Two-time DP World Tour champion Haydn Porteous will headline the SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship, scheduled for September 3–5, 2025 at the Kigali Golf Resort & Villas.
The tournament marks the fifth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing and will feature over 120 golfers from 16 countries, making it one of the most competitive golf events in the region.
Porteous, winner of the 2016 Joburg Open, 2017 Czech Masters, and 2015 Barclays Kenya Open, leads a strong South African line-up including Ivanna Samu, Breen Adam, Harry Konig, and Shawnelle de Lange.
Host nation Rwanda will be represented by 29 golfers led by Celestin Nsanzuwera, fresh from his win at the Sunshine Tour’s Johnnie Walker Classic in Diani.
He will be joined by Munyaneza Olivier, Dusabe Jules, and top amateurs such as Ndindabahizi Didas, Paul Ntaganda, Benjamin Mukisa, and Hitayezu Jean D’amour.
Kenya’s challenge will be anchored by in-form Njoroge Kibugu, a double winner this season at Thika Greens and Nyali Golf and Country Club, alongside Dismas Indiza, winner at Ruiru Sports Club.
The squad also features Daniel Nduva, Rizwan Charania, Greg Snow, Mutahi Kibugu, veteran Simon Ngige, and elite amateurs John Lejirma and Michael Karanga.
Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo will spearhead his country’s bid with Phillip Kasozi and Abraham Ainamani.
Other notable entrants include Zimbabwe’s Visitor Mapwanya, Nigeria’s Andrew Odoh, Ghana’s Ezekiel Afisco, Cameroon’s Martial Tankou Kuitchou, and Malawi’s Paul Chidale.
International challengers include UK amateur Scott Davey and Canadian professional Daniel Core.
The women’s field is equally competitive, with Kenya’s Naomi Wafula, Uganda’s Irene Nakalembe and Lillian Koowe, Rwanda’s rising junior Noeline Narubega, and South Africa’s Duma Yolanda, Myeji Zethu, and Shawnelle de Lange set to battle for top honors.
The three-day, 54-hole championship carries a USD 25,000 (KES 3.2 million) prize purse, with a cut after 36 holes leaving the top 30 players and ties to contest the final round.
Beyond the prize money, players will compete for Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points, OWGR points, and WAGR points, crucial for those targeting global recognition and potential qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Speaking ahead of the championship, Charles Gacheru, Promoter of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, said:
“We are excited to bring the Sunshine Development Tour to the Land of a Thousand Hills with our partners, SportsBiz Africa. The participation of players from 16 countries shows the confidence in the East Africa Swing. With international stars like Haydn Porteous and local heroes such as Celestin Nsanzuwera, Kigali is set for three days of world-class golf.”
The event also serves as a curtain-raiser for the 2025 SportsBiz Africa Forum, an annual gathering in Rwanda that focuses on advancing Africa’s sports industry.
On his part, SportsBiz Africa Forum lead, Christian Gakwaya said:
“The SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship reflects our mission to grow Africa’s sports sector by connecting key players, investors, and decision-makers. Golf is more than a sport – it drives tourism, attracts investment, and offers global exposure for African athletes. Hosting this event in Kigali highlights sport’s role in Rwanda’s growth and Africa’s sustainable development.”