Rwanda's ascent as an influential hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) has been remarkable.

The country’s transformational journey took shape in 2017, and continues to flourish, firmly establishing Rwanda as a premier MICE destination in Africa.

Since its inauguration in 2016, the Kigali Convention Centre has not only set new standards in the region but has also significantly boosted Rwanda's tourism industry. It stands as an architectural marvel that seamlessly blends modernity with Rwandan heritage. This unique venue, with its multifaceted design, symbolizes the country's cultural roots and its forward-looking aspirations.

The advent of the Kigali Convention Centre has not only transformed Rwanda's event landscape but has also become a catalyst for boosting tourism in the region.

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), a global meeting industry network, recognized Rwanda's ascent on the MICE stage. In their 2022 rankings, Rwanda secured second position as the most popular destination for international conferences and events in Africa, just behind Cape Town, South Africa.

These rankings are based on the number of MICE association meetings held regularly and rotating between at least three different countries, each with at least 50 participants.

In 2017, Rwanda hosted a series of major conferences that set the stage for its future success in this industry.

The International Conference on Plant Genetic Resources gathered participants representing signatories to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The conference aimed to discuss achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly targets 2.5 and 15.6, under the theme, 'The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Role of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.'

Beyond that, Rwanda hosted a preparatory meeting for the 2017 UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Conference. The event brought together over 100 participants to discuss critical topics like "Protecting those at Risk" and "Early Warning and Rapid Deployment." Delegates explored gender perspectives in peacekeeping and progress in establishing a UN rapid deployment capability.

The African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) Conference brought together cancer specialists from across the continent to address the impact of cancer in Africa. It served as a platform for sharing research and expertise in cancer management and research.

Rwanda also hosted the fifth East Africa International Arbitration Conference, which explored linkages between international arbitration and Africa's economy. This event aimed to promote international arbitration and its role in African economic development.

The year 2017 showcased Rwanda as a hub for global health events, including the Medical Instrument Trade Conference, the Global Fund Board Meeting, and the Africa Organization for Research and Training in Cancer conference.

Rwanda emerged as a capable host for international meetings and exhibitions, highlighting its potential as a destination for such events.

The Youth Engagement in Global Health initiative emphasized the need for increased youth involvement in global health decision-making, echoing the voices of organizations like the International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation (IPSF) and the International Federation of Medical Students' Association (IFMSA).

Furthermore, the Aviation Africa 2017 conference, hosted at the Kigali Convention Center, brought together aviation players from Africa and beyond. It focused on the potential and challenges of the aviation sector on the continent, with a special emphasis on Rwanda's growing aviation industry.

In addition, the Africa Engineering Conference 2017, held under the theme "Effective Waste Management in Africa," showcased Rwanda's commitment to sustainable development and effective waste management practices.

The fifth International Conference on Big Data for Official Statistics also marked a significant event in Rwanda's journey to become a MICE destination.

These events, held in 2017, set the stage for Rwanda's rise in the MICE industry, and the subsequent years have only seen the country's star shine even brighter.