Rwanda is ready to welcome Catholic communicators from around the world for the 2026 SIGNIS World Congress, with organizers saying preparations are in the final stages and assuring delegates that the country is safe for the global gathering.
Father Professor Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika, president of SIGNIS Africa and chairperson of the Africa Organising Committee for the congress, said teams have been working to ensure a successful event when it takes place in Kigali from Aug. 3-8, 2026.
“We are less than a month away from the SIGNIS World Congress, and I want to affirm that we have everything under control,” Ihejirika told Vatican News. “The Continental Organising Committee, as well as the Local Organising Committee in Kigali, have worked hard to ensure a successful congress.”
The congress will be held at the Sainte Famille Hotel in Kigali and will bring together Catholic communication professionals and guests from across the world.
Ihejirika said organizers have focused on key areas including accommodation, transportation, reception and logistics to ensure participants have a smooth experience from arrival.
“We are making sure that people who are coming will not have any problem at the airport,” he said, adding that invitation letters have been issued to SIGNIS members, Catholic communicators and other participants.
Addressing concerns over the Ebola virus disease outbreak in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, Ihejirika said organizers are in contact with Rwanda’s health authorities and that there are no reported Ebola cases in Rwanda.
“The Rwandan government has told us there is no cause for alarm regarding the disease,” he said. “Ebola has not entered Rwanda, and there is no cause for worry for anybody who is coming.”
Although registration officially closed June 30, organizers said they remain open to assisting participants who faced challenges completing the process because of travel arrangements or other circumstances.
Ihejirika said the congress is open to Catholic communicators worldwide, whether or not they are SIGNIS members.
The gathering will be held under the theme, “Digital Communication for Communion, Equity and Environmental Well-being.” Organizers have also secured travel discounts with RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways, offering participants a 15% fare reduction through promotional codes.
SIGNIS is the World Catholic Association for Communication, bringing together Catholic media professionals, educators and communication organizations globally.
