September 5, 2025, Rwandans and friends from abroad gathered in Kinigi, Musanze District, for the 20 Kwita Izina baby gorilla naming ceremony. since 2006, 397 baby gorillas have been named; this year, 40 more, including 18 born in 2024, received names.
The ceremony was attended by international celebrities, including former football players from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as musicians. The event was also graced by Prime Minister of Rwanda, Dr. Nsengiyumva, as the guest of honor, alongside First Lady Janet Kagame.
In his welcome remarks, the Governor of the Northern province of Rwanda, Maurice Mugabowagahunde, emphasized the importance of protection:
“The safety of these gorillas is well protected, and when they are at peace, they reproduce and generate foreign exchange.” He also celebrated the milestone of Kwita Izina 20 and thanked the communities residing around Volcanoes National Park for the critical role they have played in promoting conservation and sustainable tourism for Rwanda.
Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of Rwanda Development Board, added, “This year, we celebrate the naming of 40 baby gorillas, bringing the total since 2005 to 438. Their names, rooted in Rwanda’s culture and conservation values, symbolise hope and continuity.”
He highlighted the economic impact of tourism, noting that in 2024, the sector generated $647 million, with gorilla tourism alone contributing over $200 million, while the mountain gorilla population in the Virunga now exceeds 600 individuals.
Rwanda’s strong conservation policies are delivering tangible impact: forest cover now reaches 30%, nearly 9% of land is protected, and communities benefit directly through the 10% tourism revenue sharing programme, which has already supported over 1,200 local projects nationwide.
“Over 1,200 projects were supported, including schools, health centres, markets, homes, and agricultural hubs across the country. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our rangers, trackers, guides, veterinarians, researchers, porters, communities, and our international partners, including nameless like you.”
in his closing remarks as the guest of honor, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva thanked Musanze residents and participants from across Rwanda, calling them “Key partners in conserving he environment and gorillas. “He said, “Always remember these gorillas are a priceless treasure we must all protect.” He reaffirmed Rwanda’s plan to expand Volcanoes National Park by 25% to ensure safe habitats for gorillas and improve the lives of surrounding communities.
“Today, we gather here to celebrate not only the naming of baby gorillas but also conservation, communities, and the extraordinary power of nature to unite people from all corners of the world. The Prime Minister said.
Drawing on Rwanda’s cultural heritage, he explained
“In Rwandan culture, naming a child is not just a formality but an act of love, an act of commitment, and hope, done in the presence of family and friends who pledge to support that child’s future. Today, we carry forward this tradition with the same spirit, giving 40 baby gorillas their names.”
Rwanda will expand Volcanoes National Park by 25% to secure the future of mountain gorillas and support surrounding communities, says Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva at Kwita Izina’s 20th anniversary. “Rwanda has set out a bold plan to extend the Volcanoes National Park by nearly 25% to ensure the next generation of gorillas has a secure home.
This effort will also improve the lives of surrounding communities, demonstrating once again that conservation and development can go hand in hand. We call on the world to join us in this ambitious project as we share this responsibility.”
The 20th edition of Kwita Izina not only honored the naming of baby gorillas but also dedicated itself to model Rwanda’s commitment toward conservation, community development, and promoting cultural heritage. By this ceremony, Rwanda illustrates to the world how the people, nature, and tradition could unite in safeguarding the treasures of our planet.
Written By: Jean Bernard MUKUNDENTE