ICMA is pleased to announce that the Municipal Council of Manzini in Eswatini and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) in South Africa have been selected to host the 2025 ICMA Global Exchange. 

This year’s Global Exchange is unique in that, in addition to members of the ICMA Global Engagement Committee, ICMA is inviting other ICMA members to participate in what will be an annual event to contribute to cross-border collaborations on leading practices in local government management and leadership, expanding ICMA’s global network. September 3-12, 2025, ICMA members will have the opportunity to learn about local government in southern Africa and engage in discussions surrounding such global local government challenges as: 

• Workforce recruitment, retention and upskilling.
• Future-proofing local governments.
• Professionalization of local government. 
• Digital transformation and innovation.

Attendees will take part in municipal exchanges and a talent management seminar, attend a business and trade fair, and conduct various site visits to municipalities in both Eswatini and South Africa. With several hundred local municipal managers and other local government representatives in attendance during the seminar and trade fair, there will be numerous opportunities to network and learn about different approaches to solving common issues. These exchanges enable local government leaders and staff to learn new ideas and solutions to shared local government challenges. 

September 3-7, 2025, the Municipal Council of Manzini will host participants and organize a four-day itinerary that will include site visits to local governments throughout Eswatini and participation in an annual international trade fair and business seminar. ICMA has had a long-standing alliance with the Local Authorities Managers Association of Swaziland (Eswatini) which is based in Manzini.

Attendees will engage in a two-way exchange about the latest practices in local government including: 

• Effective local government. 
• Workforce development. 
• Smart cities. 
• Infrastructure funding. 
• Climate change/climate resilience.

September 8-12, 2025, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), will organize a five-day itinerary in/around Johannesburg, South Africa that will include a municipal managers forum where participants will interact with municipal managers, relevant ministry, and professional body representatives and participation in the 7th Annual Local Government Talent Management Seminar, organized by SALGA. ICMA has had an ongoing relationship with SALGA and looks forward to participating in the seminar as part of the global exchange itinerary. The seminar will address the dynamic challenges and opportunities facing the urban workforce in an era defined by technological innovation, global competition, and socioeconomic shifts. ICMA participants will exchange ideas with their counterparts to shape the future of workforce development around the globe. Through site visits participants will learn about the distinct characteristics of South African municipalities and their economic vibrancy, global connectivity, and innovative leadership.

Join us for a once in a lifetime experience to connect with ICMA member colleagues, expand your network, and broaden your horizons. Participants will undoubtedly return with a newfound perspective on local government and many new ideas to take back to their community for consideration and implementation. 

Complete the expression of interest form by February 21, 2025, and stay tuned for registration information as it becomes available. Note that the expression of interest form is behind a member login as ICMA membership required for this event. If you are not yet a member and are interested in joining, visit the ICMA website.

Event Details:

Manzini, Eswatini: September 3-7, 2025
Johannesburg, South Africa: September 8-12, 2025

Complete the Expression of Interest Form

For questions or additional information, contact Jeanette Gass, senior program manager, global engagement, at jgass@icma.org.