Kigali has been selected to host the 66th Congress of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) from October 24 to 27, 2027.
According to tourismupdate.com, the announcement marks a significant milestone for Africa’s meetings and conventions industry, as the prestigious global event returns to the continent for the first time in two decades.
More than 2 000 delegates are expected to attend the gathering of association representatives and industry leaders to discuss growth strategies, capacity building and Africa’s role in the global business events landscape.
According to the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), Rwanda has moved from 21st position in Africa to third on the continent with Kigali ranked second in Africa for hosting association conferences and events.
Over the past decade, Rwanda has expanded its MICE infrastructure, including the Kigali Convention Centre and BK Arena, and has hosted major global events such as the UCI Road World Championships and the 13th International AIDS Society Conference in 2025.
The RCB said Rwanda is also investing in professional development through the ICCA Skills Hub for Africa. Two cohorts of 37 events professionals from across Africa have received training for the Certified International Convention Specialist (CICS) and Certified International Convention Executive courses offered by the ICCA. Another CICS cohort is scheduled for this month.
