The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has disclosed in a new report that Nigeria is Africa’s 14th most popular destination for important meetings in 2023.

The 2023 ICCA Business Analytics Country and City Rankings report was released on May 13, 2024.

According to ICCA, their research team reviewed all submissions by members, resulting in a report that includes more than 10,000 meetings that took place in calendar year 2023

The ranking showed that Nigeria came 14th while South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya and Egypt were listed as top four destinations for meetings in terms of geographical ranking.

The ICCA however added that while geographical divisions serve administrative purposes, they may not always align with the collective interests and potential of regions.

Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, also stated that the report indicated the bidding processes embarked upon by relevant stakeholders.

He continued that international meetings and events can bring positive outcomes globally, and ICCA looks forward to continue being an agent of change.

Gopinath said: “Our research team has performed exceptionally in compiling this comprehensive data. It’s a cornerstone for our association, providing invaluable insights that empower our members and enhance our community’s strategic positioning.

“Because association meetings are planned over the long term, preparations for congresses and conventions occur many months and years ahead of the selected date of the event.

“A great deal of planning goes into site selection, choice of vendors, and many other aspects of laying the groundwork for events.

“The meetings held in 2023 were the result of bidding processes that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic.”