Silverback Events Management Highlights Tourism and Conservation Role at Rwanda’s 20th Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony

Elias Hakizimana Sep 5, 2025 0 Comments

By Elias Hakizimana.

Kinigi, Musanze – September 5, 2025. As Rwanda marked the landmark 20^th edition of the world-renowned Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Silverback Events Management joined conservation leaders, government officials, and international guests at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park to reaffirm its commitment to conservation-driven tourism.

Speaking during the event, Watipa Ngwira, Chief Marketing Officer at Silverback Events Management, said the experience at Kwita Izina demonstrated how Rwanda is linking biodiversity protection with inclusive tourism.

“Kwita Izina is really impressive for us because it is open-minded and allows us to experience conservation naturally. It reflects what we want to achieve in growing tourism in Rwanda and in welcoming both international and regional visitors to appreciate what this country is all about,” Ngwira said.

“More importantly, we are looking forward to working with communities and NGOs through initiatives such as motorbike tours, because these activities can play a positive role in both conservation and local development.” Watipa added.

**Watipa Ngwira, Chief Marketing Officer of Silverback Events Management, shares insights on linking tourism and conservation during the Kwita Izina celebrations.**

Reiterating this vision, Maria Casimiro, CEO of Silverback Events Management, expressed gratitude to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for enabling private-sector involvement in conservation-linked tourism initiatives.

“We are very privileged and grateful to RDB for making this possible. Being here at the 20^th edition of Kwita Izina with our motorbike tour project and community engagement activities shows exactly what we want to do as a company,” Casimiro said.

“We are proud to be working in Rwanda and to be part of such amazing coordination that places conservation and community development at the center.” She added.

**Maria Casimiro, CEO of Silverback Events Management, highlights the company’s role in community engagement and adventure tourism at the 20th Kwita Izina event.**

Local leaders also emphasized that Rwanda’s conservation ambitions are aligned with tourism growth.

Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde noted that the planned expansion of Volcanoes National Park will create opportunities for both communities in Northern and Western Provinces and the tourism sector as a whole.

“We believe this project will accelerate tourism development in our provinces. The Kwita Izina ceremony also reminds us of our responsibility to continue mobilizing citizens to contribute to biodiversity conservation, especially by safeguarding Volcanoes National Park,” he said.

This year’s Kwita Izina saw 40 baby gorillas named, bringing the total named since the tradition began in 2005 to 438. The names, rooted in Rwandan culture and conservation values, symbolize hope, heritage, and continuity.

In his keynote speech, Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of RDB, described Kwita Izina as both a Rwandan tradition and a global call for conservation. He highlighted that in 2024, Rwanda’s tourism sector generated $647 million, with gorilla tourism alone contributing over $200 million.

**Silverback Events Management COO and Chairman, raising hands, beaming with joy while sitting with other participants at the 20th Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Rwanda.**

Afrika praised community-centered policies such as the Tourism Revenue Share Program, which allocates 10% of park revenues to fund schools, health centers, markets, and agricultural projects in surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva highlighted Rwanda’s ambitious plan to expand Volcanoes National Park by nearly 25 percent to secure the future of gorilla families and improve the lives of surrounding communities.

“Nearly three decades ago, the survival of mountain gorillas seemed uncertain. Today, their population has rebounded to over 1,000 globally, with more than 600 in the Virunga Massif. This success is a testament to the leadership of Rwanda, the commitment of our communities, and the solidarity of our international partners,” he said.

“As we celebrate 20 years of Kwita Izina, we renew our call to the world to join us in this journey of conservation and sustainable development.”

Silverback Events Management, which recently launched Rwanda’s first-ever motorbike tour initiative, positioned its participation at Kwita Izina as part of a long-term strategy to blend adventure tourism with conservation and community development.

As Rwanda celebrated two decades of gorilla naming, the event once again demonstrated how conservation, tourism, and community livelihoods can advance together—anchoring Rwanda’s reputation as a leading destination for sustainable tourism in Africa.

Silverback Events Management officials and partners pose for a group photo during the 20th Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Rwanda Former Paris Saint-Germain legend Javier Pastore names a baby mountain gorilla during the 20th Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Rwanda on September 5, 2025, as part of the ongoing Visit Rwanda–PSG partnership. Silverback Events Management motorbike riders heading to the 20th Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony.