Rwanda

 

Rwanda is one of Africa’s premier destinations for meetings and events, thanks to its visa-on-arrival policy, state-of-the-art facilities and a growing business and innovation environment. The range of world-class venues, including the Kigali Convention Centre, Intare Conference Arena, BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium, continues to strengthen its position as a leading MICE destination.

Rwanda has also successfully hosted key global events, many of them for the first time on the African continent, including the UCI Road World Championships 2025, the FIA Awards & General Assembly 2024, Women Deliver 2023, the FIFA Congress 2023 and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2022.

Rwanda ranks third and Kigali, the capital, second as preferred destinations for association conferences in Africa (ICCA Ranking, 2024).

Priority sectors

Aligned with the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) 2024–2029, which outlines Rwanda’s development goals and investment priorities over the next five years, the following sectors have been identified to drive economic growth, innovation and the country’s position as a competitive destination for high-impact international events.

Health

Rwanda’s health sector is advancing through technology, innovation and strong public-private partnerships, supported by initiatives such as Zipline, the National Health Intelligence Centre and IRCAD Africa. The country is positioning itself as a regional medical hub for health innovation, with major investment underway in specialised care and infrastructure, including Kigali Health City and medical tourism facilities.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing is expanding into value-added products such as construction materials, furniture, electronics and automotive components, with strong export growth in the EAC region. New industrial parks in Kigali, Bugesera and Rwamagana will strengthen local production, exports and the Made in Rwanda brand by 2029.

Technology

Rwanda is emerging as a regional technology hub, driven by digital public services, cashless payments and innovation ecosystems such as Kigali Innovation City and Norrsken Kigali, the largest startup hub in East Africa. The country is focused on universal digital literacy, nationwide connectivity and data-driven innovation, positioning itself as a leading destination for tech and innovation events.

Agriculture

Agriculture employs more than 60 per cent of the population and contributes about 25 per cent of GDP, with exports led by coffee, tea, livestock and horticulture. Rwanda is investing in productivity, value addition, climate-smart agriculture and agri-business innovation, with growing opportunities across agro-processing, irrigation, cold chains and agri-tourism.

Climate Financing

Rwanda is a leader in climate action, supported by updated NDCs, a National Circular Economy Action Plan and a Carbon Market Framework. By 2029, the country aims to mobilise at least USD3 billion in climate and nature finance, positioning itself as a hub for climate finance, sustainability and green investment dialogue.

Mining

Mining contributes significantly to exports, with Rwanda recognised as a leading global producer of tantalum and other strategic minerals. With a focus on responsible and value-added mining, revenues are projected to increase from USD1.1 billion to USD2.17 billion by 2029.

Tourism

Tourism is a major economic driver, generating USD620 million in 2023 and supported by Rwanda’s strong sustainability and conservation credentials. The country aims to become a world-class, high-value ecotourism destination, nearly doubling revenues to USD1.1 billion and expanding the MICE and sports tourism segments, which already account for about 20 per cent of tourism growth.

Aviation

Aviation plays a strategic role in supporting tourism, trade and MICE through RwandAir and expanding regional connectivity. The completion of Bugesera International Airport, fleet expansion and the establishment of an Aviation Skills Centre of Excellence by 2029 will further position Rwanda as a regional aviation hub.

Only in Rwanda

 

Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, is known for its mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, where dedicated conservation efforts have made gorilla tracking a world-renowned experience. The country also has a rich culture and is one of Africa’s cleanest, greenest and safest destinations.

Travel essentials

Convention Bureau: The Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) promotes Rwanda as a leading destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) and serves as a central point of contact for guidance, information and impartial advice. RCB provides practical support throughout the planning process, as a member of the International Convention & Congress Association (ICCA),  the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO). RCB leverages Rwanda’s established infrastructure and track record in hosting international events. With strong local knowledge, RCB connects organisers to appropriate venues, hotels, professional conference organisers, tour operators and essential support services.

Contact: [email protected]

Local currency: Rwandan Francs

Power: 230V at 50Hz F

Time zone: Central African Time (CAT)

Visa: Visa on arrival. Free 30 Days for African Union, Commonwealth & Francophonie countries. Read more here

Taxes: 18% VAT

Kigali Convention Centre: venue capacity: 5,000 pax; exhibition space: 9,000 sqm

One of the largest in the region, the Kigali Convention Centre is versatile with facilities supporting major exhibitions, conferences, summits, sports and social events, as well as intimate boardroom meetings. It has a net floor area of 32,200 sqm.

A wide variety of gastronomic facilities are available to guests, including the Auditorium Club, the exclusive Business Class Lounge, the Piazza Bar and Filini Restaurant, a passionately Italian restaurant offering a unique mix of sophistication and casual design.

Transportation in and around the area

Kigali International Airport: located approximately 10 kms from the city centre, in close proximity to key venues such as the Kigali Convention Centre, BK Arena, Amahoro Stadium and Intare Conference Arena, as well as major attractions and accommodation options.

Airport transfers range from $15 - $25.

Bugesera International Airport: located approximately 28 km from Kigali city and designed to serve as a modern aviation hub, supporting Rwanda’s growing air traffic and economic development. The new facility will feature a 130,000 sqm main terminal accommodating up to 8 million passengers annually, with completion expected in 2028.

Taxis: Kigali offers a range of convenient and reliable transport options. Taxis are widely available and can be easily booked through ride-hailing apps such as Move by Volkswagen, Yego Rwanda and Green Ride Africa, which offer an eco-friendly electric fleet and support the city’s sustainability goals.

Motorcycle taxis (Motos): Motos are the most popular and fastest way to get around Kigali. Each motorbike carries a single passenger and offers a quick, affordable and flexible way to navigate the city. In line with Rwanda’s sustainability efforts, many of these bikes are now electric, operated by companies such as Spiro and Ampersand.

Public transport: Kigali’s buses are affordable, with fares costing less than $1. All offer Tap & Go digital payments. The city has multiple routes and, in line with sustainability efforts, services like Ecofleet use smart solutions and real-time vehicle tracking to ensure an efficient way to move around the city.

Meeting & event venues

 

BK ARENA, located in Remera next to Amahoro Stadium, is the largest indoor arena in East Africa, with a seating capacity of more than 10,000 and 20,870 sqm of exhibition space. It hosts a wide range of events, including international sports, concerts, cultural performances, conferences and exhibitions and is equipped with modern facilities.

AMAHORO NATIONAL STADIUM, located next to BK Arena, is Rwanda’s largest sports venue, accommodating 45,000 spectators and offering 9,000 sqm of exhibition space. The complex includes Petit Stade, a Paralympic gymnasium, and modern shops and restaurants, supported by advanced systems for hybrid surfaces, safety, media broadcasting and electronic ticketing.

INTARE CONFERENCE ARENA, located just 10 minutes from Kigali International Airport, offers eight conference rooms with private foyers and can host up to 3,000 delegates. The venue features world-class meeting and exhibition spaces, an in-house café, catering services, high-speed internet and spacious rest areas.

ZARIA COURT, located in Remera near BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium, is Kigali’s newest lifestyle hub featuring an 80-room boutique hotel, restaurants, wellness and fitness facilities, co-working spaces and a retail park. With venues and open spaces for up to 5,000 guests, it offers a vibrant setting for events and gatherings.

KIGALI CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION VILLAGE is a city-centre venue just a 10-minute drive from Kigali International Airport. It features 12 versatile meeting halls with a total capacity of 10,000, state-of-the-art audio-visual technology and expansive exhibition areas.

KIGALI GOLF RESORT & VILLAS, is spread across more than 50 hectares and features a Gary Player–designed, 18-hole championship course. Beyond the greens, it offers tennis and squash courts, a health club, swimming pool and clubhouse with panoramic views. Other facilities include a Pro Shop, boardrooms and an exclusive Golf Club.

GAHANGA CRICKET STADIUM, opened in October 2017 as a not-for-profit facility featuring an ICC-standard wicket, a pavilion with a bar and community spaces. Celebrated for its award-winning architectural and engineering design, the stadium hosts international cricket tournaments and serves as a unique venue for social gatherings and community events.

Hotels and other venues

RADISSON BLU HOTEL, in the heart of Kigali, is just 5km from the bustling city centre and Kigali International Airport. The hotel is adjacent to the iconic Kigali Convention Centre and offers 291 stylishly designed rooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, and the Izuba spa adjacent to the gym, tennis court and pool bar.

SERENA KIGALI HOTEL, in the city centre, just 10 km from the Kigali International Airport, blends comfort, elegance and Rwandan artistry. The five-star hotel features 148 rooms and suites, fine dining, a health club, spa and versatile meeting facilities, including a state-of-the-art conference centre, a 500-seat auditorium and a grand ballroom.

MOVENPICK KIGALI, is a premium hotel in Kacyiru, combining Swiss hospitality with Rwandan warmth. Located in the diplomatic and business district, it’s 20 minutes from Kigali International Airport and offers 124 modern rooms and suites. Designed for the MICE market, it features 528 sqm of event space, including a Grand Ballroom for up to 300 guests and four adaptable meeting rooms, blending resort-style comfort with city convenience.

KIGALI MARRIOTT HOTEL, is a five-star property in the city’s commercial business district offering 254 modern rooms and suites, premium dining options and the Saray Spa. Ideal for business and events, the hotel features 13 meeting rooms, including a ballroom with a capacity of 500 and 10 breakout rooms.

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON, in Kigali’s financial district offers easy access to the Kigali Convention Centre, major embassies and the airport (11 km away). The hotel features 154 modern rooms and suites, three dining venues, a 24-hour fitness centre, an outdoor pool and nine event rooms, including a large venue that accommodates up to 200 guests.

PARK INN BY RADISSON, situated in Kigali’s main business district, offers 161 modern rooms and suites along with four meeting rooms that can host events for up to 400 attendees. Guests can enjoy all-day dining (Live-Inn-Room restaurant), as well as evening entertainment at the lobby bar and JJ’s nightclub.

HOTEL DES MILLE COLLINES, in the heart of Kigali, offers elegant accommodation and refined event facilities. It features 112 rooms and suites with panoramic city or garden views, modern amenities and private balconies. Its versatile meeting and conference spaces are equipped with contemporary audio-visual technology, complemented by attentive service and scenic surroundings.

HEMINGWAYS RETREAT KIGALI is an eco-friendly boutique hotel with 20 rooms (some with private pools), a full-service wellness spa, salt water solar-heated main pool, wine lounge, Made in Rwanda retail shop, conference room and fusion restaurant.

THE PINNACLE KIGALI, nestled in Rebero with panoramic views of Kigali, is a luxury retreat that blends refined hospitality with warm, personalised service. The property features nine elegant rooms, multiple international restaurants and bars, wellness and entertainment facilities, as well as sports and leisure spaces. It also offers secure boardrooms and versatile event venues, capable of hosting meetings, private functions and social gatherings for up to 200 guests.

UBUMWE GRANDE HOTEL, situated in Kigali’s central business district, offers contemporary accommodation with modern rooms and serviced apartments featuring city or mountain views. The hotel includes versatile meeting space for up to 500 guests, a rooftop pool and bar, a fitness centre and an all-day dining restaurant.

LEMIGO HOTEL, located near the Kigali Convention Centre and just 10 minutes from the airport, is a four-star hotel offering 176 modern rooms and 10 versatile meeting rooms for up to 750 delegates, including a 736 sqm ballroom and five breakout rooms.

Incentive experiences

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, is set among towering eucalyptus trees near Volcanoes National Park. This luxury resort offers stunning views of dormant volcanoes and close access to Rwanda’s famed mountain gorillas. Guests enjoy a tranquil setting ideal for relaxation and outdoor adventures, including cycling through the dramatic highlands.

One&Only Nyungwe House, is located on a tea plantation adjacent to Nyungwe Forest National Park. It offers 22 luxury rooms and suites with forest views. Guests enjoy an infinity pool, spa and forest treks to see chimpanzees, combining luxury with Rwanda’s natural wilderness.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge, is located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park and provides exclusive access to gorilla trekking. Its 11 luxury suites feature heated plunge pools, fireplaces and panoramic views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes, blending modern comfort with local craftsmanship to create a serene, immersive experience.

Bisate Lodge, is an award-winning eco-lodge overlooking Volcanoes National Park. Featuring six forest villas designed like giant bird nests, it is known for its sustainable luxury and conservation focus. It offers guests an exceptional base for gorilla trekking, combining comfort, community engagement and breathtaking volcanic scenery.

Amakoro Songa Lodge, is located in Kinigi, Musanze. This boutique lodge features eight elegant cottages set in peaceful natural surroundings. It provides a serene retreat and convenient access to Rwanda’s wildlife and landscapes, offering guests both luxury and tranquillity amid the region’s rich biodiversity.

Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, located within Akagera National Park, overlooks Lake Ihema and offers around 60 rooms and suites with lake or savannah views. The lodge features a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and provides easy access to game drives and boat safaris, offering a comfortable base to explore Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve.

Things to do

 

VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers unforgettable experiences, from gorilla trekking - a rare opportunity to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat - to guided hikes across volcanic peaks like Karisimbi, Bisoke and Muhabura. Visitors can also explore the Dian Fossey Trail, which combines nature, history and conservation, making the park a premier destination for wildlife encounters and scenic adventure.

NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK

Nyungwe National Park offers thrilling experiences, including East Africa’s longest zipline: a 1,935m course across three sections, soaring above the rainforest from the Uwinka Visitor Centre to the Canopy Walkway. The Canopy Walkway, suspended 70m above the forest floor, provides panoramic views of Nyungwe’s ancient rainforest, where visitors can spot orchids, butterflies, birds, primates amid enjoy breathtaking scenery.

AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Visitors can enjoy game drives by day or night to spot the Big Five and nocturnal wildlife, boat trips on Lakes Ihema and Rwanyakizinga for close-up views of hippos and birds, and hot air balloon rides offering breathtaking aerial views of the park’s lakes and savannah, each providing a unique way to experience Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve.

MUSEUMS & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Rwanda’s museums highlight the nation’s history, culture and creativity - from the Kigali Genocide Memorial’s powerful remembrance to Kandt House’s colonial and natural history, the Ethnographic Museum’s traditional artefacts and the Rwanda Art Museum’s celebration of modern art.

NYANDUNGU URBAN WETLAND ECO-TOURISM PARK

Nyandungu Eco-Park is Rwanda’s first restored urban wetland, spanning 121 hectares with an additional 48 hectares under restoration. Located 11 km from Kigali city centre and about 10 minutes from Kigali International Airport, it features more than 10 km of walking and cycling trails, botanical and medicinal gardens, ponds, birdwatching and dining options. Combining conservation, leisure, and eco-tourism, the park offers a peaceful green escape within the city and a convenient stopover for visitors heading to Akagera National Park for a Big Five safari.

UMUSAMBI VILLAGE

A 21-hectare sanctuary, it is home to 130+ bird species, including 50 rescued endangered Grey Crowned Cranes. It offers guided tours, nature walks, team building and photography, making it a tranquil and educational experience for visitors.

FAZENDA SENGHA

An outdoor adventure park on Mount Kigali, it offers activities such as quad biking, horseback riding, ziplining, archery and nature walks, all set against panoramic views of Kigali’s hills and countryside.

SPECIALITY COFFEE TASTING

Experience Rwanda’s celebrated coffee culture at specialty roasters like Kivu Noir Coffee and Question Coffee, where visitors enjoy guided tastings, learn about the journey from bean to cup, and experience Rwanda’s distinctive coffee craftsmanship.

IMBUGA CITY WALK

A lively car-free public space in central Kigali designed for walking, relaxation and community gatherings, featuring green areas, artisan stalls, cafés and regular cultural activities that showcase the city’s vibrant urban life.

NYAMIRAMBO CAR FREE ZONE

A vibrant neighbourhood hub known for its street food, music, local shops and everyday city life, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Kigali’s community culture and nightlife.