Mwanza Comes to Tulsa: A Historic Visit, A Promising Future
A Historic Week: Welcoming Mwanza, Tanzania to Tulsa as Our Newest Sister City
Last week, Tulsa Global Alliance had the distinct honor of hosting a delegation from Mwanza, Tanzania to celebrate the formalization of Tulsa’s ninth Sister City and our first on the African continent.
From their arrival at Tulsa International Airport to the farewell at the Global Vision Awards Gala, the week was filled with moments of connection, learning, and shared purpose. This wasn’t just a ceremonial visit—it was the beginning of a meaningful relationship between two cities committed to international friendship and mutual growth.
A Milestone Moment
On April 2, Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols welcomed the delegation alongside community leaders and Tulsa Global Alliance staff and supporters at a formal signing ceremony held at the Arvest Convention Center. While the Sister City partnership was formally established in Mwanza during a 2024 signing ceremony, the Tulsa event marked a full-circle moment. Hosting the Mwanza delegation for the first time allowed Tulsans to reciprocate the hospitality shown abroad and celebrate the partnership here at home.
“I want to thank the representatives from Mwanza, Tulsa Global Alliance, and everyone who made this partnership possible. I am excited to begin working with and learning from our new Sister City, and I couldn’t be happier to build this relationship and strengthen our cities in the months and years ahead.”
Meet the Delegation
Representing Mwanza were:
Kiomoni Kiburwa Kibamba – City Director
Pascola Mzinga – City Accountant
Jeremiah Lubeleje – Economist, District Planning Officer
Erick Mvati – City Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries
Billy Brown – International Cooperation Coordinator
Suma Livingston Mwainunu and Adelard Gervas Mangombo – Bankers, NMB Bank
Each member brought expertise and perspective from their respective sectors, laying the groundwork for collaboration across government, business, and community development.
Exploring Tulsa’s Past and Present
A meaningful highlight of the delegation’s visit was their time in Tulsa’s Greenwood District, once known as Black Wall Street. At the Greenwood Rising History Center, they learned about the district’s remarkable economic and cultural legacy, the tragedy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, and the ongoing efforts to preserve and honor this vital history.
The visit continued at Historic Vernon AME Church, one of the only buildings to survive the Massacre, where the group shared lunch and conversation with community members. They were welcomed by City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper, who also serves as the Honorary Ambassador to Tulsa’s Sister City Mwanza.
Celebration and Cultural Exchange
Throughout the week, the delegation engaged with Tulsa leaders in government, healthcare, education, economic development, and other sectors. They met with the Tulsa Regional Chamber, Global Gardens, Little Lighthouse, PartnerTulsa, and Mainsprings. They also toured Saint Francis Hospital and OU Health, visited the Tulsa Ports, and explored campuses including the University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts University.
Cultural exchange was woven throughout the visit. The delegation attended a Powwow at the University of Tulsa, watched a Tulsa Oilers hockey game, and explored Gathering Place. On March 31, the community gathered for “Toast the Travelers” at Marshall Brewing Company—a casual evening of connection where TGA supporters and community members welcomed the delegation with warm hospitality and conversation.
Global Vision Gala: A Celebration of Friendship
On April 3, the Mwanza delegates were special guests at the Tulsa Global Alliance Global Vision Gala. Held at the DoubleTree Hotel, the event celebrated the power of citizen diplomacy and global connection. The presence of the delegation gave the evening a special energy, highlighting the international friendships that enrich our city and broaden our perspectives.
Looking Ahead
As this Sister City relationship continues to grow, the opportunities are endless—from student and professional exchanges to joint community initiatives and economic partnerships. We are excited to walk this path together.
Thank you to our Mwanza guests, our volunteers and committee members, and all who helped make this week a success. Together, we are building bridges that go far beyond borders.
Video Greetings from Chargé d’Affaires Andy Lentz at the US Embassy in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
Video Greetings from Ambassador Dr. Elsie Sia Kanza from Embassy of Tanzania in USA
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