Rwanda’s iconic gorilla naming ceremony Kwita Izina takes place on Friday, September 2, with a star-studded lineup of namers.
Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, who will name one of the 20 baby gorillas virtually, is among famed global leaders, philanthropists, conservation champions, sports, music, and fashion stars.
Kenya’s music band Sauti Sol is also on the list released by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
This year marks the 18th edition of the international conservation event and is the first time in person since 2019 following the Covid-19 pandemic that disrupted travel.
Held in Kinigi at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, the namers will join local communities, rangers, trackers, and researchers at the home of the endangered mountain gorillas for the ceremony.
Since the naming ceremony began in 2005, 354 baby gorillas have been named. As a result of conservation efforts, the number of gorillas has increased, making Rwanda home to one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Tourism recovery
The 20 baby gorillas to be named are members of the Noheli, Musilikali, Ntambara, Mutobo, Igisha, Susa, Kureba, Pablo, Sabyinyo, Muhoza, Amahoro, and Hirwa families.
“We are also happy to celebrate the safe return of tourism to Rwanda, after managing the Covid-19 pandemic well. We look forward to continuing to protect our natural heritage, providing world-class experiences that highlight the diverse natural beauty of Rwanda, while also ensuring that Rwandans benefit from tourism and conservation,” said Clare Akamanzi, RDB’s chief executive officer.
According to RDB, Rwanda is targeting to collect at least $360 million (about Rwf372 billion) in tourism revenues this year, up from $164 million collected last year.
In the first half of this year, the sector has shown signs of recovery, with the government collecting at least $168 million between January and June.
In 2021, total tourism revenues were $164 million, a 25 percent increase from $131 million in 2020. The country welcomed more than 512,000 international visitors in 2021.
The 2022 Kwita Izina baby gorilla namers are:
HRH The Prince of Wales (virtually)
Uzo Aduba - Actor
Dr Evan Antin - Veterinarian and Television Presenter
Neri Bukspan - Managing Director, Standard & Poor’s Credit Market Service
Dr Cindy Descalzi Pereira - Philanthropist and Entrepreneur
Didier Drogba - Football Legend
Itzhak Fisher - Chairman, Rwanda Development Board
Laurene Powell Jobs - Founder and President, Emerson Collective
Dr Frank I. Luntz - Founder and President, Luntz Global
Stewart Maginnis - Deputy Director General, International Union for the Conservation of Nature
Thomas Milz - Board Director, Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen Group South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa
Salima Mukansanga - International Football Referee
Louise Mushikiwabo - Secretary-General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie
Youssou N’Dour – Musician
Naomi Schiff - Professional Racing Driver and Presenter
Kaddu Sebunya - CEO, African Wildlife Foundation
Gilberto Silva - Arsenal Football Club Legend
Sauti Sol - Musical Band
Juan Pablo Sorin - Paris Saint-Germain Legend
Moses Turahirwa - Creative Director, Moshions
Sir Ian Clark Wood, KT, GBE - Chairman, The Wood Foundation
