American
Higher Education Fair:
The HBCU Advantage
Kigali, Rwanda 2025!
Join The PANAFCON in Kigali, Rwanda, East Africa, November 8-9, 2025, as we host a transformative two-day university fair showcasing the unparalleled undergraduate & graduate educational and cultural opportunities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. This inaugural event will be the first of its kind to exclusively feature HBCUs in an in-person education fair held in East Africa. This is your gateway to connecting with ambitious, talented students from East Africa who are eager to embark on their academic journeys in the United States!
The HBCU Advantage
Why Should HBCUs Participate?
Participating in the American Higher Education Fair: The HBCU Advantage offers Historically Black Colleges and Universities like yours a strategic opportunity to engage with a burgeoning market of academically talented and motivated students eager to pursue higher education in the United States. Here’s why HBCUs should prioritize this event: Tap into a Dynamic Market: 1.) High Potential: An Emerging Hub for Talent - East Africa is characterized by a youthful demographic, with approximately 80% of its 146 million people under the age of 35. This significant youth population is increasingly seeking quality education opportunities abroad, particularly in the United States. 2.) Motivated and Talented Students - In the 2022-2023 academic year, there were more than 50,000 students from sub-Saharan Africa enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities, marking an 18% increase from the previous year. This upward trend reflects a growing pool of academically prepared and ambitious students from the region. 3.) Expand Global Connections - Engaging with educators, counselors, and institutions across East Africa enables your HBCU to establish a sustainable pipeline of qualified students and fosters international partnerships that can enhance academic and cultural exchange programs. Strategic Benefits for HBCUs: 1.) Elevate Brand Recognition on a Global Stage - HBCUs have a rich cultural heritage and a commitment to academic excellence that can resonate deeply with international students seeking a supportive and inclusive educational environment. Showcasing these unique attributes can enhance global awareness and appreciation of your institution. 2.) Diversify and Enhance Enrollment - International students constitute approximately 2.5% of the undergraduate population at HBCUs. By actively recruiting in East Africa, HBCUs can increase this percentage, enriching campus diversity and bringing global perspectives that benefit the entire student body. 3.) Create Immediate Impact Through Engagement - The fair provides a platform for HBCU representatives to conduct on-site admissions, interviews, and personalized presentations, facilitating immediate connections with prospective students and expediting the enrollment process for top candidates. 4. ) Invest in Long-Term Growth and Sustainability - Establishing and enhancing a presence in East Africa positions your HBCU to benefit from the region's growing demand for international education. Early engagement can lead to a steady influx of qualified students and the development of alumni networks that extend your HBCU’s global reach. Why This Matters to HBCUs • Economic and Social Impact: International students contribute significantly to campus economies and foster cross-cultural understanding, enhancing the educational experience for all students. • Competitive Advantage: As U.S. institutions increasingly focus on international recruitment, your HBCU has the opportunity to distinguish itself by establishing a foothold in emerging markets like East Africa, securing your position as a leader in global education. By participating in the American Higher Education Fair: The HBCU Advantage in Kigali, Rwanda in 2025, HBCUs can expand their global presence, attract a diverse and talented student body, and make a transformative impact on the lives of students seeking the unique educational experiences HBCUs offer.
Exhibition
Packages
Option 1: Standard Booth ($1,000) • Shared exhibition space in the main hall • 6’ table and chairs • Lunch and refreshments for 2 representatives on each fair day • Participation of 2 representatives • University logo in event materials and on the website • Opportunity to distribute promotional materials • Basic Multimedia Access: A digital display board for showcasing static images or basic PowerPoint presentations • Networking Opportunities: Access to shared networking areas and opportunities to engage with attendees during breaks _______________________________ Option 2: Premium Booth ($1,500) • Prime location with enhanced branding • Additional display options (e.g., banners, branded standees) • Lunch and refreshments for 2 representatives on each fair day • Participation of 2 representatives • Featured mention during the opening ceremony • Inclusion in the digital attendee guide • Advanced Multimedia Package: Screen/monitor for videos, media presentations, or interactive content (e.g., university campus tours, student testimonials) • Exclusive Social Media Shout-Outs: Recognized on the event’s social media platforms before and during the event • Expanded Networking Access: VIP access to meet-and-greet sessions with potential students and partners _______________________________ Option 3: Exclusive Room ($2,000) • Exclusive meeting room for personalized presentations • Advanced multimedia capabilities (e.g., projector, screen, sound system, interactive displays) • Lunch and refreshments for 4 representatives on each fair day • Participation of 4 representatives • Premium branding and recognition across event materials and at the venue • Custom Video Presentations: Ability to show high-quality video content, including virtual campus tours, interviews with faculty and students, or live-streamed sessions • Priority Scheduling: First choice for presentation times and opportunities for one-on-one student engagement • Exclusive Access to VIP Events: Invitations to exclusive VIP receptions or meet-ups with event organizers, dignitaries, and local education stakeholders
The Gateway To Africa! Why Kigali?
Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda is a magnificent country with an incredible story of overcoming the 1994 Genocide to become one of the world’s safest, cleanest, and most peaceful nations. With its vibrant capital city Kigali situated beautifully amongst hills and valleys in the center of the country, Rwanda is now noted for its cleanliness, safety, sound and progressive government and warm, welcoming, hospitable citizens. In addition to its beauty and safety, Kigali, Rwanda, offers a vibrant and diverse pool of students for HBCUs seeking to recruit both undergraduate and graduate candidates. The city's educational landscape is marked by a strong emphasis on quality education and regional inclusivity. Academic Recruiting in Rwanda • High School Graduates: As of the 2021/2022 academic year, Rwanda's upper secondary education enrolled approximately 260,000 students, with a significant concentration in Kigali. Distributed across various learning areas, with 38.3% in Sciences and 27% in Technical and Vocational Education and Training programs, these students are expected to graduate by 2026, becoming eligible for university admission. • Graduate-Level Candidates: Kigali's higher education institutions have recently produced a significant number of graduates across various disciplines, reflecting the city's commitment to academic excellence and workforce development. For instance, the University of Kigali recently graduated over 1,400 students, including 595 in Business and Economics, 257 in Computer Science and Technology, and 85 in Law. Such provides for a considerable recruitment opportunity for HBCUs seeking to enhance their graduate programs by adding international diversity to the programs’ student populations. • Regional Diversity: Kigali serves as an educational hub, attracting students from neighboring East African countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as from other African regions. This regional diversity enriches the student body, bringing a wide range of cultural perspectives and academic backgrounds.