Kigali, Rwanda | September 4, 2026: Rwanda celebrated the 21st edition of the Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony on September 4, 2026, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, marking another significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to conserve the endangered mountain gorilla population.
The annual ceremony saw 22 baby mountain gorillas officially given names, bringing together local communities, conservationists, researchers, tourism partners, government representatives, and distinguished guests from Rwanda and around the world.
The ceremony was graced by Rt. Hon. Justin Nsengiyumva, Prime Minister of Rwanda, as Guest of Honour, alongside H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, Former President of Botswana; H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia; and Rt. Hon. Peter Pinda Mazengo, Former Prime Minister of Tanzania.
Held under the theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future,” this year’s Kwita Izina brought together prominent Namers from the fields of conservation, tourism, business, sport, entertainment, philanthropy, and public service. Their participation highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in protecting Rwanda’s unique natural heritage.
Rwanda’s Conservation Success
Addressing the gathering, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to conservation, community development, and international cooperation.
He highlighted the remarkable recovery of the mountain gorilla population, noting that in the early 1980s, only around 250 mountain gorillas remained in the Virunga Massif. Today, the global population has surpassed 1,000, with more than 600 mountain gorillas living in the Virunga Massif.
The Prime Minister attributed this progress to the dedication of rangers, veterinarians and researchers, strong conservation policies, responsible tourism, community participation, and international cooperation.
He stressed that conservation and community development must go hand in hand, emphasizing that protecting nature cannot be separated from improving the lives of people who live alongside protected areas.
Continued Commitment to Gorilla Conservation
Speaking at the ceremony, Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, underlined the importance of sustained cooperation in maintaining Rwanda’s conservation achievements.
He said the mountain gorilla represents what can be achieved through long-term commitment, strong institutions, community partnerships, and international cooperation, while also serving as a reminder that conservation efforts must continue.
Celebrating a Unique Rwandan Tradition
Kwita Izina, which means “to give a name” in Kinyarwanda, is Rwanda’s annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony. The tradition is inspired by the centuries-old Rwandan custom of naming children shortly after birth.
Since becoming an official annual event in 2005, Kwita Izina has developed into a globally recognised conservation platform. The ceremony celebrates Rwanda’s conservation achievements while recognising the vital contributions of communities, conservationists, partners, and organisations working to protect mountain gorillas and their natural habitat.
With 22 gorillas named in 2026, the total number of mountain gorillas named through Kwita Izina since its annual launch in 2005 has reached 460.
The 21st Kwita Izina once again showcased Rwanda’s determination to combine wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism, community empowerment, and international partnership, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading voice in global mountain gorilla conservation.
