country is fit for sports.
She said, “It is an honor to host the African Club Championship for the first time, featuring 24 high-level teams. As hosts, we will show the participants that we have the facilities where they can showcase their talents and reach the highest level.”
The last CAVB Men’s Club Championship in 2025 was held in the city of Misurata, Libya, and was won by Swehly Sports Club of that country, while Rwanda’s APR VC finished in fourth place.
In 2022, Gisagara VC made history as the first Rwandan team to win a medal in this competition when they finished third after defeating Port de Douala 3-1 in Kelibia, Tunisia.
Typically, the host country is represented by the top four teams as they ranked in the previous year’s national league; this means that this year, Rwanda could be represented by APR, Police, REG, and Kepler VC.
