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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
27 February 2025
Amsterdam

ICCA Announces Expansion of ICCASkills Programme
with Launch of Education Hub in Rwanda

ICCA is excited to announce the launch of a new ICCASkills Hub in Kigali, Rwanda's capital city. The expansion of the ICCASkills programme in the African region supports the enhancement of global capacity-building and brings together industry providers and local authorities. 

In partnership with official hosts the Rwanda Convention Bureau and Rwanda Events Group Ltd., ICCA will offer two ICCASkills classes in 2025. The launch underscores Rwanda’s commitment to developing talent and strengthening its position as a leading business events destination in Africa. 

ICCASkills is a globally recognised certification programme, created by ICCA and industry experts, designed to elevate the skills and expertise of business events professionals. ICCASkills is engaging and interactive with real-world perspective which bridges theory and practice with hands-on professional development. 

Rwanda is a hub for professional development in Africa, making it an ideal location for the ICCASkills initiative for upskilling and developing the regional workforce for the business events industry. 

Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA: 

“ICCASkills has proven to be a successful programme for the meetings and events community, and we're thrilled to expand our educational offerings to the African region. We look forward to working with the many business events professionals in Rwanda and beyond to upskill and provide valuable resources to our colleagues in the space."

Janet Karemera, CEO, Rwanda Convention Bureau:
"ICCASkills is a globally recognized certification program that equips the workforce in the Events & Meetings sector with industry-relevant expertise. By investing in professional development through ICCASkills, we're not just building individual careers – we're strengthening Rwanda's position as Africa's premier MICE destination. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of creating a knowledge-based economy while showcasing Rwanda's capabilities in hosting major international events."

Christian Gakwaya, CEO, Rwanda Events Group:
"By hosting the ICCASkills Hub Africa, Rwanda is leading a pioneering effort to advance the professional MICE industry across the continent. At Rwanda Events, we are honored to be part of this initiative, which aligns with our dedication to equipping young professionals with world-class knowledge, ensuring their continued relevance in an ever-evolving industry. This initiative also builds on the success of our in-house events academy, which has already demonstrated a remarkable impact on our workforce."

Janet Karemera, CEO, Rwanda Convention Bureau and Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA.

- Ends -

For more information or media enquiries, please contact Claudia.b@iccaworld.org  

NOTES TO EDITOR:

About ICCA

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is a global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry. Founded in 1963, ICCA specialises in the international association and governmental meetings sector, offering unrivalled data, education, and communication channels, as well as business development and networking opportunities. Today, ICCA is one of the most prominent organisations in –  and advocates for –   the world of international meetings. Initiatives such as the ICCA Association Community offers associations across the world education, connections, tools, and resources to help them organise more effective and successful meetings with the global network of ICCA member suppliers.  

 About the Rwanda Convention Bureau 

The Rwanda Convention Bureau represents the best interests of Rwanda’s MICE industry stakeholders and offers free impartial advice, guidance and support to international event planners and buyers, incentive, association and convention organisers through every stage of planning.

About Rwanda Events Group Ltd

Rwanda Events Group is a leading, value-driven company specializing in event management and production. Established in 2009, the company has grown into a world-class service provider, working with governments, multinational corporations, and international organizations. Beyond its core services, the company is dedicated to mentoring young professionals, empowering them to reach their full potential in the events sector by creating opportunities and fostering education.

 
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