## Arsenal and Visit Rwanda to Conclude landmark Partnership in 2026
After eight years of collaboration, Arsenal Football Club and the Rwanda Progress Board’s Visit Rwanda campaign have jointly announced the conclusion of their partnership, effective June 2026. The decision, revealed in a statement today, signifies the end of a highly successful branding initiative for the African nation.
The partnership proved a meaningful driver of Rwanda’s tourism sector. Data from the Rwanda Development Board indicates a significant increase in visitor numbers, reaching 1.3 million in 2024, generating USD 650 million in revenue. This growth is directly attributed to the increased global visibility afforded by the association with the premier League club.
Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “We are grateful for these years of support and trust, and we are now focused on expanding this momentum into new sports and new markets.” afrika highlighted a strategic shift towards strengthening Visit Rwanda’s presence in the united States, citing partnerships with the LA Rams and SoFi Stadium, alongside continued development in Europe, including collaboration with Atlético de Madrid.
Arsenal also recognizes the partnership as a valuable asset. Richard Garlick, the club’s CEO, emphasized the collaboration’s success in enhancing Rwanda’s visibility and fostering connections with supporters across Africa. He also noted the positive impact on Arsenal’s ability to invest in its long-term sporting objectives.
The decision to conclude the partnership is not indicative of any discord, but rather a intentional geographical refocusing aligned with rwanda’s evolving priorities. The nation intends to leverage the successes of the past eight years to bolster its presence in the American and Mediterranean markets, supporting its broader economic, tourism, and event-driven ambitions.
