BestCities Welcomes Kigali, Rwanda as Newest Member of Global Alliance

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, helping facilitate 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 more than 10,000 hotel rooms, many situated within minutes of key venues and the city centre.

Beyond its meetings infrastructure, Kigali offers a mix of cultural, natural and outdoor experiences. Delegates can walk or cycle through Nyandungu Eco Park, enjoy golf and coffee tastings, and sample Rwanda's farm-to-table cuisine. The city also serves as a gateway to some of the country's best-known attractions, including Volcanoes National Park and its mountain gorilla trekking experiences, as well as Lake Kivu, Rwanda's largest lake, which offers kayaking, boating and lakeside resorts.

Kigali's growing reputation as an association destination is reflected in its consistent performance in the International Congress and Convention Association (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 fourth Global NCD Alliance Forum.

Looking ahead, Kigali's congress calendar continues to expand, with major events already secured, including the ICCA Congress 2027 and the World Nephrology Congress 2029, further strengthening its position within Africa's international meetings landscape.

"As one of Africa's fastest-growing meeting destinations, Kigali is a natural fit for BestCities," said Julia Swanson, Board Chair of BestCities. "The city combines strong knowledge and innovation sectors with a commitment to sustainability and a clear understanding of how business events contribute to social and economic development. Together with Rwanda's wildlife, scenery and cultural experiences, Kigali offers associations and delegates a compelling destination both inside and outside the meeting environment."

"We are pleased to join the BestCities Global Alliance, a membership that reflects Kigali's commitment to strengthening its position within the global meetings industry," said Janet Karemera, CEO of Rwanda Convention Bureau. "Kigali has built strong capacity to host international meetings and events, supported by modern infrastructure and a proven track record of delivering international conferences. Through this platform, we aim to strengthen our visibility, exchange expertise and continue developing Kigali's position as a destination for global business events."