At a Glance
- Zaria Court Kigali combines sports, cultural events, and hospitality, creating a first-of-its-kind hub in Africa.
- The project, led by FBW Group and NLÉ Architects, revitalized a 1970s boutique hotel into a modern 80-room venue. The
- complex is expected to generate around 500 jobs, boosting Rwanda’s tourism and urban development.
Kigali is stepping into a new era of urban leisure with the launch of Zaria Court Kigali, a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex developed by East Africa’s FBW Group.
The project combines hospitality, recreation, and cultural experiences in one modern hub, positioning the capital as a rising destination for both business and leisure travelers.
The development is set to host sporting events, music performances, cultural festivals, and markets, making it the first project of its kind in Africa.
Strategically located along the corridor connecting Kigali International Airport to the Central Business District, Zaria Court is designed to attract both local residents and international visitors.
The project is also expected to create roughly 500 jobs, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Architectural innovation meets heritage
FBW Group oversaw the structural and MEP designs, technical reporting, and regulatory approvals, acting as executive architects from concept to completion.
Partnering with Amsterdam-based NLÉ Architects, the team revitalized a 1970s boutique hotel, transforming it into an 80-room modern venue featuring restaurants, rooftop lounges, wellness areas, co-working spaces, and a podcast studio.
The complex prioritizes a walkable, green-focused environment, preserving mature trees and adding landscaped spaces.
A central multi-purpose court links the community through sports and entertainment, supporting Kigali’s vision for vibrant urban spaces.
“This project represents contemporary urban Africa—youthful, inclusive, culturally grounded, and ready for the future,” said Paul Semanda, FBW Group director.
FBW’s expanding influence across East Africa
FBW Group operates in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, with notable projects including Kampala’s Emin Pasha boutique hotel, Kigali’s Hotel Umubano, and Nairobi’s AC Marriott Westlands.
As the company celebrates 30 years in 2025, it continues to shape Africa’s urban landscape, from luxury hotels to civic infrastructure and green city initiatives like Kigali Green City.
