In November 2018, Team Africa Rising secured a 5-year grant from the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation. The Walton’s have been instrumental in our work in Rwanda. This 5-year grant was issued to develop UCI Continental Teams and above on the African Continent. Development of professional teams allows riders and teams to have more autonomy outside of the National Federations and Government organizations currently running the majority of cycling. By assisting stakeholders in securing outside sponsorships and developing relationships with these sponsors, cycling will be allowed to grow with the best riders given the opportunities lacking at the national level. TAR will provide access to sponsors, coaches, mechanics, support staff training, invitations to international races and business planning to ensure success for the team and the riders. Team Benediction Cycling, a former club team in Rwanda secured its 2019 UCI Continental registration in November and will become the first professional team registered in Rwanda.