The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) has announced the return of the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) as a Destination Partner, further strengthening its global network of leading convention bureaux working in collaboration with IAPCO and its accredited Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs).
Rwanda’s rejoining the IAPCO Destination Partner community signals a renewed commitment to international collaboration and the continued advancement of the meetings and events sector across Africa.
The partnership reflects IAPCO’s belief that strong collaboration between destinations and PCOs is essential to attracting and successfully delivering high-value international meetings and events. By aligning convention bureaux with accredited PCOs, destinations can enhance bid competitiveness, access global networks and unlock long-term economic legacy.
Strategically located in the heart of Africa, Rwanda has rapidly established itself as a leading meetings destination, ranked third in Africa, with Kigali ranked second, according to ICCA 2024. With strong international connectivity and a proven track record of hosting high-profile global events, Rwanda offers a compelling and accessible destination for international congresses.
Reflecting on the renewed partnership, Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rwanda Convention Bureau back to the IAPCO Destination Partner community. Rwanda continues to demonstrate strong ambition and capability as a global meetings destination, and its re-engagement with IAPCO reinforces the importance of collaboration in strengthening the international meetings ecosystem.
“By reconnecting with our global network, Rwanda is well positioned to expand its global reach, support its local PCO community, and contribute to the continued advancement of professional congress organisations across the region,” said Lignou.
Janet Karemera, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Convention Bureau, added: “The Rwanda Convention Bureau is thrilled to rejoin IAPCO’s partnership programme, a platform that has been instrumental in promoting Rwanda to the global meetings and events community. This partnership not only strengthens our connections with planners around the world but also opens up meaningful opportunities for our local Professional Conference Organisers and industry stakeholders to grow, learn and share in global best practice.
“Being part of the IAPCO community reflects our commitment to delivering world-class experiences for organisers and delegates, and to strengthen Rwanda’s position within the international business events industry,” said Karemera.
Supporting organisations at every stage of the event journey, the Rwanda Convention Bureau plays a key role in enabling successful international congress delivery. This renewed partnership will further elevate Rwanda’s global profile while attracting business events that generate long-term economic value and knowledge exchange.
Established in 2013, the IAPCO Destination Partnership Programme brings together leading convention bureaux from around the world, each contributing distinct expertise and capabilities that drive progress across the global meetings and business events industry.
