Must-Visit Cities for International Africa Conference Guests

Africa’s dynamic cities are increasingly becoming hubs for international conferences, offering state-of-the-art facilities, rich cultural experiences, and strategic locations. For delegates attending events on the continent, certain cities stand out as must-visit destinations.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has solidified its position as Africa’s premier destination for international meetings. According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) GlobeWatch 2024 Business Analytics Report, the city hosted 58 international association meetings in 2024, accounting for 60% of such events in South Africa that year. This achievement propelled Cape Town 15 places up the global rankings to 35th, placing it among the world’s top 10 cities for average attendance per event, with 717 delegates per meeting. (zawya.com)

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is central to this success. Since its opening in 2003, the CTICC has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the 2023 Netball World Cup. Its strategic location in the city’s central business district, combined with world-class facilities, makes it a preferred choice for event organizers. (en.wikipedia.org)

Kigali, Rwanda

Kigali has emerged as a leading destination for international conferences in Africa. The ICCA ranked Kigali as the second most popular city for hosting international meetings and events in Africa, a position it has maintained for five consecutive years. In 2024, Rwanda welcomed over 52,000 delegates attending conferences and events, generating more than $84.8 million in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) revenues. (allafrica.com)

The city’s success is attributed to factors such as Rwanda’s visa-on-arrival policy for all nationalities and the expanding network of RwandAir. Kigali boasts several leading MICE venues, including the Kigali Convention Centre, BK Arena, Amahoro Stadium, and Intare Conference Arena, all equipped to host large-scale conferences and events.

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi has made significant strides in the conference tourism sector. In 2023, Kenya was ranked third in Africa for conference tourism, hosting 21 rotational association conferences. On the city ranking, Nairobi secured the third position in Africa, following Cape Town and Kigali. (the-star.co.ke)

The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is a landmark venue in Nairobi. This 32-story building, located in the city’s central business district, is equipped with facilities to host large international meetings, exhibitions, and grand balls, accommodating up to 5,000 people. (en.wikipedia.org)

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Abidjan has positioned itself as a key player in West Africa’s conference tourism landscape. The Abidjan Exhibition Centre, inaugurated in July 2023, is the largest exhibition center in West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Located near the Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport, the complex includes a large exhibition hall, a 5,000-seat convention center, and various outdoor facilities, making it an attractive venue for international events. (en.wikipedia.org)

Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha is renowned for hosting significant international conferences, particularly those related to East African affairs. The Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) is the leading conference venue in Tanzania, offering 10 meeting rooms that cater to conferences, workshops, seminars, and committee meetings, with a seating capacity ranging from 10 to 1,000 delegates. The AICC has hosted notable tenants, including the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the East African Community. (en.wikipedia.org)

Lilongwe, Malawi

Lilongwe has emerged as a notable destination for international conferences in Southern Africa. The Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC), opened in 2015, has hosted several international conferences, political summits, and music concerts. The conference center includes a square event space with a capacity of 5,000, multiple halls, and boardrooms, making it suitable for a variety of events. (en.wikipedia.org)

These cities exemplify Africa’s growing prominence in the global conference tourism sector. Their commitment to providing top-tier facilities, coupled with rich cultural experiences, makes them must-visit destinations for international conference attendees.