The delegation aims to establish trade mission relationships with Nairobi and Kigali, focusing on cooperation in various sectors including trade, investment, and technology.
According to Mayor Spencer, both cities have shown economic recovery and advancements in agriculture and healthcare, which can benefit from a city-to-city relationship. The travel expenses are being covered by the World Trade Center.
Press Release: City of St. Louis
Reproduced in full from the City of St. Louis.
Mayor Cara Spencer Traveling to Africa with World Trade Center St. Louis
Mayor Cara Spencer will spend the next week traveling to Africa, one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. By 2050, Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow from $2 trillion to $20-30 trillion. The purpose of sending a St. Louis delegation is to explore international business opportunities.
"Our trip to Africa is to establish trade mission relationships with Nairobi and Kigali,” said Mayor Spencer. “We have watched these cities rebound, not just economically but from an agricultural technology standpoint, a healthcare advancement standpoint and overall community investment.”
As an emerging economic partner, both cities can benefit from a city-to-city relationship by deepening cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, bioscience, healthcare, technology, workforce development, sustainability, infrastructure, and educational and cultural exchange.
The Mayor along with the other members of the St. Louis delegation are building intercontinental relationships to identify and create concrete economic and institutional partnerships that produce measurable benefits for both cities.
Mayor Spencer will return November 16, 2026. Her travel is being paid for by the World Trade Center.
