Ecco Chamber
Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa
I edition January 2026
Footsteps of
Purpose, Intention,
and Lasting Impact
Chamber's Note
The First Steps of 2026
Footsteps of Purpose, Intention, and a Lasting Impact
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” In this quiet truth, we find the rhythm of beginnings — the careful, intentional movement that shapes the path ahead. As the first light of 2026 unfolds, the first steps we take are not measured by speed or grand gestures, but by purpose.
Like the first sip of espresso in the morning, this new year carries the promise of something bold, rich, and invigorating and we at the ItalCham are thrilled to journey forward with you.
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The year begins with momentum, with experiences already stirring our community. Across the sea, SIGEP WORLD in Italy marked a vibrant start, bringing together international professionals in gelato, pastry, chocolate, coffee, bakery, and pizza. It was a powerful reminder of Italy’s enduring leadership, and a fitting way to begin the year.
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Here at home, our calendar is already sparkling with opportunities. Cape Town kicks off with the EU Business Breakfast in February, where leaders, institutions and partners gather to exchange ideas and strengthen cross-border relationships, while in Johannesburg, ItalCham, alongside fellowEU Chambers, invites you to an, exclusive international networking event during the Tshwane Tourism Showcase — a platform to explore European business opportunities, market access, and growth with bilateral chambers, business leaders, and key stakeholders.
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To keep you seamlessly informed, we are delighted to introduce the ItalCham WhatsApp Channel — your direct link to timely updates, exclusive news, and everything unfolding within the Chamber. Staying connected has never been more immediate, or more effortless.
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Our vision for 2026 is clear: to take each step with purpose, cultivating a year defined by meaningful engagement, innovation, and shared success — leaving footprints that guide and inspire others to follow. As a new year begins, ItalCham moves not with intention alone, but with deliberate action.
The months ahead invite us to tread thoughtfully, forging connections and partnerships that endure far beyond the calendar, and to leave a path marked by collaboration, growth, and lasting impact.
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We invite you to walk this path with us, with intention, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence.
Together, we will make 2026 a year of purposeful steps, meaningful achievements, and lasting impact.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel!
Stay Connected! Join Our New WhatsApp Channel!
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We’ve made staying in the loop easier (and faster) than ever!
Join our brand-new Italcham WhatsApp Channel to get instant updates on upcoming events, exclusive news, and everything happening in the Chamber, all in one place.
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No spam. No clutter. Just real-time updates and exciting opportunities you won’t want to miss!
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Click the link or scan the QR code above to join now and be part of the updates!
Stay informed. Stay connected!
Immigration Law Comments
As the Draft Revised White Paper moves into the public consultation phase, meaningful engagement from the business community is essential. In collaboration with the EU Chamber, Italcham invites members and stakeholders to submit formal written commentary on the Draft Revised White Paper to consolidate practical, experience-based inputs from employers, HR leaders, global mobility professionals, and affected individuals. Stakeholders are encouraged to share insights on operational realities, compliance challenges, and skills mobility considerations to help ensure that business realities are accurately reflected in the final policy framework
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​​Share your thoughts and comments with us by emailing us with the
subject line "Immigration law Comment"
Pretoria Sakekamer: International Networking Event
ItalCham, in collaboration with fellow EU Chambers, is pleased to invite you to a FREE exclusive international networking event hosted by the Pretoria Sakekamer, taking place during the Tshwane Tourism Showcase.
This high-level engagement will focus on business opportunities within the European Union, bringing together bilateral chambers, business leaders, and key stakeholders to explore funding pathways, market access, and growth prospects for companies operating across borders.
The Tshwane Tourism Showcase will feature approximately 70 exhibitors from across the tourism and hospitality sector and is expected to attract over 500 visitors throughout the day, creating a vibrant environment for meaningful engagement and new partnerships.
Discussion Topics
Bilateral Chambers
Funding Opportunities
Companies & Market Access
Growth Opportunities in the EU
Confirmed Speakers
Donnée Kruger – Business NL
Eva Shaw – NBSA
Pamina Bohrer – ItalCham
Johnny Greene – Business Ireland South Africa
Marika Jakas – EU Delegation
Event Details
Date: Friday, 23 January 2026
Time: 07:30 for 08:00 (until 10:00)
Cost: Free
Venue: Emerald Room, CSIR International Convention Centre
Due to an overwhelming response of more than 90 enquiries within the first few hours, the venue has been upgraded and can now accommodate up to 300 attendees.
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Coffee and tea will be served upon arrival.
This event offers an excellent opportunity to connect with European business networks, gain valuable insights, and position your organisation for growth within EU markets.
We look forward to welcoming you.
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Wesgro & European Chambers Trade and Investment Breakfast
Wesgro, in partnership with the European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, is hosting an exclusive by invitation Trade and Investment Breakfast
in Cape Town.
Hosted in collaboration with the City of Cape Town and Western Cape political leadership, the event will bring together Wesgro representatives, European diplomats, and Heads of European Chambers.
ItalCham members will gain valuable insights into why the Western Cape continues to position itself as a key springboard into Africa, while enjoying a high-level networking opportunity with influential public and
private sector stakeholders.
This breakfast is ideal for members interested in trade, investment, and strengthening Europe–South Africa business relations.
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Recap:
SIGEP World 2026: Benchmark Event
for the Foodservice Industry
SIGEP WORLD once again proved to be the international stage where connections turn into opportunities.
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ItalCham had the pleasure of facilitating the participation of a strong South African delegation, supporting meaningful B2B encounters between South African buyers and exhibitors across the out-of-home foodservice ecosystem.
A sincere thank you to Doppio Collection, Baglios, Andiccio24, Foodserv Solutions, VSG Villa San Giovanni, Ciao Pizza and Kream for their engagement, vision and openness to new collaborations.
These days were all about exchange, inspiration and new partnerships.
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Now in its 47th edition, SIGEP WORLD, organised by IEG – Italian Exhibition Group, welcomed over 1,300 exhibitors, with international participation growing by 33% compared to the previous year, and hosted buyers from
75 countries.
The event showcased the very best of out-of-home foodservice, from production to technology, placing the gelato, pastry, coffee, bakery and pizza industries centre stage.
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Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep building bridges between South Africa and Italy, and to see where the next SIGEP will take us.
Lex Africa Knowledge Corner
LEX Africa is an Alliance of leading African law firms, established in 1993 to advise local and international clients on trade, business, investment, disputes, and other activities across Africa. Read some of their informative Articles on the latest below.
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Building a Cyber-aware business
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The Cyber Security Authority (‘CSA’) announced its theme as ‘Building a Safe, Informed and Accountable Digital Space’. The theme focuses on protecting digital rights, using technology responsibly and fighting the spread of false information. What does this mean for your business? In this article, we consider the national theme, the implications for the workplace and how businesses can build a safe and responsible digital workspace. We discuss (i) what cybersecurity is and the importance of a cyber-aware business, (ii) common cyberattacks, and (iii) building a safe and responsible digital workspace​​​​​​​​
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Use your trade mark or lose it​
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In our 2nd series article published in May 2025, we outlined the key defenses against cancellation proceedings for non-use, namely proof of actual use, bonafide intention to use upon registration and special circumstances excusing non-use.
In this final part of our ‘use your trade mark or lose it’ series, we focus on what practical steps trademark owners can employ in-house to safeguard their brand rights and avoid loss through non-use.
Botswana’s New Banking Act, 2023 – What It Means for You
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On Friday, 15 August 2025, the Banking Act No. 8 of 2023 came into force.
The Act has officially reshaped Botswana’s financial landscape, repealing the 1995 Act and introducing a modern, risk-sensitive, and governance-driven framework.
The new Act is more than just a reform – it represents a strategic recalibration of Botswana’s financial regulatory architecture. For banks, investors, and businesses, it sets a new standard for compliance, stability, and transparency.
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Ethiopia Implements AfCFTA Tariff Concessions Council of
Ministers Regulation No. 5742025
Ethiopia has taken a significant step to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by issuing Council of Ministers Regulation No. 574/2025. This new regulation, published on July 14, 2025 in the Federal Negarit Gazette, operationalizes Ethiopia’s tariff reduction commitments under AfCFTA. In practical terms, it establishes how import duties on goods from other African countries will be gradually reduced or eliminated, in line with the schedules agreed to by AfCFTA member states. The move is a follow-up to Ethiopia’s ratification of the AfCFTA Agreement in 2019 (via Proclamation No. 1124/2019), ensuring that the treaty’s promises are implemented in domestic law.
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