Sister Cities International (SCI) will have its first
African Regional Summit from February 20-24, 2023 in
Cape Town, South Africa. The first of its kind, the purpose of this gathering is to strengthen and increase the number of US-Africa sister cities within the SCI network. The strategic focus was designed to have the Summit in the Republic of South Africa, where all provinces have great growth potential between US and South African cities. Cape Town is sister cities with Miami-Dade County, Florida which has a robust relationship that focuses on economic development. The Summit will provide a week-long series of engagements and activities that will support best practice learning, training on becoming sister cities, networking, developing business opportunities, and creating tourism opportunities for the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape, and the rest of South Africa.
With a targeted participation of 350-500 participants from the United States, South Africa, and the rest of the African continent, this engagement will serve as the first opportunity in SCI's 67-year history to focus strategically in an international forum on the continent of Africa.
CONFERENCE KEY AREAS
Strengthening Existing US-Africa Sister Cities
The Summit will provide many examples of best practices throughout the African Region that US-Africa sister cities can use to support and expand their current programs. Opportunities to meet other SCI members and partners will be available to assist in your growth!
Support for the Development of New US-Africa Sister City Relationships
Support for the development of new, dormant, and expanded US-Africa sister cities relationships. The SCI Africa Region and other partner organizations are looking to increase US-Africa sister cities to 500 total partnerships within five (5) years. This initiative has been entitled Africa 500 and will be formally launched at the SCI Africa Summit.
Service to the Western Cape and South Africa
Service to the Western Cape and South Africa. American participants will be highly encouraged to bring requested items from local partners throughout South Africa that will be shared amongst 20 plus organizations throughout the country.