Is anywhere NOT local? Yes, depends on local to who - but goes a little in the us/them direction as with many of our words. Instead perhaps use simply "partners" - or be specific on where - so, Freetown-based or Kenya-based partner. Or "partner based in XYZ". Or "Kenyan partner". We are all global and local to someone else in the world. Also, in many contexts - "coworkers" or "colleagues" might do the job.