The Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) proudly marks a significant milestone this year, celebrating 10 transformative years of driving Rwanda’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. This achievement highlights a decade of strategic innovation, impactful partnerships, and a shared commitment to establishing Rwanda as a premier destination for global business tourism, supported by both government and private sector stakeholders.
Established in 2015, the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) has successfully facilitated the hosting of over 800 international events, solidifying Rwanda’s position as the second-ranked African destination for association conferences in the ICCA 2023 rankings.
RCB CEO, Janet Karemera, highlighted the Bureau’s ambitious vision for the decade ahead.
“We aim to double our revenues within five years, in line with the National Strategy for Transformation II. This goal is supported by plans to enhance our infrastructure, develop skilled professionals, and ensure seamless service delivery,” she noted.
The MICE industry has played a crucial role in Rwanda’s economic growth, significantly enhancing its international visibility.
Strategic partnerships with Professional Conference Organizers (PCOs) and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) have brought major global events to the country, including the 73rd FIFA Congress, the Women Deliver Conference 2023, and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2022.
These efforts have led to a sharp increase in international delegates, firmly establishing Rwanda as a leading hub for innovation and collaboration in Africa.
Significant investments in state-of-the-art facilities have been pivotal to Rwanda’s success in the MICE industry. Landmark venues such as the Kigali Convention Centre, BK Arena, Intare Conference Arena, and the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium, with a seating capacity of 45,000, have greatly enhanced the nation’s hosting capabilities.
Looking to the future, Karemera outlined plans for the development of new exhibition venues to cater to the increasing demand for large-scale events.
Rwanda’s hospitality sector has experienced remarkable growth, with renowned establishments like the Marriott, Radisson Blu, Four Points by Sheraton, and the upcoming Mövenpick Hotel, alongside luxury lodges such as One&Only Gorilla’s Nest and Singita Kwitonda Lodge.
These venues offer a perfect blend of business and leisure opportunities for international visitors. The nation’s connectivity is set to improve further with the opening of Bugesera International Airport in 2026, bolstered by RwandAir’s growing network in partnership with Qatar Airways.
The 10th-anniversary celebrations were highlighted by a strong presence at global trade shows like IMEX Frankfurt and IBTM Barcelona. Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX, commended Rwanda’s remarkable growth and dedication to excellence during the events. This year, RCB collaborated with over 20 partners, including leading MICE venues and service providers, demonstrating the country’s readiness for global partnerships.
At IBTM Barcelona, RCB showcased its remarkable success story, reflecting on its humble beginnings with just two partners. Its growth to now include over 20 dynamic industry players highlights Rwanda’s transformation into a competitive and collaborative destination. Leading organizations such as Business Events East Africa, Sensitive Group Ltd., and Global Events Africa Ltd participated in the celebrations, underscoring Rwanda’s expanding capacity to host world-class events.
Rwanda’s consistent rise in the ICCA rankings highlights its growing reputation as a premier MICE destination. Securing the second-place position in Africa for the fourth consecutive year reflects the success of RCB’s strategic initiatives. Prestigious events like the Basketball Africa League and the Mojaloop Conference 2023 have showcased Rwanda’s exceptional organizational capabilities and its capacity to host diverse, high-profile gatherings.
RCB’s accomplishments over the past decade reflect Rwanda’s broader transformation agenda, with the MICE sector playing a pivotal role.
As Karemera expressed: “The strength of Rwanda’s MICE sector lies in the synergy between our government and private stakeholders. Together, we are building a legacy of innovation, excellence, and sustainable growth.”
