ICCA sharpens Africa focus – Kigali to host 2027 Congress
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is intensifying its engagement in Africa, positioning the continent as a strategic pillar of the global meetings industry. Speaking at Meetings Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, CEO Dr Senthil Gopinath set out a purpose‑driven, capability‑led plan centred on ecosystem development, skills and stakeholder engagement, with Rwanda confirmed to host the ICCA Congress in 2027 – a signal of Africa’s rising stature.
ICCA’s approach prioritises destination development over membership growth, supporting new convention bureaux, infrastructure expansion and knowledge transfer across the continent. While Africa accounts for around 4% of global business events, it is among the fastest‑growing regions, with more than 25% growth in participation and engagement in recent years, and a three‑year plan in place through 2028. Meetings Africa’s economic impact has also strengthened, with South Africa reporting an increase from R371 million in 2023 to R690 million in 2025 and more than 2,600 jobs sustained – underlining business events as economic infrastructure.
Source: VoyagesAfriq
