Rwanda Convention Bureau

UFI MEA Conference to be held in Kigali, Rwanda in 2024

RCBWEB — 2026-05-12T15:10:06Z

- Annual UFI MEA Conference to be held from 15-17 April in Kigali, Rwanda
– Conference hosted by Rwanda Convention Bureau

Paris / Kigali – 14 September 2023: UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, will hold its UFI Middle East & Africa (MEA) Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, from 15-17 April 2024. The event will be hosted by the Rwanda Convention Bureau and held at the Kigali Convention Centre.
Open to all exhibition industry professionals, the 2024 edition will build upon the success of past UFI
MEA Conferences, including the 2023 edition in Doha, Qatar, which saw more than 150 participants.
The conference will feature panel sessions and deep dives on industry-critical topics, networking with
the region's top decision-makers, and social events to introduce attendees to the vibrant spirit of the
host city.
Held annually, the UFI MEA Conference is the most important annual gathering of exhibition industry
leaders in the region. It is attended by senior representatives from government entities, convention
bureaus, tourism boards, venues, and event organisers, in addition to economists, media and industry
experts, from across the world.
“We at UFI, are delighted to take our next flagship event, the UFI MEA conference, to the African continent, with Rwanda as the destination. This vibrant country is experiencing a significant surge in the business events industry, making it an ideal setting for delegates to immerse themselves in new business opportunities. As they engage in fruitful conversations and forge valuable connections, they can also revel in the captivating charm that Rwanda offers. This conference promises to be a memorable experience, bringing industry professionals from around the world and blending business growth with the attractions of this extraordinary nation. I would like to express my gratitude to the Rwanda Convention Bureau for serving as our esteemed host, and I eagerly anticipate gathering with friends and colleagues at the remarkable Kigali Convention Centre.", comments Naji El Haddad, UFI Regional Director MEA.

“Hosting the 2024 UFI MEA conference in Kigali presents a great opportunity not only for Rwanda, but for Africa to showcase some of what our continent has to offer, not only in terms of the industry but also tourism and investment opportunities. Due to our connectivity and central location, Rwanda has access to African and global markets. We have a track record of being a proof-of-concept country for innovators looking to test, launch and scale. The country is ranked 2nd in Africa for Ease of Doing Business and Global Competitiveness while Kigali is the second preferred MICE destination on the continent for associations meetings. With world-class infrastructures, an open visa policy, easy air connectivity, and much more, Rwanda is an ideal destination for exhibitions. As a country, we look forward to welcoming 2024 UFI MEA delegates and ensure that their stay and experience is memorable.” adds Janet Karemera, CEO of Rwanda Convention Bureau.

Pre-registration for the conference is already open, and can be done here: www.ufimea.org

As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI organises annual regional conferences in
Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa, as well as the UFI Global Congress.
The next event will be the UFI Global Congress, which will take place in Las Vegas, USA, from 1-4
November.

Annual Report 2023

RCBWEB — 2026-05-12T15:10:03Z

April 2024 - In 2023, we built upon our strong foundation, achieving significant milestones, and expanding our reach in exciting ways. We are thrilled to share our key accomplishments with you in this annual report.

To learn more, read the report Here

Rwanda, Now Africa's 2nd most popular destination for Association meeting: ICCA 2023 report

RCBWEB — 2026-05-12T15:10:01Z

May 2024 - Rwanda has risen in this year's rankings produced by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), establishing the country as the second most popular destination for association conferences and meetings in Africa after South Africa.

Read the press release Here

Rwanda Celebrates a Decade of Success at IMEX 2024 with Major Milestones

RCBWEB — 2026-05-12T15:09:57Z

May 2024 - Frankfurt, Germany – Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) is proud to announce its memorable participation in IMEX 2024, marking the 10th year of Rwanda's attendance at this prestigious global event focused on all things meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). This year was particularly special due to several key highlights that underscore Rwanda's growing prominence on the international stage.

Read the press release Here

Rwanda Convention Bureau to Attend 2024 Meetings Show London for the Fourth Time

RCBWEB — 2026-05-12T15:09:51Z

June 2024 - London, UK – Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) is excited to announce its participation in the 2024 Meetings Show London, taking place from June 19-20. This marks the fourth year of RCB's presence at the prestigious event, reflecting Rwanda's growing influence and appeal in the international meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry.

Read the press release Here

Rwanda Convention Bureau Participates in Meetings Africa 2024

RCBWEB — 2026-05-12T15:09:49Z

March, 2024 - Johannesburg, SA – The Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) proudly participated in Meetings Africa 2024 for the 8th time through its Marketing Directorate. The event, held from February 26 -28, 2024, in Johannesburg, South Africa, was followed by a Roadshow from February 29 to March 1, 2024, where representatives from Rwanda's MICE sector met with corporate companies based in Johannesburg to strengthen Rwanda's position as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions.

Read the press release Here

Rwanda's MICE Sector: A Decade of Remarkable Growth and Global Recognition

RCBWEB — 2026-05-12T15:09:42Z

Aug 2024 - Kigali, Rwanda - The Rise of Rwanda's MICE Industry: In just a decade, Rwanda's MICE industry has surged to impressive heights. Since the inauguration of the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) in 2015, the country has hosted over 800 international events, a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to making meetings and events a cornerstone of economic growth.

Read the press release Here

RWANDA TRAVEL ADVISORY: MARBURG VIRUS DISEASE UPDATE

RCBWEB — 2026-05-12T15:09:40Z

October 2024 -Rwanda remains open to travellers -There are currently no travel restrictions in place, and all key tourist destinations are fully operational. All hospitality and tourism establishments, including hotels and restaurants, and stakeholders
such as tour operators and tour guides, are following strict hygiene protocols.

Read the public Notice Here

Kigali Ranked 2nd in Africa for Hosting Association Meetings, Five Years In A Row

RCBWEB — 2026-02-03T10:20:26Z

May 2025- Kigali has once again been ranked the second most popular city in Africa for hosting international
association meetings, according to the 2024 ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) rankings, and Rwanda holds third place among African countries.

Read the press release Here

ICCA Is Coming Back to Africa in 2027

RCBWEB — 2026-05-12T15:08:55Z

Rwanda has been announced as the host of the 66th ICCA Congress, which will take place in Kigali
in 2027. This marks the Congress's return to the African continent after 23 years, a milestone representing a significant moment for both Rwanda and the African continent, underscoring the region's growing prominence and leadership within the international MICE industry.

The Congress is expected to welcome more than 2,000 delegates from around the world, offering a platform for
meaningful connections and helping shape the future direction of the meetings sector.

Read the press release here