The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced that 40 baby mountain gorillas, including 18 born in 2024, will be named during the upcoming Kwita Izina ceremony, scheduled for September 5, 2025.

This 20th edition of the ceremony will take place at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, in Kinigi, Musanze District. It will gather dignitaries, conservationists, and citizens from Rwanda and beyond, especially from the Northern Province.

Irene Murerwa, Head of Tourism at RDB, expressed Rwanda’s pride in celebrating two decades of Kwita Izina, highlighting the event’s contribution to wildlife conservation and cultural promotion.

“We are proud to mark 20 years of Kwita Izina. It has become a symbol of biodiversity conservation, collaboration, and Rwanda’s cultural heritage. This milestone reflects the unwavering commitment and support from the Rwandan Government, our partners, and local communities,” she said.

Since its inception in 2005, the Kwita Izina ceremony has seen 397 baby gorillas named, becoming a globally recognized event for showcasing Rwanda’s environmental leadership.

According to RDB’s 2024 Annual Report, tourism generated $647 million USD (over 932 billion Rwandan Francs), a 4.3% increase from the previous year. This growth was largely driven by a 27% rise in revenues from gorilla-based tourism, underscoring the importance of conservation-led development.