Ganza Erick Andrew, a student at Mount Kigali University, is leading a new effort to bring pickleball to the country. This paddle sport, which mixes parts of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, began as Ganza’s interest during a student exchange. It has quickly grown into a movement, bringing communities together and adding a fresh twist to Rwanda’s sports scene.
Ganza, 22, who studies business and entrepreneurship, first found pickleball while studying abroad in 2023. “I saw how it brought people together—young, old, beginners, and pros,” he recalls.
“I knew Rwanda, with its love for community and energy, would embrace it.” When he returned home, he faced big challenges: no courts, no equipment, and most people didn’t know the sport. But Ganza didn’t give up. He used his own money to buy paddles and nets. Then, he turned an old tennis court in Kigali into Rwanda’s very first pickleball court.
In June 2024, Ganza officially started the Kigali Pickleball Club. He offered free beginner lessons that attracted over 150 people in the first month alone. “The excitement was clear,” Ganza says. “People enjoyed how fast-paced it was and how easy it was to learn.” The club now has 80 regular players, including students, professionals, and even local government workers.
Ganza’s plans go beyond Kigali; he has partnered with local schools to teach pickleball to young people and aims to build special courts in Gisenyi and Musanze by 2026.
Mount Kigali University has expressed strong support for Ganza’s initiative, with Vice-Chancellor Dr. Martin Kimemia commending the project for its creativity and impact.
“Ganza’s initiative reflects remarkable innovation and leadership. We are proud to support students who introduce ideas that make a meaningful difference in the wider community”, he stated.
Ganza’s project has also caught the attention of Rwanda’s sports ministry, which is looking into whether pickleball could be played in national tournaments. “It’s not just a game,” Ganza explains. “It’s about building connections and encouraging Rwandans to try something new.”
A brief look at pickleball’s history
Pickleball is a relatively new sport, created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA. It was invented by Joel Pritchard, a congressman, and two friends, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum. They originally designed the game as a way to entertain their families during the summer, using what they had available: a badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a perforated plastic ball.
The rules were made to be simple so that everyone could play, regardless of age or skill level. The name “pickleball” is said to come from Joel Pritchard’s family dog, Pickles, who would often chase the ball. From these humble beginnings, pickleball has grown steadily in popularity across North America and is now gaining interest in other parts of the world, including Rwanda
