The world’s leading association for international business events has confirmed that its flagship annual congress will travel to Africa and the Middle East over the next two years, marking a strategic shift in where global meetings are held and who they are for.
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) announces that its 66th Congress will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 24–27 October 2027, followed by the 67th Congress in Muscat, Oman, from 12–15 November 2028. The decision positions both cities as emerging hubs for global business travel, at a time when destinations outside traditional conference capitals are gaining influence.
ICCA selects host destinations for its annual congress with a deliberate focus on regional balance and long-term impact. By choosing Kigali and Muscat, the organisation reinforces its commitment to rotating its most influential event across continents, while supporting destinations that are actively investing in meetings infrastructure and international visibility.
Each ICCA Congress brings together senior leaders from associations, destinations, and the global meetings industry, acting as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business development. The congress is also seen as a catalyst event, often accelerating a host city’s profile within the international meetings and incentives market.
“ICCA is delighted to bring our Congress to Kigali in 2027 and Muscat in 2028,” said Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA. “Both destinations exemplify the ambition, creativity, and commitment to excellence that define the global business events community.”
He added that the congresses will “provide powerful platforms for collaboration, transformation, business opportunities for members and shared growth,” underlining ICCA’s intent to use the event as a driver of industry-wide progress.
Kigali’s milestone moment for Africa
The Kigali congress marks the first time in 20 years that the ICCA Congress returns to Africa, a move widely viewed as a recognition of the continent’s growing role in the global meetings industry. Hosted in Rwanda’s capital, the event will bring together representatives from across Africa alongside international association leaders, with a focus on growth strategies, capacity building, and long-term competitiveness.
Kigali has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most forward-looking conference destinations, supported by modern venues, efficient logistics, and a strong emphasis on sustainability. Over the past decade, Rwanda has positioned meetings and events as a pillar of its tourism and economic development strategy, using international conferences to showcase both national capability and regional opportunity.
“It is a great honour for Rwanda to host the ICCA Congress and to welcome the global association community back to Africa for the first time in twenty years,” said Janet Karemera, CEO of the Rwanda Convention Bureau. She described the congress as “a historic occasion” that reflects Africa’s growing prominence within the international meetings and incentives sector.
Karemera said the event offers “an important opportunity to offer distinguished experiences and to present, not only Rwanda’s capabilities but also the collective strength and potential of our regional partners.” For African destinations, the congress is expected to act as a springboard for increased collaboration and visibility on the global stage.
Muscat as a bridge between regions
One year later, ICCA will bring its global community to Muscat, positioning the Omani capital as a meeting point between Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The 2028 congress will focus on community-building and cross-regional cooperation, reflecting Oman’s strategic location and growing profile in international business travel.
Muscat combines cultural heritage with expanding meetings infrastructure and a hospitality sector geared toward international audiences. ICCA describes the destination as an example of how cities can serve as bridges between markets and ideas, particularly as the meetings industry looks beyond established hubs.
The Muscat congress will emphasise shared responsibility and sustainable growth, aligning with wider industry conversations around inclusivity, environmental impact, and long-term value. For Oman, hosting the ICCA Congress is expected to strengthen its reputation as a serious contender in the global meetings market.
As ICCA continues to shape dialogue within the international business events industry, the decision to host consecutive congresses in Africa and the Middle East reflects a broader shift in how global travel, trade, and professional exchange are evolving. Kigali and Muscat are not only venues for meetings, but symbols of where the next chapter of global business travel is being written.
