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Learn about
1. Scrabble in the World
2. Scrabble in Africa
3. Scrabble in Rwanda
4. Rwanda Scrabble Association

Scrabble in the World

Scrabble is the world's most popular word game, enjoyed by more than 150 million players of all ages in over 120 countries.

Invented in 1938 in the USA, the game challenges players to create words using lettered tiles on a board, combining strategy and vocabulary skills, accumulating points to outscore their opponents.

It has evolved from a family pastime into a competitive sport, with organised tournaments and associations in many countries and regions, with English-language editions overseen by the World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA).

Scrabble is not just a game; it serves as an educational tool to enhance language skills and promote literacy, with schools and community programs using it as a fun way to teach vocabulary, strategic thinking, and mental maths. Studies have also shown that players of Scrabble benefit from greater cognitive development, concentration, stress relief, social interaction and self-confidence.

The game’s adaptability across languages and cultures has ensured its enduring popularity and relevance worldwide.

Scrabble in Africa

Scrabble’s journey in Africa began in the 1970s, introduced to the continent primarily through educational institutions and expatriate communities. Nigeria emerged as a trailblazer in competitive Scrabble, becoming a dominant force in international Scrabble, and producing world class players. This success inspired other nations across the continent to develop their own competitive Scrabble ecosystems, with Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, and others creating associations and organising national tournaments. Africa produced its first World Scrabble Championship winner in 2015, Wellington Jighere of Nigeria.

The 1990s and 2000s marked a turning point for African Scrabble with the advent of the continental body, the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) and the African Scrabble Championship (ASC), a biennial tournament bringing together the best players from across the continent. The ASC not only highlights individual talent but also fosters camaraderie and regional pride.

Scrabble’s role in Africa extends beyond competition. The game has become an integral tool in promoting literacy, cognitive development, and youth empowerment. Many African schools and community organisations incorporate Scrabble into their educational programs, recognising its value in teaching vocabulary, critical thinking, and numeracy skills.

Today, Scrabble in Africa continues to grow, supported by regional organizations and global bodies like the World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA). The continent’s unique linguistic diversity and enthusiasm for the game ensure that Scrabble remains a cherished pastime and a means of connecting people across cultures and generations.

Scrabble in Rwanda

In October 2024, the Pan African Scrabble Association chose Kigali, Rwanda, to host the 13th African Scrabble Championships at the Olympic Hotel in Kimironko. The opening ceremony to the continental tournament was presided over by the Director General of Sports Management at the Rwanda Ministry of Sports, welcoming 86 players from 15 countries across Africa to compete for the coveted title of African Champion. The eventual winner was 24-year-old student Oluwatimilehin Doko of Nigeria.

Rwanda had previously enjoyed little indigenous historical Scrabble tradition, but many older Rwandans were familiar with the game from time spent in neighbouring countries, while younger residents were familiar with online versions. A legacy of the continental championship in Kigali was the formal introduction of Scrabble to the Republic of Rwanda, resulting in the formation of the Rwanda Scrabble Association, the national body tasked with seeding, promoting, and overseeing the sport in Rwanda.

Rwanda Scrabble Association

Formed in October 2024, the Rwanda Scrabble Federation is affiliated with the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA), the continental body under the umbrella of the World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA).

The Rwanda Scrabble Association comprises Scrabble clubs in the Republic of Rwanda, convened in schools, universities and at social venues for the general public. The organisation supports the growth of clubs, providing opportunities for enjoyment, enrichment, training, and competition.