CONFERENCE organisers association ICCA has selected the Rwanda capital of Kigali as the host city for its 2027 congress, marking what it describes as a significant step for both the association and the African continent.
The decision positions Rwanda at the centre of the international meetings and conventions sector, with ICCA leaders highlighting the country’s rapid rise as one of Africa’s most capable and forward‑looking conference destinations.
The 67th edition of the Congress will follow a year later in Muscat, Oman, but ICCA emphasised that the reasons behind the Kigali selection reflected broader strategic priorities for the association.
ICCA chief executive Senthil Gopinath said the choice of Kigali for the 66th Congress on October 24-27, 2027, demonstrated the association’s commitment to taking its flagship event to new regions and strengthening business events locally.
“ICCA is delighted to bring our congress to Kigali in 2027 and Muscat in 2028. Both destinations exemplify the ambition, creativity, and commitment to excellence that define the global business events community,” Gopinath said.
He added that each edition would provide “powerful platforms for collaboration, transformation, business opportunities for members and shared growth”, noting that Kigali and Muscat would help “elevate our global conversations to new heights.”
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ICCA described the 66th Congress as a “historic moment” that will bring together national delegations from across Africa alongside senior international industry figures. The gathering is expected to focus on growth strategies, capacity building, and Africa’s evolving role within global business events.
Kigali’s selection follows sustained investment in infrastructure and service quality, which has allowed Rwanda to establish itself as a dependable hub for international conferences and association events, ICCA said. The association cited the country’s world‑class venues, operational efficiency, and commitment to sustainability as central to its decision.
Janet Karemera, CEO of Rwanda Convention Bureau, said the announcement represented a major milestone for both the country and the African continent.
It is a great honour for Rwanda to host the ICCA Congress and to welcome the global association community back to Africa for the first time in 20 years.”
Janet Karemera, Rwanda Convention Bureau
She added that the event would reflect Africa’s “growing prominence and leadership within the international MICE industry”, and highlight the role of regional partners whose support made the bid possible.
ICCA officials noted that the Kigali Congress is expected to act as a catalyst for pan‑African collaboration by aligning destinations, associations, and industry stakeholders around strategies to enhance global competitiveness and unlock new business event opportunities.
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While the focus remains on Rwanda’s regional leadership, ICCA said the following year’s Congress in Muscat, scheduled for November 12-15, 2028, would similarly draw on themes of community development and international connectivity.
Oman’s capital is positioned as a geographical bridge between Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, ICCA said. Muscat’s expanding meetings infrastructure, strong hospitality culture, and rising global profile made it a natural successor host for the annual congress.
Main picture… Kigali Convention Centre
