1. When does ACT Expo 2026 take place and where exactly?

The Africa Coffee & Tea Expo 2026 runs July 8–10, 2026 at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) on Highway KN5, Kigali, Rwanda. The Convention Centre is located approximately 6 km from Kigali International Airport, a 9–15 minute taxi ride. Daily opening hours for 2026 have not yet been published on the official website; the 2025 edition ran across two full conference days with morning and afternoon sessions. Check africacoffeeteaexpo.com and act.events.rw for schedule updates as the event approaches.

2. How much do tickets cost and where can I buy them?

Ticket and delegate registration pricing for the 2026 edition had not been published at the time of writing; the 2025 edition processed all delegate registrations through act.events.rw. For hosted buyers, international importers and roasters who qualify for the VIP program, registration is complimentary and includes flights and accommodation arranged by the organizers. Standard exhibitor and delegate pricing is expected to be posted on the official website several months before the July event. Monitor africacoffeeteaexpo.com for announcements.

3. What days are best for professional networking versus general attendance?

ACT Expo is a trade-focused B2B event, not a public consumer fair. All three days are structured around professional engagement. Day one (July 8) is typically the most intensive for hosted buyer meetings, as pre-scheduled B2B appointment blocks begin immediately. Days two and three transition toward open-floor exhibitor visits, panel sessions, and the barista and tea sommelier competition finals. If you are attending to conduct sourcing meetings, register for the hosted buyer program and schedule your appointments before arrival.

4. How do I get from Kigali Airport (KGL) to Kigali Convention Centre?

Kigali International Airport (KGL) is approximately 6 km from the Convention Centre. Taxis are available 24 hours at the KGL arrivals hall; fares are negotiated before you enter the vehicle and typically run $9–12 USD for this route, with a journey time of 9–15 minutes. Official airport taxi rates begin at RWF 2,500 for the first kilometer and RWF 600 per additional kilometer. The Radisson Blu Hotel, which is on-site at the Convention Centre, also offers an airport shuttle at $25 USD per person one-way, bookable through the hotel directly. The city bus network (Tap&Go) is available but requires a transit card and a short walk from the nearest stop.

5. What language is spoken at ACT Expo and how should I prepare?

The official working language of ACT Expo is English, which is also one of Rwanda's four official languages alongside Kinyarwanda, French, and Swahili. All panel sessions, B2B matchmaking, and official communications are conducted in English. However, a significant portion of West and Central African participants and buyers communicate primarily in French, and East African producers may conduct side conversations in Swahili. Bringing bilingual English-French business materials is strongly recommended. If you are presenting at a panel or exhibiting for a non-Anglophone buyer audience, consider having your product sheets and company profile translated into French before arrival.

6. How do I register as an exhibitor or apply for the hosted buyer program?

Exhibitor applications are submitted through the official website at africacoffeeteaexpo.com under the "Exhibitors" section. Exhibitors are typically African coffee and tea producers, cooperatives, processors, equipment suppliers, and packaging companies. The Hosted Buyer Program targets international importers, roasters, retail buyers, and investment funds sourcing African origins; qualifying buyers receive complimentary flights, accommodation, and a pre-arranged meeting schedule. Hosted buyer applications are submitted through act.events.rw. Both programs open several months before the event, so early application is recommended as the hosted buyer slots are limited and allocated based on buyer profile and market match.