Kigali welcomed its first Umurage International Book and Art Festival from October 1–3, 2025. Held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Amphitheater, the three-day gathering brought together writers, artists, publishers, booksellers, educators, and cultural leaders from across Africa and beyond, centered on the theme “Cultural Renaissance: The Power of Arts, Heritage and Storytelling.”

Organized by Arise Education in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Arts and Aegis Trust, the festival was founded by Mutesi Gasana Chantal, CEO of Arise Education and a celebrated author and literacy advocate. “Umurage means ‘heritage’ in Kinyarwanda,” Chantal explained during the opening ceremony. “This festival is about reclaiming our stories, honoring our past, and inspiring future generations through creativity.”

The festival featured panel discussions on publishing and cultural preservation, poetry readings, visual art exhibitions, and storytelling workshops for youth. Ngabo Brave, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Arts, delivered the opening address, emphasizing literature’s role in shaping national identity: “Books are vessels of memory and imagination. They help us understand who we are and envision who we can become.” Author Yolande Mukagasana, whose memoir It’s Not My Time to Die chronicles survival and testimony, participated in intergenerational conversations about identity, healing, and the future of African storytelling.

Umurage also spotlighted emerging talent, offering debut authors, illustrators, and performers. With its successful debut, Umurage has established itself as an annual tradition poised to elevate Rwandan and African voices on the world stage.

Pictures from the event below: