Visit Rwanda and Arsenal have mutually agreed to conclude their eight-season collaboration at the close of the 2025-26 campaign.

This will mark an end to a partnership that began in 2017, which has grown into one of the most notable ones (if not the most notable partnership) between a country in Africa and a football club in Europe, featuring Visit Rwanda as Arsenal’s first Official Sleeve Partner.

"Grateful for eight seasons with Arsenal. As the partnership concludes in June 2026, we look to the future, drawing on the visibility, global presence and momentum gained as we evolve Visit Rwanda's positioning," RDB CEO Jean Guy Afrika wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"The collaboration boosted tourism, strengthened Rwanda’s brand, opened new markets and expanded global confidence in our investment story."

The move reflects Visit Rwanda’s broader strategy to diversify its global sports partnerships and expand into new markets that support the next phase of its tourism and investment ambitions.

Rwanda Development Board said its collaboration with Arsenal has exceeded the original goals of the partnership.

"The partnership has showcased Rwanda’s natural beauty and accelerated the growth of the country’s tourism industry. Visitor arrivals reached 1.3 million in 2024, with tourism revenues rising to US$650 m, a 47% increase since the partnership began," said RDB.

Standout moments throughout the partnership include the Rwanda Heritage Day at Emirates Stadium, as well as visits from the Arsenal family, including Alex Scott, Mathieu Flamini, Bacary Sagna, Jurrien Timber, Caitlin Foord, Katie McCabe and Laia Codina.

Arsenal Chief Executive Officer Richard Garlick said, “Our first-ever sleeve partnership with Visit Rwanda has been a significant journey. Over many years, we’ve worked together to raise global awareness of Rwanda’s tourism and conservation efforts and built many new connections with our supporters across Africa."

RDB further noted, "The partnership has also supported Rwanda’s ambition to become an international sporting hub in Africa and host more global sporting events whilst delivering grassroots football initiatives that have helped hundreds of young players and coaches develop their skills and inspire greater participation in sport across the country."