About us
Slovenia Africa Institute for International Cooperation, Internationalization and Sustainability (SAI) is the leading Slovenian Africa platform bridging economic, diplomatic, and strategic relations between Slovenia and African nations. Built on economic diplomacy, through the promotion of trade, investment, joint research projects, mutual respect, and shared prosperity, SAI positions Slovenia as a key European gateway for sustainable business, innovation, trade, and investment, while actively supporting Africa’s industrialization and economic transformation and the internationalisation of Slovenia’s SMEs.
Through win-win partnerships across government, business, academia, and civil society, the Institute drives trade and investment facilitation, technology transfer, policy dialogue, and capacity building. SAI is dedicated to advancing the green transition through climate-smart investments while fostering strategic market intelligence, tourism, and intercultural dialogue to secure long-term cooperation between Slovenia and Africa.
Our vision
Our vision for Slovenska-Afriška Inštitut za Mednarodno Sodelovanje, internacionalizacijo in Trajnostni Razvoj is to become the leading platform for strategic economic and diplomatic relations between Slovenia and Africa, fostering sustainable cooperation through trade, innovation, investment, knowledge exchange, economic development, and cultural dialogue in a spirit of mutual respect, shared prosperity, and long-term partnership.
We strengthen the Slovenia Africa partnership by promoting economic diplomacy, and position Slovenia as one of the leading European gateways for business, innovation, sustainability, and economic cooperation with African countries while supporting Africa’s industrialization and economic transformation.
Our mission
Slovenska-Afriška Inštitut za Mednarodno Sodelovanje, internacionalizacijo in Trajnostni Razvoj (SAI) is dedicated to strengthening strategic economic relations between Slovenia and African countries. It serves as a leading platform for sustainable cooperation built on win-win partnership, innovation, knowledge sharing, and mutual benefit.
Through its initiatives, SAI promotes investment, trade, economic and territorial diplomacy, technology transfer, capacity building, scientific cooperation, and access to new markets. The Institute supports governments, businesses, academic institutions, and civil society organizations in designing and implementing high-impact partnerships that foster inclusive and sustainable development.
SAI is also committed to advancing sustainable development and the green transition, promoting decentralized international cooperation, celebrating cultural diversity and tourism, and encouraging intercultural dialogue. Furthermore, SAI provides strategic market intelligence and organizes high-level economic, scientific, and cultural events to strengthen long-term partnerships and contribute to shared prosperity between Slovenia and Africa.
Our goals
- 01
Promote trade, investment, and market access
Facilitate bilateral trade, attract sustainable investments, support business internationalization, and create opportunities for Slovenian and African enterprises to access new markets.
- 02
Strengthen strategic partnerships and economic diplomacy
Foster collaboration among governments, regional and local authorities, businesses, academic institutions, development partners, and civil society through economic and territorial diplomacy.
- 03
Advance innovation, technology transfer, and capacity building
Promote research collaboration, entrepreneurship, skills development, digital transformation, technology transfer, and scientific cooperation to accelerate sustainable economic growth.
- 04
Support sustainable development and the green transition
Encourage climate-smart investments, circular economy initiatives, renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and projects that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- 05
Enhance strategic intelligence and policy dialogue
Produce market intelligence, policy research, economic analysis, and strategic recommendations that support informed decision-making and strengthen Slovenia Africa cooperation.
- 06
Promote cultural exchange, tourism, and international cooperation
Foster intercultural dialogue, support decentralized international cooperation, showcase cultural heritage, promote tourism, and organize high-level economic, scientific, cultural, and diplomatic events that strengthen long-term partnerships between Slovenia and Africa.
Bring your ambition to the table
Become a member, explore current projects, or speak directly with the SAI team.