About Us

Team Africa Rising Foundation & Expansion

In 2007, We launched ‘Team Rwanda,' which focused on exponentially growing the sport of cycling in Rwanda. We identified, established, and developed a group of professional cyclists and the infrastructure needed to allow them to compete for many years on the international stage. They also served as ambassadors for Rwanda - a country torn apart by a genocide - giving individuals and nations hope.

In 2014, Team Africa Rising began the build-out of the Africa Rising Cycling Center (ARCC) in Musanze, Rwanda. This training facility included a state-of-the-art mechanic area, training rooms, an education center, a clean water system, and housing for up to 30 athletes.

The history of Team Rwanda and its most famous cyclist, Adrien Niyonshuti, was immortalized in the 2012 movie, Rising From Ashes. You can see the trailer HERE.

In 2017-2018, at the end of our ten-year plan, we carefully transitioned all aspects of the management of the Rwanda National Cycling team to FERWACY (the Rwandan Cycling Federation).

Our Expansion & Current Programs

Team Africa Rising is currently developing virtual talent detection, training, and racing in Benin, Sierra Leone, Togo and several other nations across the continent.

This expansion is opening doors to cyclists who have been riding and racing in obscurity. These incredibly talented cyclists are showing their prowess on the road and track.

In West Africa, we helped Benin host its first UCI 2.2 Tour du Benin in 2022. On the track, Benin also secured its first medal with Charlotte Metoevi placing third in a junior track event at the African Continental Track Championships in Nigeria, and in 2024 we were proud to assist Benin with getting several young riders to the 2024 World Championships in Zurich (Switzerland).

TAR works with committed on-the-ground partners in these various countries.

Benin Cycling Team at Tour du Benin

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Board of Directors

Team Africa Rising

Dr. Greg Mills

Board President -- South Africa
Team Africa Rising

Kim Raymond

Board Secretary | Treasurer -- USA
Team Africa Rising

Owen Leimbach

Board Member -- USA
Team Africa Rising

Thomas Frischknecht

Board Member -- Switzerland
Team Africa Rising

Lawrence Swantner

Board Member -- USA/South Africa
Team Africa Rising

Dr. Steven Phillips

Board Member -- USA

Africa Rising Team

She Moves the Game

Kimberly Coats

CEO
AdrienBenin

Adrien Niyonshuti

Coaching & Virtual Training
Team Africa Rising

Jamie Bissell

Mechanic Program Lead
Team Africa Rising

Jeremy Ford

Marketing/Comms