Kigali has joined the BestCities Global Alliance as its 14th member, placing Rwanda’s capital within a network of leading international convention destinations.
The move reflects Kigali’s growing profile as a meetings destination in Africa, combining modern event infrastructure, accessibility and a strong focus on sustainability, innovation and economic development.
The city’s venue portfolio includes the Kigali Convention Centre, with capacity for up to 5,000 delegates, and BK Arena, which can host more than 10,000 attendees. Kigali also offers more than 10,000 hotel rooms, many located close to key venues and the city centre.
The destination is served by Kigali International Airport, around 15 minutes from the city centre, with Rwanda offering visa-on-arrival for all nationalities.
Kigali has also maintained a strong position in the ICCA rankings, remaining Africa’s second-ranked city for six consecutive years, according to BestCities.
The city’s congress pipeline includes the ICCA Congress 2027 and the World Nephrology Congress 2029, adding to recent association meetings hosted in Rwanda, including the 13th International AIDS Society Conference and the 4th Global NCD Alliance Forum.
Julia Swanson, Board Chair of BestCities, said Kigali is “a natural fit for BestCities”, citing its knowledge and innovation sectors, sustainability commitment and understanding of how business events can create social and economic impact.
Janet Karemera, CEO of the Rwanda Convention Bureau, said the membership reflects Kigali’s ambition to strengthen its position within the global MICE industry. “Through this platform, we aim to further enhance our visibility, exchange expertise, and continue elevating Kigali as a competitive destination for global business events,” she said.