Kigali takes its place among the world's leading convention destinationsBestCities Global Alliance is pleased to welcome Kigali, Rwanda as the 14th member of its worldwide network of leading convention destinations.
Located in East-Central Africa in the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Kigali combines world-class infrastructure and ease of access with a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and economic development. Rwanda’s capital is widely recognized as the cleanest and safest city in Africa, offering a welcoming environment for delegates from around the world.
The destination is easily accessible through Kigali International Airport, a 15-minute drive from the city centre and major conference venues. Kigali is connected to more than 160 destinations through RwandAir and international carriers such as Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. Rwanda also offers visa-on-arrival for all nationalities, ensuring seamless travel for international attendees. In addition, the new Bugesera International Airport is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Kigali is home to a diverse portfolio of event venues, including the Kigali Convention Centre, which accommodates up to 5,000 delegates, and BK Arena, with capacity for more than 10,000 attendees. The city offers over 10,000 hotel rooms, many situated within minutes of key venues and the city centre.
Beyond the meeting room, Kigali offers a rich tapestry of culture, nature, and adventure. Delegates can walk or cycle through Nyandungu Eco Park, enjoy golf and coffee tastings, and sample Rwanda’s farm-to-table cuisine. The city is also a gateway to some of the country’s most iconic attractions, including Volcanoes National Park and its world-renowned mountain gorilla trekking experience; and Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake with kayaking, boating, and lakeside resorts.
Kigali’s growing reputation as a global association destination is reflected in its consistent performance in the ICCA rankings, where it has remained Africa’s second-ranked city for six consecutive years. In 2025, Rwanda hosted more than 25 association meetings, including the 13th International AIDS Society Conference and the 4th Global NCD Alliance Forum.
Looking ahead, Kigali’s congress calendar continues to expand, with major events already secured – including the ICCA Congress 2027 and World Nephrology Congress 2029 – further cementing its position as one of Africa’s most appealing destinations for international meetings and conventions.
“As one of Africa’s fastest-growing meeting destinations, Kigali is a natural fit for BestCities,” said Julia Swanson, Board Chair, BestCities. “The city exemplifies the qualities that define today’s leading convention destinations: strong knowledge and innovation sectors, a commitment to sustainability, and a keen understanding of how business events can drive social and economic impact. Combined with Rwanda’s extraordinary wildlife, scenery, and cultural experiences, Kigali offers associations and delegates an exceptional destination both inside and outside the meeting room.”
“We are delighted to join the BestCities Global Alliance – a membership that reflects Kigali’s commitment to strengthening its position within the global MICE industry,” said Janet Karemera, CEO, Rwanda Convention Bureau. “Kigali has built strong capacity to host international meetings and events, supported by world-class infrastructure and a proven track record of delivering high-profile conferences. Through this platform, we aim to further enhance our visibility, exchange expertise, and continue elevating Kigali as a competitive destination for global business events.”
For more information, visit the Kigali city page.
