ICCA Announces Expansion of ICCASkills Programme to Rwanda

ICCA has announced today the launch of a new ICCASkills Hub in Kigali, Rwanda's capital city. The expansion of the ICCASkills programme in the African region supports the enhancement of global capacity-building and brings together industry providers and local authorities. 

In partnership with official hosts the Rwanda Convention Bureau and Rwanda Events Group Ltd., ICCA will offer two ICCASkills classes in 2025. The launch underscores Rwanda’s commitment to developing talent and strengthening its position as a leading business events destination in Africa. 

ICCASkills is a globally recognised certification programme, created by ICCA and industry experts, designed to elevate the skills and expertise of business events professionals. ICCASkills is engaging and interactive with real-world perspective which bridges theory and practice with hands-on professional development.  

Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “ICCASkills has proven to be a successful programme for the meetings and events community, and we're thrilled to expand our educational offerings to the African region. We look forward to working with the many business events professionals in Rwanda and beyond to upskill and provide valuable resources to our colleagues in the space."

Rwanda is a hub for professional development in Africa, making it an ideal location for the ICCASkills initiative for upskilling and developing the regional workforce for the business events industry. 

Janet Karemera, CEO, Rwanda Convention Bureau: "ICCASkills is a globally recognized certification program that equips the workforce in the Events & Meetings sector with industry-relevant expertise. By investing in professional development through ICCASkills, we're not just building individual careers – we're strengthening Rwanda's position as Africa's premier MICE destination. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of creating a knowledge-based economy while showcasing Rwanda's capabilities in hosting major international events."

Christian Gakwaya, CEO, Rwanda Events Group: "By hosting the ICCASkills Hub Africa, Rwanda is leading a pioneering effort to advance the professional MICE industry across the continent. At Rwanda Events, we are honored to be part of this initiative, which aligns with our dedication to equipping young professionals with world-class knowledge, ensuring their continued relevance in an ever-evolving industry. This initiative also builds on the success of our in-house events academy, which has already demonstrated a remarkable impact on our workforce."