Organisers say preparations are in their final stages, with confidence that the city is fully ready to welcome international delegates.
Father Professor Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika, President of SIGNIS Africa and Chairperson of the African organising committee, has emphasized that both continental and local teams have been working intensively to ensure a smooth and successful event.
The congress will be hosted at the Sainte Famille Hotel in central Kigali. The venue is expected to accommodate a wide range of activities, including plenary sessions, workshops, exhibitions, and networking forums designed to strengthen global Catholic communication networks.
One of the key priorities for organisers is logistics. Dedicated teams are handling airport reception, accommodation, transportation, and guest coordination.
According to Fr. Ihejirika, the goal is to ensure that participants 'experience a smooth arrival and leave with warm memories of Rwanda and its hospitality.'
Registration systems have also been active, and even though official registration closed on 30 June, last-minute participants are still being accommodated through direct contact with the organising committee.
Health and safety have also been part of the preparations. Concerns had been raised following an Ebola outbreak in neighbouring parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, organisers, working closely with Rwanda's Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, have reassured participants that Rwanda remains free of Ebola and that no travel alerts have been issued for the country. Authorities insist that there is no cause for alarm for those traveling to Kigali.
The 2026 congress is also expected to engage deeply with contemporary global issues. Its theme—'Digital communication for communion, equity, and environmental well-being'—aligns with recent Catholic reflections on technology and human dignity, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
A strong international presence is expected, including senior Vatican officials from Vatican City, cardinals, archbishops, and representatives from major Catholic organisations. These include EWTN, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Catholic Relief Services, and the American Bible Society, among others.
To ease travel, organisers have also negotiated discounted fares with major African carriers, including RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways. Delegates using these airlines will benefit from promotional codes offering up to 15% discounts.
Beyond formal sessions, the congress is expected to serve as a cultural exchange platform, showcasing Rwanda's identity, hospitality, and diversity. Organisers say participants will not only engage in professional dialogue but also experience African culture beyond global headlines.
As Kigali prepares for August, the SIGNIS World Congress stands out as both a professional milestone for Catholic communicators and a major international event positioning Rwanda as a hub for global dialogue on media, ethics, and digital transformation.
Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/what-to-know-about-the-signis-world-congress-coming-to-kigali/
