Ecco Chamber
Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa
II edition March 2026
Renewables in Motion:
South Africa at KEY
Chamber's Note
​KEY – The Energy Transition Expo 2026:
Strengthening Italy–South Africa Energy Cooperation
KEY – The Energy Transition Expo, held from 4 to 6 March 2026 in Rimini and organised by Italian Exhibition Group, once again confirmed its role as a leading international platform where innovation, dialogue and strategic partnerships drive the global energy transition. Now in its fourth edition, the exhibition has already experienced remarkable growth, establishing itself as a key reference point in the international energy landscape.
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This year’s edition recorded significant growth, with total attendance increasing by 10% and foreign visitors rising by 9%, alongside a strong presence of international investors. Spanning 125,000 square metres of exhibition space across 24 halls, the event brought together over 1,000 exhibitors and welcomed 530 hosted buyers and delegations from 59 countries, supported by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). In addition, 412 journalists from around the world were accredited, further highlighting the global relevance of the exhibition.
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Within this dynamic context, ItalCham proudly supported the participation of a South African delegation as part of the Buyers Programme, facilitating a series of high-value B2B meetings between South African companies and Italian exhibitors active in the renewable energy sector.
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We extend our sincere thanks to the six South African companies that joined the delegation — Peco Power, Mellowcabs, Everlectric, Jeka Energy, Atafala Consulting and Wonga Holdings — as well as to SAPVIA and GreenCape for their valuable collaboration and continued commitment to strengthening energy cooperation between South Africa and Italy.​​
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A key highlight of this year’s edition was the strong focus on international cooperation, particularly with the African continent. The newly introduced Africa Investment Hub served as a dedicated space to foster dialogue, investment opportunities and partnerships. The rich programme of events also featured two dedicated sessions on Africa organised by RES4Africa: one focusing on energy self-sufficiency and the energy transition in Africa, and another on financing instruments to improve energy access across the continent.
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As the event concluded, ItalCham looks forward to building on the connections established in Rimini and continuing to promote meaningful partnerships between Italy and South Africa in the renewable energy sector.
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The next edition of KEY – The Energy Transition Expo will take place at the Rimini Expo Centre from 10 to 12 March 2027, and ItalCham aims to further strengthen South African participation, encouraging an even greater involvement of companies and stakeholders in this important international platform.
Reserve Your Table:
​ItalCham
Business Excellence Awards 2026
Secure your seat or reserve a table to join us for a distinguished evening celebrating outstanding contributions to the Italian–South African business landscape.
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ItalCham's Business Excellence Awards brings together leaders from the Italian–South African business community
for an evening dedicated to recognising excellence, innovation,
and achievement.​
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Guests can look forward to an elegant evening, complemented by special opera entertainment.
Annual Directory 2026/2027 - Advertising Rates
Secure your company’s presence in the upcoming
2026/2027 ItalCham Annual Directory!
As the Chamber’s flagship publication, the Directory is distributed to members, partners, and key stakeholders and shared digitally throughout the year, giving your brand long-lasting visibility.
Booking Deadline: 29 May 2026
To confirm your placement in the 2026/2027 Annual Directory contact accounts@italcham.co.za
Recap:
Multi-Chamber
Speed Networking Event
The Italian-SA Chamber of Trade and Industries was pleased to take part in a dynamic evening of connection and collaboration at the recent Multi-Chamber Speed Networking Event, hosted at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club in Johannesburg.
Bringing together professionals and business leaders from across industries, the event created a vibrant platform for meaningful conversations, new introductions, and potential partnerships through an engaging speed networking format.
A special thank you goes to the organisers, South African Portuguese Chamber of Commerce-SAPCC and Business Ireland South Africa, for bringing together such a diverse and engaged international business community.
We also extend our sincere thanks to the partnering chambers who contributed to the success of the evening:
• Belgian Chamber of Commerce in South Africa
• Nordic-South African Business Association (NSBA)
• BusinessNL - ZA
• EU Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Southern Africa (EUCCISA)
• HKSACC
• Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Republic of South Africa
Events such as these highlight the value of cross-chamber collaboration and the strength of the global business network within South Africa. We look forward to continuing to build meaningful connections and future opportunities together.
Recap:
International Women's Day
with Saray Khumalo
The International Women’s Day event on 5 March at Killarney Country Club brought together an incredible room of women from across the EU chambers network, and what an evening it was.
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From the moment guests arrived, there was a strong sense of connection, openness and shared experience. The atmosphere carried through the entire programme, reminding us just how powerful it is to create spaces where women can engage meaningfully with one another.
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The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Saray Khumalo’s keynote. As the first Black African woman to summit Mount Everest, her story is extraordinary, but what truly resonated was how she translated that journey into lessons on resilience, perseverance and leadership under pressure. Her message that “being ordinary is a choice” struck a chord with many in the room.
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The fireside panel that followed added further depth, with honest reflections on navigating leadership, visibility and personal growth. The discussion sparked thoughtful engagement and underscored the value of sharing real experiences.
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The evening closed with networking and a book signing, leaving guests energised, inspired and connected. Thank you to the organiser, SwissCham, and co-organiser, the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa, for this amazing event.
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For those who couldn’t join us, this was one not to miss.
Recap:
2026 Italian Investor Visa Roadshow -
Johannesburg Seminar at Il Lusso
The Embassy of Italy successfully hosted a two-day roadshow on 3–4 March 2026 aimed at promoting investment opportunities and golf-related tourism in Italy. Following the success of similar initiatives held in Cape Town in 2025, the 2026 edition focused on Gauteng Province, with events taking place in Johannesburg and Lanseria.
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The first event, organised in collaboration with Henley & Partners and ItalCham, was held on Tuesday, 3 March at Il Lusso’s prestigious showroom in Sandton. Set within a refined space showcasing high-end Italian furniture, the seminar brought together business leaders, financial institutions, and international advisory firms to explore Italy’s growing appeal for international investors—particularly high-net-worth individuals interested in residency, strategic investment, and lifestyle relocation opportunities. The discussion also highlighted the increasing relevance of golf tourism as a strategic link between Italy and South Africa.
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Opening the event, H.E. Ambassador Alberto Vecchi delivered welcome remarks on behalf of the Embassy of Italy, reaffirming Italy’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with South Africa and facilitating international investment.
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The first panel provided an overview of Italy’s policy framework supporting international investors. Expert contributions included Henley & Partners, who discussed global mobility trends among high-net-worth individuals; Deloitte, who presented Italy’s preferential tax regimes; and Intesa Sanpaolo, who provided insights into the Italian financial system.
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The second panel explored Italy as an emerging destination for golf tourism and related investments. Representing ItalCham, Secretary General Pamina Bohrer highlighted the longstanding relationship between Italy and South Africa and the opportunities for deeper collaboration in tourism, sport, and lifestyle sectors. Additional contributions from MC4Golf and Golf Tour Experience showcased the economic potential of golf tourism following the successful Ryder Cup hosted in Italy.
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Moderated by Dylan Piatti, former Vice President of ItalCham, the seminar concluded with an engaging Q&A session followed by a networking cocktail, allowing participants to further discuss collaboration opportunities.
The event underscored the Italian-South African Chamber of Commerce’s ongoing role in connecting businesses, institutions, and investors between the two countries, while Il Lusso’s elegant three-storey luxury furniture showroom provided the ideal setting for discussions around Italian lifestyle, design, and investment opportunities.
Break Into India’s Booming
Pet Market – PetBridge 2026
Early Bird Applications Now Open
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25–26 November 2026 | Mumbai, India
PetBridge 2026 is India’s first fully B2B exhibition dedicated to the pet supplies industry and distribution — powered by Zoomark and BolognaFiere.
Positioned at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing pet markets, PetBridge offers South African companies direct access to a $3.6 billion industry expected to double by 2028.
Why exhibit?
✔ Connect with India’s most influential trade buyers through pre-scheduled B2B meetings
✔ Benefit from Zoomark’s international network
✔ Gain visibility within the dedicated International Hub
✔ Access tailored support services for international exhibitors
Early Bird discount (10% off) available until 31 May 2026.
For full information and participation details, please visit the ItalCham website.
​​Take Your Brand to Europe
at Zoomark 2027
Early Bird Rates Now Available
Recognised as Europe’s leading B2B platform for pet food and pet care, Zoomark 2027 brings together innovation, international buyers and key industry players under one roof.
With over 30,800 visitors and 1,260 exhibitors (2025 edition), Zoomark continues to expand its global reach — offering direct access to the European and international pet market.
Why exhibit?
✔ Access the European & global market
✔ Connect with decision-makers actively sourcing new products and partnerships
✔ Meet top global buyers through tailored matchmaking
Early Bird exhibition rates are available until 30 June 2026.
Discover how to participate and access full details below.
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​View job vacancies on the SMILE website
via this link - CLICK HERE
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If you are currently hiring,
Please take a look at SMILE-vetted candidates HERE
Alla prossima!