There are many factors that bring tourists in Rwanda. II sat in a beautiful red chair at the Kigali Convention Centre, it struck me that this was nearly the fourth time I had visited the venue in just two months.
I had attended the ‘Africa Mindset Reset Forum,’ the ‘Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa,’ and, more recently, the ‘Africa Food Systems Forum 2026.’ One question kept coming to mind: “Why Kigali?”
The answer lies in a combination of factors, including world-class infrastructure, security, easy access to high-quality, professional services, and a proven capacity to host and manage major international conferences and events. Over the past decade, the Government of Rwanda has implemented robust measures to position Kigali among Africa’s top destinations for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).https://rumble.com/embed/v7dvhya/?pub=4qbw7k
According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Kigali has ranked second in Africa for two consecutive years in hosting international association meetings—trailing only Cape Town but surpassing other major cities that have long been established in the sector.
The figures tell a similar story. Rwanda’s MICE sector hosted over 65,000 participants at various events and conferences in 2023, generating approximately $95 million in revenue. Despite a decline in 2024 due to the Marburg virus outbreak, the sector remained resilient, hosting over 52,000 people and generating nearly $84.8 million. Rwanda’s national strategy aims to reach $224 million in MICE revenue by 2029.
So, what enables Kigali to maintain such a strong position in this sector?
Infrastructure is undoubtedly crucial to this sector. Facilities in Kigali that host these international MICE events include the renowned Kigali Convention Centre, complemented by venues such as the BK Arena, Intare Conference Arena, the Kigali Cultural and Exhibition Village, and the Amahoro Stadium, which has recently undergone renovation and capacity expansion. The growing number of hotels meeting international standards—including the Kigali Marriott, Radisson Blu, and Kigali Serena—offers a wide range of options for event organizers, whether they are planning leadership summits, regional meetings, or large-scale international conferences. There is also the impression people form upon arriving in Kigali. Kigali is perceived as a safe, clean, and peaceful city—qualities that serve to attract organizers of international event
Rwanda has also streamlined travel and entry procedures; for instance, holders of African Union (AU) passports can enter visa-free, and many international visitors can obtain visas upon arrival at the border or airport.
These measures are complemented by a culture of hospitality and Kigali’s infrastructure, which is designed to host various international conferences and events.
Conference attendees can also combine business with leisure, including gorilla trekking, sightseeing, visiting cultural sites, and enjoying the diverse culinary scene in Kigali.
Air travel continues to expand through RwandAir, which partners with other major airlines to connect Kigali to key cities across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The Bugesera International Airport is expected to further enhance the country’s capacity to host even larger conferences and events.
Furthermore, the successful hosting of past international conferences and events in Rwanda has instilled confidence. Since the establishment of the Rwanda Convention Bureau in 2014, the country has hosted hundreds of international meetings and events across various sectors, including business, health, technology, agriculture, sports, and diplomacy.
From the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the FIFA Congress, the FIA Awards, and Women Deliver to major business conferences across Africa, Kigali has demonstrated its ability to organize and host high-level international events.
The Rwanda Convention Bureau assists organizers of various international meetings and events by helping them identify venues, facilitating site visits, and providing other practical support. Meanwhile, the “Visit Rwanda” initiative continues to elevate Rwanda’s profile on the global stage.
The answer to the question “Why Kigali?” is likely not a single factor, but rather a combination of all these elements. For international associations, business entities, and event organizers focused on Africa, Kigali is no longer merely a rising city; it is a city actively competing to host—and increasingly securing—some of the world’s most significant conferences.
You can listen to this beautiful prayer You are not forgotten by Priya Abraham
https://andikanews.rw/rwanda-has-called-on-the-world-to-increase-investment-in-pandemic-prevention/