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The 8 Best African Countries To Stage An International Conference

International Conferences In Africa: Which Are The 8 Best African Countries To Stage One?

Africa has emerged as an increasingly popular destination for international conferences due to its diverse and growing economies, modern infrastructure and unique cultural experiences.

Whether it’s large-scale international summits or industry-specific conferences, the continent offers a wide variety of attractive locations with excellent facilities, reliable connectivity, and vibrant tourism sectors.

But of all the countries on the continent, there are 8 in particular that have risen to prominence in staging world class international conferences, thanks to a unique juxtaposition of culture, technical excellence, hospitality, attractive venues and business opportunities.

These are the 8 best African countries to stage an international conference.

 

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1. Rwanda

Rwanda realized the opportunity to establish itself as the dominant meetings and conference venue in Africa and has been investing in this sector for over 10 years.

Kigali now boasts East Africa’s biggest indoor venue, the Kigali Arena, a massive 10,000 seater complex.

The mushrooming of new infrastructure over the last 6 years has accelerated this objective. The authorities are pumping in funds to expand the national airline RwandAir and are currently building a new airport on the outskirts of the capital.

In less than a decade, the small landlocked nation has established itself as the destination for conferences, sports tournaments and other events, billing itself as “Africa’s Singapore” in a bid to boost business and the economy.

Senegalese agricultural expert, Ghislain Kanfany told AFP, “Rwanda is one of the most stable countries in East Africa… So, people feel comfortable and safe when they come to these kinds of meetings.”

One of the most attractive incentives for conference planners is the relatively low levels of bureaucracy. No need to secure tons of licenses and pay bribes to the who’s who.

The absence of red tape makes it a joy to plan a conference.

Prior to the pandemic, Kigali was only second to Cape Town in terms of the number of events hosted on African soil.

Hotel owners have also sensed an opportunity with major international hotel chains setting up shop next to the convention center.

Ultra luxurious staycation facilities like the One&Only Nyungwe lodge also offer upper class travelers a world of luxury destination holiday options.

Why Rwanda is an Attractive Conference Destination:

• Kigali Convention Centre (KCC): One of Africa’s most modern conference centers, the KCC is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and has the capacity to host over 2,500 delegates. It also has connected 5-star accommodations with the Radisson Blu Hotel, offering seamless services for event attendees.
• Safety and Political Stability: Rwanda is known for being one of the safest and most politically stable countries in Africa. This peace and security provide a stress-free environment for conference organizers and attendees alike.
• Cleanliness and Sustainability: Kigali has been named the cleanest city in Africa, thanks to the government’s focus on environmental sustainability, including the ban on plastic bags and the monthly national community cleanup day known as Umuganda.
• Visa on Arrival: Rwanda offers a straightforward visa-on-arrival policy for all nationalities, simplifying the travel process for international attendees.
• Eco-Tourism: Conference participants can explore Rwanda’s natural beauty, including the famous mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, making it easy to blend business with leisure.

 

 

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2. South Africa

Johannesburg reigns as one of the best conference venues in South Africa, although Durban and Cape Town are rapidly challenging Jo’burg’s bragging rights.

Jo’burg has long been a favorite destination for international conferences, thanks to its world-class infrastructure, diverse cities, and strong tourism sector.

There are several breathtaking venues to stage a conference in Johannesburg. Some venues stand out with their impeccable style, elegance and sophistication.

These venues include:

• Cape Town International Convention Center
• Thaba Eco Hotel
• Solstice Venue
• Hilton Sandton
• Indaba Hotel
• The Houghton Hotel
• Century City conference
• Birchwood Hotel and the
• Sandton Convention Center

 

Why South Africa is an Attractive Conference Destination:

• World-Class Venues: South Africa offers some of the best conference venues on the continent, including the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. These venues offer cutting-edge facilities, adaptable meeting spaces, and excellent catering and hospitality services.
• Accessibility: South Africa is well-connected to international cities via Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, Africa’s busiest airport, which serves as a gateway to other parts of the continent and the world.
• Diverse Tourism Opportunities: Conference delegates have the opportunity to explore iconic destinations such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Kruger National Park. South Africa’s rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning landscapes make it an ideal destination for combining business and pleasure.
• Robust ICT and Infrastructure: South Africa is a leader in ICT infrastructure in Africa, with reliable high-speed internet and digital services making it easy to host hybrid and virtual events.
• Proven Track Record: South Africa has successfully hosted numerous international conferences and summits, including the World Economic Forum and the International AIDS Conference.

 

 

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3. Kenya

At the time of writing this article, there are 220 hotels and 27 hotel chains in Nairobi.

One of the reasons behind that is Nairobi’s unique positioning as a business hub and one of the leading East African economies. Thus, lots of hotel chains are capitalizing on the meetings, incentives and conferences sector.

In fact, it’s next to impossible to book a conference in one of the top ranked hotels unless you book 2 months in advance.

Some of the top venues for business conferences in Nairobi include Nairobi Serena, Radisson Blu, Upper Hill and the Villa Rosa Kempinski.

As a testament to the city’s growing position as an attractive MICE destination, JW Marriott recently opened doors in Nairobi.

JW Marriott brings a new level of luxury to the city. The iconic hotel is nested in the tallest
twin tower complex in the city – the GTC Trade Center – offering tranquil views of the Karura forest on one side, the plush Riverside upper class neighborhood on the other and the city skyline on the other side.
The hotel features 315 luxurious guest rooms, 51 serviced apartments, outstanding event and business facilities, carefully curated restaurants and sound-treated meeting rooms.

Not only is Nairobi is attractive, it boasts some of the best conference planners on the continent. Conferencing In A Box is one example of a conference planning agency that always exceeds client expectations.

Delegates have been left amazed by exceptionally high standards in planning, execution and implementation by this agency.

And this is why organizations constantly return to Nairobi.

Kenya played host to two internationally acclaimed conferences in 2023 – the Africa Energy Forum and the Climate Action Week.

Both conferences attracted over 21 Heads of State and over 15000 delegates from around the world. The Africa Energy Forum in June explored various global themes around clean and renewable energy sources while the September edition of the Climate Action Week continued that thought with discussions of actionable strategies, governance and policies to protect our resources and push for climate preservation and control.

Running concurrently with the Climate Action Week was the Climate Action Zone, organized by the Alliance For Science, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill.

The conversations held here by top African and European leaders were about implementing actionable and sustainable climate preservation goals.

Why Kenya Is An Attractive Conference Destination:

• Nairobi’s Conference Facilities: Nairobi is home to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), which can accommodate up to 5,000 delegates. The city also boasts a variety of hotels with conference facilities, such as the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sarova Stanley, and Villa Rosa Kempinski.
• UN Headquarters: Nairobi is home to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) headquarters, making it a natural hub for global organizations and international diplomacy. This attracts numerous UN and intergovernmental meetings to the city.
• Strong Connectivity: Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a key regional hub, offering direct flights to major cities in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
• Safari and Nature Experiences: Kenya offers conference attendees the opportunity to experience unique post-event excursions, such as safaris in the Maasai Mara or visits to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Giraffe Centre in Nairobi.
• Growing Economy and Innovation: Kenya is a leader in tech innovation, particularly with Nairobi’s booming tech scene, often referred to as the “Silicon Savannah.” This makes it an ideal destination for conferences focused on innovation, technology, and business.

 

 

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4. Morocco

Believe it or not, Morocco is the most visited country in Africa, with over 13 million tourists traveling to the nation in 2023.

Morocco is the perfect destination for a family vacation, educational travel, student travel, and yes… international conferences.

It boasts surreal landscapes like the Todra Gorge, the Atlas Mountains and the dunes of the Sahara Desert.

This is one of the reasons that WCAworld will be holding its first ever conference in the North African region in Marrakech in 2024. The event is open to members of all WCAworld and affiliated networks and will attract over 550 delegates from around the world.

In fact, here are 12 fun facts about Morocco:

1. Morocco is bigger and more diverse than you think.
2. You can go skiing within 90 minutes of Marrakesh.
3. Morocco has two official languages
4. Tea culture is very important in Morocco.
5. Morocco is home to the world’s oldest university.
6. Morocco’s history and present as a melting pot is unmatched
7. Morocco has the second oldest ruling dynasty in the world.
8. Morocco has the largest film sets outside of Hollywood
9. Moroccan food and dining has a very specific etiquette.
10. Dates and argan oil are important exports for Morocco.
11. Morocco has had four capital cities in its history.
12. The national animal of Morocco is the Barbary lion

Why Morocco is an Attractive Conference Destination:

• Modern Conference Facilities: Marrakesh is home to the Palais des Congrès, a renowned conference venue capable of hosting large-scale international events. Casablanca and Rabat also offer modern facilities like the Casablanca International Exhibition and Conference Centre.
• Rich Cultural Experience: Conference delegates can explore Morocco’s fascinating mix of Arab, Berber, and European influences. Whether visiting the bustling medinas of Marrakesh or the historic city of Fes, the cultural immersion adds a unique dimension to conferences held in Morocco.
• Accessibility: Morocco’s proximity to Europe, with direct flights to cities like Paris, London, and Madrid, makes it an easily accessible destination. Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca serves as a key hub for international flights.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: From luxurious riads to high-end hotels, Morocco offers a wide range of accommodation choices for conference attendees, with world-class hospitality.
• Stability and Security: Morocco is one of the most politically stable countries in North Africa, with a strong tourism industry that ensures a safe and secure environment for international visitors.

 

 

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5. Egypt

Cairo and Alexandria in Egypt make for exciting conference destinations thanks to a rich history and vibrant economy.

Its strategic location to Asia, Europe and the rest of Africa lends to multiple opportunities in the MICE space.

Why Egypt is an Attractive Conference Destination:

• Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Centre (CICC): One of the largest conference venues in Africa, the CICC can host a variety of events, from small business meetings to large international conferences.
• Historical and Cultural Appeal: Egypt’s historical significance, with attractions like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Nile River, makes it an unforgettable location for conference attendees. Participants can explore ancient temples and museums, adding a cultural and historical dimension to their experience.
• Strategic Location: Egypt’s location at the intersection of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe makes it an ideal destination for global and regional meetings. Cairo International Airport is a major hub with direct connections to cities around the world.
• Proven Conference Hosting Capabilities: Egypt has a long history of hosting international conferences, including the African Development Bank Annual Meetings and COP27, proving its ability to manage large-scale international events.

 

 

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6. Ghana

Ghana is one of West Africa’s rising stars when it comes to hosting international conferences.

Known for its political stability, strong economy, and hospitality, Ghana offers an inviting environment for meetings and events, particularly in Accra, the capital.

Why Ghana is an Attractive Conference Destination:

• Accra International Conference Centre (AICC): The AICC is one of the top venues in West Africa, capable of hosting up to 6,000 delegates. The city also has a range of hotels with meeting and event spaces, such as the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City and the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel.
• Political Stability and Safety: Ghana is known for its democratic stability and peaceful environment, which are key factors in attracting international events.
• Growing Economy: Ghana is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, with an increasing focus on business tourism. The government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and fostering innovation makes it a strong contender for international conferences.
• Cultural and Historical Richness: Conference attendees can explore Ghana’s vibrant culture and history, including visits to sites like Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Warm Hospitality: Ghanaians are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, ensuring a pleasant experience for international visitors.

 

7. Uganda

Uganda is home to a vast number of species, including a population of mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorillas and golden monkeys in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and hippos in the Murchison Falls National Park. Jackfruit can also be found throughout the country.

The “Pearl of Africa” as its famously referred to, attracts thousands of people to visit for an authentic African safari hence making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a unique and authentic adventure.

But there is another reason why internationals are flocking to Uganda – conferences.

In 2023, Kampala hosted the 11th International Conference on Cryptococcus & Cryptococcosis (ICCC).

This year in October, it will play host to the International Conference on Mechanical, Materials and Renewable Energy, the World Congress on Information Technology and Computer Science, the International Conference on Bioinformatics, Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Computational Biology and the World Conference on Soil, Water, Energy and Air.

 

 

8. Tanzania

Arusha in the northern part of Tanzania has long been known as the conference capital of the country.

It boasts impressive 5-star and 4-star hotels and is almost always packed to capacity for a variety of regional and international conferences.

End a busy week with a quick hike to one of the tropical forests and visit the nearby game parks.

Tucked at the foot of the impressive Mount Meru, Arusha is a spectacle to behold with a ton of activities, restaurants, treks, nature trails into the lush green forests and gardens that surround the city.

Everywhere you go, you get impressive views of the mountain. The world’s leading hotel chains like Serena, Marriott have made their home in Arusha making it the business traveler’s destination of choice.

Dar es Salaam is not to be left behind. This is the other city of choice for international conferences.

The African Human Capital Heads of State Summit was held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention center (JNICC) in 2023.

The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) and the African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET) co-hosted a Think Tank knowledge sharing session on 24 July 2023 at the Africa Human Capital Heads of States Summit at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC).

This summit, hosted by the Government of Tanzania, focused on accelerating Africa’s economic growth through addressing learning poverty and skill gaps.

The African Humanities Conference 2023 was held in September at the University of Dar es Salaam.
And the ACCES 2023 music conference returned to Dar es Salaam from 9-11 November 2023.

ACCES, Music in Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases; is a pan-African trade show for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent and create business linkages. The program featured more than 40 top speakers from Africa and around the world who addressed key aspects of the local and global music industries, and in the process amplified knowledge and opportunities for players in the African music industry.

One of the key highlights was a keynote interview with South African musician and entrepreneur Sho Madjozi and Voice of America’s Heather Maxwell as well as a keynote by Tanzanian bongo fllava artist and producer Marioo.

This year, Dar also plays host to the NNN Conference 2024, organized by The Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) NGO Network.

The NTD is a global forum for NGOs to contribute to the global control, elimination, and management of consequences of NTDs outlined within the internationally agreed World Health Organization NTD Roadmap.

 

 

 

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Conclusion

Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Morocco, Egypt, and Ghana.

These are the 8 best African countries for international conferences.

They stand out due to their modern conference facilities, political stability, rich cultural experiences, and growing economies.

These countries provide not just the infrastructure required for successful events, but also unforgettable experiences that blend business with leisure.

When choosing a location for an international conference in Africa, event organizers have a wealth of options that can meet the needs of both large-scale global summits and smaller, specialized industry conferences.