In the quest to establish itself as the conference destination hub, Rwanda closed 2022 with a good envelope of revenue generated in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. The tourism industry was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the MICE sector has been able to recover by 95 percent, with more than 100 conferences hosted, generating $62.4 million in 2022. Assessing the overall sector performance, Nelly Mukazayire, Chief Executive of Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), said it surpassed expected target performance by 45 percent. The MICE industry has a huge multiplier effect as it creates job opportunities for the hospitality sector, entertainment, and events management players. The impact is multisectoral. Here, we take a look at the major events that took place in the country, in 2022. Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) As the English-speaking world convened in Rwanda in June, global leaders and agenda setters in different fields discussed and took actionable decisions to shape the future of governance, trade, gender equality, and youth inclusion, among other important matters. During the conference, Africa showcased its contribution and demanded its rightful seat on global decision-making tables. Also highlighted were the benefits common to all members. Rwanda assumed the role of Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth for the next two years. ALSO READ: Here are six deals Rwanda concluded during CHOGM Youth Connekt Africa The continental summit attracted more than 9,000 young people in Rwanda to unravel issues that matter to the African youth such as education, unemployment, and active participation in decision-making processes. It was highlighted that governments need to invest in the young people that make up 60 percent of the African population. Calls were made for youth to be proactive in innovating solutions tailored to the environment and development they need. ALSO READ: Investing in youth is the right thing to do – PM Ngirente Kenya will host YouthConnekt Africa Summit 2023. Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2022 Rwanda has marked its place in becoming a top sports tourism destination in Africa, for at least the past two years. After successfully hosting the first edition of BAL, Kigali also hosted the second edition finals where thousands of spectators crowded the BK Arena for a weeklong performance showcased by eight African finalists. Tunisia’s US Monastir was crowned champion of the continental basketball league. Africa Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) The need to bridge the gap in African food systems – with a global mobilization of $200million annual investment – was highlighted during the 12 African Green revolution Forum that took place in Kigali in September. The Covid-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, and the global supply chain and energy crisis, are all placing unusual strain on African food systems, as noted by President Paul Kagame. To address the issue, he noted, countries need to jointly invest in transport and storage infrastructure, and move faster to harmonize tariff systems The Summit was attended by 6,467 participants in a hybrid model. World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) Affordable internet, access to digital devices, and bridging the digital divide have been on top of discussions in different summits on technology including the 8th edition of WTDC that took place in June. In Sub-Saharan Africa, only 28 per cent of the population is connected to broadband, 19 per cent are not covered with mobile internet and the usage gap is as high as 53 per cent. Young leaders, entrepreneurs, social change-makers, engineers, policy specialists, students, business leaders, among others, convened to chart ways of connecting the unconnected in order to achieve sustainable development. Citizen outreach This year, President Kagame resumed his Citizen outreach initiative that had been halted by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. He made a four-day tour of Nyamagabe, Nyamasheke, and Ruhango Districts where he interacted with citizens to hear and solve some of their concerns as well as deliver timely messages to them regarding the country’s development journey. At the end of each day, the President met with opinion leaders in the Southern and Western Provinces. Kwita Izina After two years of virtual events, Rwandans and foreigners were glad to finally attend the annual Kwita Izina ceremony where 20 baby gorillas were named by different leaders and celebrities from different walks of life. The initiative seeks to conserve one-third of the world’s mountain gorillas. The government announced that it will invest $2 million in the development of communities surrounding national parks as part of the tourism revenue-sharing programme for the year 2022-2023. Who visited Rwanda King Charles III and Camilla visited Rwanda during CHOGM, the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Hoong, visited Rwanda on June 27, and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados had a three-day visit in November. Prince Harry also visited Rwanda as part of his conservation work. Lewis Hamilton of Formula One described Rwanda as his favourite destination during his 2022 four-country African tour. Then there was the visit of four female footballers of Arsenal FC Women's team in December. What to expect in 2023 Among others, Kigali will host the 73rd FIFA congress meeting on March 16, 2023. It is during this congress of the world’s football governing body that the next FIFA presidential elections will be held. The RCB eyes $64 million in revenue in 2023. However, Mukazayire said that the numbers may be revised along the year given that they were projected in post-Covid-19 recovery time and the current performance is more promising. The expected 2023 conferences include the 6th Women Deliver conference, Africa Health Agenda International Conference, Airport Council International, Microfinance Technology Summit, and many others.
