December 20, 2023 — Cleveland — Yesterday, the City of Cleveland officially established new sister city connections with Cape Town, South Africa; Kigali, Rwanda; and Tema, Ghana. Civic leaders celebrated this momentous occasion by inaugurating a new era of international collaboration in City Hall’s Red Room.
The event featured special speakers, including Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin, Mayor of Maple Heights Annette Blackwell, Head of Social Impact and Equity for the Cleveland Cavaliers Kevin Clayton, and Global Cleveland President Joe Cimperman.
The Cleveland City Council unanimously approved resolutions to formally embrace Cape Town, Kigali, and Tema as sister cities. This decision marks a significant expansion of Cleveland's global network, bringing the total number of sister cities to 27.
Council President Griffin shared, “I am excited by yesterday’s announcement. Expanding our sister city reach into Cape Town, Kigali, and Tema allows us to build new economic partnerships, and creates mutual benefits between our cities. These partnerships will have a positive impact on our city’s development and expand Cleveland’s global influence.”
Through these new partnerships, Cleveland aims to strengthen its connections with these African cities and to promote mutual benefits in significant areas, including business development, port operations, and cultural relations.
“Sister cities serve as a crucial avenue for forging partnerships and promoting cultural connections,” said Mayor Bibb. “By cultivating ties with African nations, the city aims to amplify cultural exchanges and honor the shared heritage between Cleveland and its new sister cities.”
Global Cleveland, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing Cleveland’s international community, also played a key role in strengthening Cleveland’s sister city relationships. Through collaboration with the City of Cleveland, Cleveland City Council, and other partners, Global Cleveland served to establish connections with each of the proposed African sister cities.
Joe Cimperman, President of Global Cleveland, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This partnership signifies a new chapter in our global connections. Together, we can foster stronger cultural and economic relationships, creating a foundation for collaboration that transcends borders."
