Rwanda Podium -

RWANDA ALL SET TO HOST SIGNIS WORLD CONGRESS 2026 FROM AUG 3 - 8

Kigali, Rwanda, will host the SIGNIS World Congress 2026, from August 3 to 8, marking a historic milestone for the World Catholic Association for Communication: for the first time in its history, the event will be held on African soil, under the theme: Digital Communication for Cultural Harmony and Environmental Wellbeing.

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By MANZI

On Saturday 11 July 2026

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The congress brings together SIGNIS members from all its regions, journalists, producers, filmmakers, digital communicators, researchers and academics, ecclesiastical authorities, and media specialists interested in the challenges of contemporary communication.

The gathering is shaping up as a significant platform for journalism and communication of Christian inspiration on a global scale, at a time when Catholic media face the challenge of adapting to digital environments without losing their evangelizing mission and their commitment to social justice.

About preparations

Father Professor Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika, SIGNIS Africa President and Chairperson of the Africa Organising Committee for the SIGNIS World Congress to be held in Kigali, says the continent is ready to welcome delegates and guests.

Asked about the Ebola Virus Disease that broke out in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country that shares a border with Rwanda, Father Walter allayed fears, saying that the Local Organising Committee was in constant touch with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health Officials. The status is that there is no Ebola in Rwanda.

Last-minute registrations

Although official registration has closed, organisers say, they do not wish to turn anyone away. “If anyone has not registered, and yes, we indicated that registration closed on the 30 June, we know that there are people who may have had details to sort out or faced travel challenges, for example, permission from work, etc. We have made provisions for last-minute registrations. To such people, we say, reach out to us so that we can see how to accommodate your situation. Reach out to us through this contact: info@signiscongresskigali2026.rw or phone the Congress Admin Secretary – Mr Daniel: +250 789 061 605,” affirmed Father Walter. He then added, “The SIGNIS World Congress is open to all Catholic communicators worldwide since SIGNIS is a body for all Catholic Communication professionals whether they are SIGNIS members or not.”

"The website for the Congress has been up and running, and it has helped in the registration of Catholic Communicators intending to participate in the Congress", said Father Walter.

Vatican officials in Kigali

Expected in Kigali for the Congress, apart from Catholic communicators, are some Cardinals and Archbishops from the African continent, senior Vatican clerics and officials of the Holy See, EWTN, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, CRS, the American Bible Society, and many other Catholic organisations and partners.

About SIGNIS

SIGNIS is the World Catholic Association for Communication. It is an international non-governmental organisation that unites professionals from over 100 countries in radio, television, cinema, journalism, and the internet.

The first SIGNIS Congress was held in Rome in 2001, marking the official beginning of the new organization. Since then, congresses have been held in various locations around the world, including Rome (2005), Chiang Mai (2009), Rome (2014), Quebec (2017), and Seoul (2022).