By Teddy Kaberuka, at Kigali
On September 5, 2025, Rwanda will host the 20th edition of Kwita Izina, the world-renowned gorilla naming ceremony, marking two decades of commitment to conservation and community development.
Kwita Izina 2025 will reaffirm our pledge to protect our natural heritage for generations to come, inviting the world to join us in this critical mission
Beyond celebration, the annual event has become a global conservation milestone, highlighting Rwanda’s dedication to protecting its iconic mountain gorillas while promoting sustainable tourism, biodiversity and local livelihoods. “Kwita Izina 2025 will reaffirm our pledge to protect our natural heritage for generations to come, inviting the world to join us in this critical mission » announced Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Cultural and conservation significance
Rooted in the Rwandan tradition of naming newborns, Kwita Izina assigns names to baby gorillas each year, with conservationists, world leaders, celebrities and friends of Rwanda participating. Since its inception in 2005, over 400 baby gorillas have been named, contributing to the species’ steady recovery and establishing Rwanda as a leader in eco-tourism and wildlife stewardship.
Dr. Tara Stoinski, President of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, emphasizes:
« Kwita Izina is a source of pride for all Rwandans. It highlights the remarkable achievements of the government and the people in protecting mountain gorillas. At a time when conservation successes are rare, Rwanda demonstrates what can be accomplished through long-term commitment. »
Based in Musanze, Rwanda, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International works to protect endangered mountain gorillas, conserve critical habitats and empower local communities. Through research, education and training, it develops the next generation of African conservation leaders, continuing Dian Fossey’s legacy of wildlife preservation.
+8.2 million USD for community development
Through the Tourism Revenue Sharing Program, a portion of park revenue is invested directly in local communities. Since 2005, over 8.2 million USD has supported more than 1,000 projects around Rwanda’s four national parks Akagera, Nyungwe, Volcanoes and Gishwati-Mukura. These investments fund schools, health clinics, clean water systems, roads, fish farms, artisanal markets, irrigation and human-wildlife conflict management, ensuring tangible benefits for residents and fostering local support for conservation.
“Every year during Kwita Izina, we welcome hundreds of international and local visitors. Hotels are fully booked, restaurants thrive and the local economy comes alive, observes Joachim Ndagijimana, Front office manager at Classic Resort Lodge Musanze. This event has firmly placed Rwanda on the global tourism map.”
“When tourists hire us to carry their backpacks and help them on the hike, they support our families directly. It is not just a job, but a partnership in conservation. We are proud to contribute to protecting gorillas while earning a living” comments Mupenzi Valentin, employee at Volcanoes National Park.
A global call to action for wildlife and people to thrive together
The 2025 ceremony will bring together conservationists, international leaders, dignitaries, global celebrities, and tourists from across the world. Guests will enjoy cultural performances, conservation showcases and community engagement, making Kwita Izina not only a Rwandan celebration but also a global call to action for wildlife and people to thrive together. The ceremony provides a unique platform to monitor the health and population dynamics of each gorilla born in the past year, giving them a unique identity that aids in ongoing research and protection efforts.
Kwita Izina has drawn a distinguished lineup of attendees over the years. Leaders including President Paul Kagame, King Charles III, former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed have graced the event. Conservation champions such as Marco Lambertini (WWF), Kaddu Sebunya (AWF), UNESCO representatives, and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund have reinforced its environmental mission. Celebrities from arts and media including Idris and Sabrina Elba, Kevin Hart, Danai Gurira, Naomi Campbell, Ne-Yo, and Winston Duke and sports icons like Tony Adams, Sol Campbell, Louis van Gaal and Joakim Noah have also participated. Business leaders, diplomats, and royals further underscore Kwita Izina’s stature as a global convergence of culture, conservation, and leadership.
A testament to Rwanda’s commitment to harmonizing environmental protection and human development
The 2025 edition, set in the Virunga Mountains within Volcanoes National Park, is expected to be the largest yet, featuring cultural performances, conservation showcases and community engagement. RDB emphasizes that Kwita Izina is more than a ceremony: it is a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to harmonizing environmental protection and human development.
The event will once again shine a global spotlight on Rwanda, showcasing a powerful model where environmental protection and human development advance hand in hand.
