Bayern Munich’s Rwandan Academy Investment Amid East African Conflicts

Bayern Munich’s football academy in Rwanda will spend more than 627 million Rwandan Francs (Frw) in 2025 to support young football talent. The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) announced this as part of its 2025 budget plan.

On Saturday, February 16, 2025, FERWAFA presented its new budget, which will be over 15.2 billion Frw. This is a 56% increase compared to the previous year.

In 2025, 25% of this budget—about 1.39 billion Frw—will go toward developing football in Rwanda. This includes youth tournaments, training coaches, monitoring academies, and supporting Bayern Munich’s academy.

Bayern’s academy, which has been operating in Rwanda for two years, will use 627.6 million Frw for children’s welfare, staff salaries, training sessions, and other needs.

Meanwhile, other youth centers will receive 135 million Frw, coach training programs (License D, C, and B) will cost 170 million Frw, and organizing youth competitions will require 462.6 million Frw.

After presenting the budget, FERWAFA was urged to increase funding for youth programs since academy owners still need more support to develop future football stars.

It has been almost two years since Bayern Munich selected young players for its academy in Rwanda. The partnership aims to nurture young talent.

The results are already visible—one example is Ndayishimiye Balthazar, who was among three Rwandan players sent for trials at Bayern Munich Academy in Germany. He was chosen among 21 players representing the German club.