Kigali has reached another important milestone after joining the BestCities Global Alliance, an international network of cities recognized for hosting major conferences and business events. This makes Kigali the 14th city in the alliance and the first city in East Africa to become a member.
Joining the alliance strengthens Kigali’s reputation as a clean, safe, and well-organized city for international meetings. Over the years, the city has continued to invest in world-class infrastructure and services, making it one of Africa’s leading conference destinations.
For the past six consecutive years, Kigali has ranked second in Africa on the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) list of top conference destinations. In 2025 alone, Rwanda hosted more than 25 international conferences, including IAS 2025 and the Global NCD Alliance Forum, both held in Kigali.
The Chair of the Best Cities Global Alliance Board, Julia Swanson, said Kigali has demonstrated the qualities expected of a world-class conference destination.
She said: “This city demonstrates the qualities that define leading conference destinations today, including strong capacity in knowledge and innovation, and a clear understanding of how business events can contribute to social well-being and economic development.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), Janet Karemera, said Kigali’s admission into the alliance reflects Rwanda’s growing position in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
She said: “Kigali has built strong capacity to host international conferences and events, supported by world-class infrastructure and the experience gained from successfully hosting major meetings.”
She added that joining the alliance will enable Rwanda to strengthen international partnerships, learn from other leading conference cities, and further promote Kigali as a trusted destination for global meetings and major international events.
The Best Cities Global Alliance was established to promote cooperation among the world’s leading conference cities by encouraging the sharing of knowledge, experience, and best practices. Kigali’s membership is another sign of its growing recognition as one of the emerging global destinations for international conferences and business events.
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