AMECEA: Africa to Host First-Ever SIGNIS World Congress in Rwanda
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
During the annual planning meeting for National Communication Coordinators from the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) held at Mariapolis Piero Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, participants from the conferences have been encouraged to prepare and begin registration for this first-ever event for the World Catholic Association for Communication (SIGNIS) on the African continent.
Addressing the coordinators, Sr. Adelaide Felicitus Ndilu highlighted that registration for the congress to be held in Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda will open from December 2025 to June 2026, with an online platform currently under development to ease the process. She encouraged communicators, institutions, and Church media houses to plan early in order to benefit from lower early-bird rates and secure accommodation in advance.
Being the first SIGNIS World Congress in Africa, Sr. Ndilu expressed that it is both an honour and a responsibility for Africa, saying: “Much is expected from us, especially here in East Africa, and therefore we are to mobilize people, register early, and ensure Africa’s strong presence and contribution in this global gathering.”
The SIGNIS World Congress, expected to host about 500 delegates, will run from August 3rd to 8th, under the theme “Digital Communication for Cultural Harmony and Environmental Well-Being.” Sr. Ndilu, a member of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), explained that the meeting will explore critical global and ecclesial issues.
The various sub-themes, she said, will include synodality as a model for peaceful coexistence, environmental communication inspired by Laudato Si’, gender equity in digital spaces, protecting children and youth online, and the transformative role of artificial intelligence in modern media environments.
The Kenyan nun noted that the delegates will bring together experts to examine challenges such as misinformation, deepfakes, online exploitation, and the growing digital divide. Additionally, other discussions will focus on strengthening digital discipleship and promoting media literacy as a tool for responsible communication in society.
Sr. Ndilu encouraged the communication coordinators to be part of these conversations, noting that their experience, creativity, and perspectives are instrumental in shaping global communication.
Currently, preparations for the event are underway, with committees already working on logistics, security, fundraising, communication, and coordination.
As one of the key moments of the congress, delegates will join the global Church in celebrating the 60th World Communications Day, with the theme “Preserving Human Voices and Faces.”
