Kigali has officially joined the prestigious BestCities Global Alliance as its 14th member, marking a major milestone that solidifies Rwanda’s position as a premier global hub for international conferences and events.

The alliance selected Kigali for its modern infrastructure, dedication to sustainability, and stellar track record of hosting high-profile international gatherings. Julia Swanson, Board Chair of BestCities, praised the city as a "natural fit," highlighting its strong innovation sectors and commitment to leveraging business events for social and economic progress.

Kigali offers world-class facilities, including the iconic 5,000-seat Kigali Convention Centre, the 10,000-capacity BK Arena, and over 10,000 hotel rooms. With visa-on-arrival access for all nationalities and connectivity to over 160 destinations via RwandAir and other major airlines, the city provides seamless logistics for global delegates.

For six consecutive years, Kigali has secured its spot as Africa’s second-ranked convention destination in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings. Following a successful run of hosting major events, In 2025, Rwanda hosted more than 25 international association meetings, like the 13th International AIDS Society Conference and the 4th Global NCD Alliance Forum, the city is already gearing up to host the prestigious ICCA Congress in 2027 and the World Nephrology Congress in 2029.

Janet Karemera, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Convention Bureau, said joining the alliance reflects Kigali's ambition to expand its global presence.

"We are delighted to join the BestCities Global Alliance," she said. "Through this platform, we aim to further enhance our visibility, exchange expertise, and continue elevating Kigali as a competitive destination for global business events." said Janet Karemera, CEO of the Rwanda Convention Bureau.