Rwanda signs three-year sleeve sponsorship deal with Arsenal

Rwanda has signed a sponsorship deal with the English Premier League giants Arsenal, whose players will display a ‘Visit Rwanda’ logo on their sleeves.

The three-year deal will be Arsenal’s first ever sleeve sponsorship, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) said in a statement.

‘The Rwanda Development Board, through their subsidiary, the Rwandan Convention Bureau, has become Arsenal’s first official sleeve partner as part of the country’s drive to become a leading global tourist destination.’

The ‘Visit Rwanda’ logo will feature on the left sleeve for all first team, under-23 and Women’s matches.

The country will hope to attract visitors by being visible on one of the world’s most popular football clubs.

Visit Rwanda

A devastating genocide in 1994 ravaged Rwanda, taking the lives of nearly 800,000 Tutsis. Ever since then, a period of reconciliation and justice has triggered the country’s economy, tourist numbers and Human Development Index rapid development.

The Republic is now ranked as the second easiest place to do business in Africa by the World Bank and has been awarded for its leadership in tourism and competitiveness by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

‘Visit Rwanda and discover why we are the second fastest growing economy in Africa. Investors in Rwanda are able to register their businesses in only six hours and prepare to enjoy the opportunities accrued from the free trade agreements that we’ve signed with over 50 countries,’ the RDB stated.

‘Renowned for our incredible and unique Mountain Gorilla tracking experience, tourists can also enjoy a variety of water sports, cycling, hiking, bird watching to list a few of the tourist attractions available while in Rwanda.’

The country’s President, Paul Kagame, is openly an ardent Arsenal fan, often expressing his opinions about the club’s performance.

He came to power after the 1994 genocide and has recently changed the constitution to allow him stay until 2034.

Arsenal fans unhappy with deal

According to a report by The Sun, Arsenal fans are not happy with the ‘cheap’ and ‘disgusting’ design of the ‘Visit Rwanda’ logo.

Replying to the team’s tweet revealing Rwanda as their new Official Tourism Partner, one user wrote: ‘Guys ,guys.... What the hell is this???? I hope they are paying us a lot of £££. This kit looks even more disgusting now....’

Others thrashed the sponsorship claiming Arsenal is in the need for money.