Rwanda will host the 2027 International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress, a major global gathering that brings together leaders and decision-makers from the international meetings and events industry. ALSO READ: Six key technology events coming to Kigali in 2026 For the first time in over two decades, the ICCA Congress is coming to Africa and will be held in Kigali from October 2027, the ICCA announced. ALSO READ: Can Rwanda’s private sector drive MICE tourism mix? More than 2,000 leaders and professionals in the international meetings and events industry will gather in Rwanda’s capital “to connect, exchange vital industry insights, and engage in conversations that will help shape a sustainable and more inclusive future for meetings worldwide,” says Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB). The ICCA Congress is considered one of the most influential platforms in the global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, offering host destinations an opportunity to showcase their capacity, infrastructure and strategic vision. It is the flagship annual meeting of the International Congress and Convention Association, a global network that specialises in the international association meetings market. ALSO READ: How to harness Rwanda’s MICE tourism ICCA works with destinations, convention bureaux, venues, hotels, airlines and other stakeholders involved in hosting international meetings. The annual event serves as a platform for members to exchange knowledge, analyse global trends, build partnerships and shape the future of the meetings industry. Each year, the congress is hosted by a different destination, selected through a competitive bidding process. The 2028 ICCA Congress will take place in Muscat, Oman. Who attends? The congress typically attracts hundreds of delegates from across the world, representing more than 70 countries. Attendees include senior executives from convention centres and conference venues, destination marketing organisations, professional conference organisers, hotel groups, airlines, and association executives responsible for deciding where international meetings and congresses are hosted. These participants are key decision-makers in the global MICE ecosystem, making the congress an important marketplace for destinations seeking to attract future international events. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s events industry rakes in $95m in 2023 For host destinations, the congress is a prime opportunity to showcase ability, infrastructure and readiness, directly to influential buyers and organisers. Rwanda as MICE hub Rwanda is growing as a leading MICE hub backed by world-class venues such as the Kigali Convention Centre, BK Arena, Amahoro Stadium and others, along with high-end hotels and hospitality businesses. According to the Rwanda Development Board’s (RDB) 2024 report, the industry generated around $84.8 million in revenue, hosting 115 major events and attracting more than 52,000 delegates. The 2023 RCB annual report had showed an even stronger performance, with over 160 events drawing an estimated 65,000 delegates and generating around $95 million in revenue, a jump of nearly 48 per cent from the previous year. Officials have set ambitious targets to grow MICE revenues from around $85 million in 2024 to an estimated $224 million by 2028, backed by strategic efforts to attract more high‑profile conferences and events.
