By Mahider Tadesse
One of the most important factors in organizing an international conference is the location. You need somewhere that is up to date with technology and has good connectivity, but also has the allure of an interesting destination. Rwanda is a top destination that comes to mind when planning an event in Africa. Kigali is one of the most popular destinations for events in Africa and was ranked 2nd in popularity for African destinations by the International Congress and Convention Association.
International Connectivity
The national airline RwandAir flies to over 30 destinations and the network is growing. You can get a direct flight to Kigali from Capetown, New York, London, Brussels, and Mumbai, as a few examples of major cities connected to Rwanda. Other major airlines that fly to Kigali International Airport include KLM, Qatar, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenyan Airlines.
Entry Visas
Visiting Rwanda is easier than you think. There is an open visa system in place so there is no need to go through a complex group application. On arrival in Kigali International Airport, everyone is issued a visa for the duration of their stay. Rwanda has a single-entry conference visa for delegates, and you simply need a valid passport to enter the country. It is issued for attending business meetings and conferences. A valid passport for at least 6 months from the entry date is required upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. COVID-19 is a major factor with international travel. As with many other countries, all visitors to Rwanda must present a negative covid test on arrival. International travelers should also consult their country’s policy on COVID-19 restrictions, as the guidelines constantly change as the pandemic is managed.
The Conference Venues
When it comes to meeting venues, Kigali has some of the best facilities for conferences and events in Africa. The Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Center is one of the best conference facilities in Rwanda. Kigali is home to several state-of-the-art hotels and event venues that are ideal for meetings, networking events, and guest accommodation. Many are located in glamorous settings making them ideal for a hosted party and a place to stay. For meeting venues, Kigali Marriott and the Kigali Serena Hotel have suitable conference rooms besides guest accommodations. Other Kigali venues such as the Intare Conference Arena have meeting rooms and facilities for networking. All Kigali venues have access to good internet connections.
International Safety
Safety and security are vital factors when organizing an international convention. Kigali is generally regarded as a safe city. As with most major international destinations, any precautions and travel advice relevant at the time of travel must be followed. All the main conference venues have robust security arrangements in place to ensure the safety of guests, as do all the major hotels in Rwanda.
International Business Opportunities and Networking
The World Bank ranks Rwanda 38th globally for ease of doing business, creating a range of opportunities for your business. There are significant investment opportunities in infrastructure such as rail networks and also in technology. Farming makes up a significant part of the Rwandan economy so there are trade opportunities in this sector as well. Organized visits can be arranged to relevant businesses and communities of interest to delegates. Rwanda has also emerged from a tragic situation in recent years and has significant expertise in rebuilding their nation, which is relevant as global nations emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. With all these opportunities in Rwanda, Kigali is an ideal destination for an international conference.
Downtime Opportunities
The opportunities to see more of the country are one of the exciting aspects of any international conference. Rwanda has many attractions that can be added in a few days after a conference. There are wildlife safaris such as the world-famous Volcanoes National Park where you are able to see mountain gorillas or get the chance to spot the Big Five at Akagera. Visitors can also relaxon one of Lake Kivu’s beaches or go hiking or cycling in the area. There are agritourism opportunities too, such as visiting a coffee farm. Whether it is getting to know more about the Rwandan culture or seeing its natural attractions, there are many good reasons to stay longer in Rwanda.
Kigali is an exciting destination for an international conference that will inspire and enthuse your delegates. Organizing a conference in one of East Africa’s most vibrant cities will bring new international business networking opportunities and the chance to visit one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Questions?
Are you planning an event in Kigali? Let us help you! Hallpax has destination experts who are dedicated to making your event planning process enjoyable and stress-free. We are passionate about the cities we work with, and with our in-person presence in Africa, we help our clients navigate their cities of choice with ease.
