Studio Kigali – Africa on the Cycling Map

With pride, Vice Versa presents a new journalistic project: Studio Kigali – Africa on the Cycling Map. In the coming months, we will publish compelling written stories and video reports about cycling in Africa and the social significance of sport on the African continent.

Photo: Monica Jemilo wins The Grand Nairobi Bike Race © Exigent Ltd.

The reason behind this project is the UCI Road World Championships, which will take place from September 21 to 28 in Kigali, Rwanda. It is the first time in history that the World Championships will be held on the African continent. It remains a rarity for major international sporting events to be organized in Africa.

Unlike other sports—often held in stadiums—cycling takes place on public roads and offers a unique opportunity to showcase a country. During the week of the World Championships, Rwanda will be featured daily. The average cycling and sports fan—who is usually barely exposed to news from Africa—will become much more familiar with the continent. This presents a unique chance to share positive and inspiring stories and perspectives about the country and the continent, expanding the worldview of the average cycling enthusiast.

But this also offers interesting angles for the Vice Versa reader. Stories about the World Championships can be linked in many ways to key themes of sustainable development and global challenges. Consider the bicycle as a sustainable means of transport (mobility), its economic and societal role (employment, education), the bicycle as a tool for a healthy and active lifestyle, and as a means for exploration, adventure, and emancipation.

Through the power of sport—and specifically the World Cycling Championships—we aim to raise awareness among cycling fans about topics such as poverty, fair, inclusive, and sustainable development, while also highlighting positive initiatives. At the same time, we want to show people working in sustainable development and international cooperation the power of sport as a driver of development.

We are also mindful of the current tensions in the region. The ongoing conflict in Eastern Congo and the role of the M23 rebel group raise understandable concerns. We recognize this reality but choose to focus in this project specifically on the social and connective power of sport in Africa. Studio Kigali seeks to highlight a different perspective: one of hope, development, and collaboration—without losing sight of the broader context.

Studio Kigali is a collaboration between Vice Versa and Het is Koers, the leading journalistic platform in the Netherlands for cycling enthusiasts. The website features compelling stories about the world of cycling, written for and by fans.