Kigali, the Host City
The perfect stage for the 12th East African Petroleum Conference & Exhibition
Destination InfoKaribu Kigali. Welcome to Kigali. Bienvenue à Kigali
Cordial greetings from the East African Community Secretariat. On behalf of the East African Community (EAC), it is my great honour and pleasure to welcome you to the 12th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2027 (EAPCE’27), taking place from 9th to 11th March, 2027 at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Conference will provide an invaluable platform for high-level policy dialogue, technical discussions, investment promotion, exhibitions and business-to-business engagement. I invite delegates to explore opportunities across the upstream, midstream and downstream petroleum industries, while sharing experiences, innovations and best practices that will shape the future of the sector in East Africa.
Together, let us harness East Africa’s petroleum resources to strengthen energy security, drive economic growth and enhance our region’s global competitiveness.
It is with great honour that I extend a warm welcome to distinguished delegates, partners, and stakeholders to the 12th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2027 (EAPCE’27), to be hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, from the 9th to 11th March, 2027. I am pleased to reaffirm Rwanda’s commitment to the successful hosting of this important regional undertaking.
Rwanda is honoured to host the 12th edition of this auspicious regional petroleum event and remains firmly committed to providing a stable, efficient, and investor-oriented environment. As a destination with a proven record of convening world-class international gatherings, Kigali offers delegates a secure, welcoming, and well-connected setting in which to do business.
Kigali in March: what to know before you fly
Weather & packing
Kigali sits in the highlands, so days are warm and evenings cooler. March falls in the long rains: pack light layers, a compact umbrella and smart business wear. Bring field boots if you are joining an excursion.
Arriving
Fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL), served by RwandAir and major regional and international carriers. Delegates on the pre-conference excursions return to Kigali in time for the opening.
Visa on arrival
Free for citizens of the EAC, African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie. All other nationalities: $50 single-entry visa.
Health
Carry a yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country. Drink bottled water, and check malaria and vaccination advice with your doctor before you go.
Money
The currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF). Hotels and larger venues take cards, mobile money is widely used, and banks and forex bureaus exchange US dollars and other major currencies.
Getting around
Your registration includes transport between hotels and the conference venue. Elsewhere in the city, taxis, ride-hailing apps and motorbike taxis (moto) are easy to find.
Power & connectivity
Electricity is 230V, 50Hz with type C and J sockets, so bring an adaptor. 4G coverage is widely available and local SIM cards are easy to buy.
Safety & local rules
Kigali is known as one of Africa’s safest and cleanest cities. Single-use plastic bags are banned, so pack accordingly. In an emergency, dial 112 for the police.
Time & language
Rwanda runs on Central Africa Time (UTC+2). English, French, Kiswahili and Kinyarwanda are widely spoken, and English is used throughout the conference.