Ecco Chamber
Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa
II edition September 2025
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Discover
ItalCham's
Annual Directory
ItalCham's Annual Directory 2025/2026
The wait is over! ItalCham's Annual Directory 2025/2026 is here!
Your ultimate guide to businesses, leaders, and opportunities shaping
Italian–South African trade. Packed with valuable insights, this edition opens doors to new partnerships and growth.
Stay ahead, stay connected, and discover who’s who in our thriving
business community.
The Economic Climate for 2026
ItalCham, together with our Chamber partners, is pleased to invite you to an exclusive economic outlook session with renowned economist Dawie Roodt.
This event will provide valuable foresight into the global and local factors shaping the business environment as we move towards 2026.
Key themes to be explored:
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Recent demographic trends and their impact on economies
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Shifts in global economic dynamics
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Industries with strong growth potential
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The intersection of world politics and economics
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Local political and economic considerations
📅 Date: Thursday, 02 October 2025
🕐 Time: 13:30 – 16:00
📍 Venue: 7th Floor, JCC House, 27 Owl Street, Cnr Empire Road, Milpark
Participation Fee:
Chamber Members: R295 (Ex VAT)
Non-Members: R395 (Ex VAT)
Parking: Limited enclosed parking at 27 Owl Street (no cost) | Additional undercover parking available opposite Milpark Garden Court (not included).
We look forward to welcoming you to this insightful discussion, which promises to equip your business with knowledge to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the coming year.
Driving Business Forward:
The 4th European Chambers
Golf Day Tees Off in Cape Town
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Once again, ItalCham will join its European counterparts for the
4th Annual European Chambers Golf Day,
taking place on Friday, 7 November 2025
at the scenic Metropolitan Golf Club in Cape Town.
This exclusive event brings together members of the European business community for a day of strategic networking and friendly competition.
Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Seaboard, the Golf Day offers more than just a game — it is a curated platform for fostering transnational business relationships, engaging with industry leaders, and championing the collective strength of Europe’s economic presence in the region.
Hosted in partnership with the Belgian, British, Spanish, Netherlands and Portuguese Chambers, this is more than just a game of golf — it’s an opportunity to drive business forward and strengthen European ties
in South Africa.
Mark your calendar and get ready to swing into new business opportunities.
View our sponsorship packages for the Golf Day
If you would like to participate or to become a sponsor contact Anna-Maria:
12th CEO Dialogue
on Southern Africa
The 12th edition of the TEHA CEO Dialogue on Southern Africa, Ambrosetti’s flagship Forum on the continent, will take place on the
20th and 21st of November 2025 at The Houghton Hotel (Lloys Ellis Avenue) Johannesburg.
This exclusive, high-level summit will bring together 200+ CEOs, ministers, economists, and global thought leaders to shape the future of business and policy in Africa.
With coverage from international media such as Bloomberg, CNN, CNBC, Business Day, SABC News, and Newzroom, the Dialogue promises unmatched visibility and impact.
The event has the following objectives:
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Promoting unique business opportunities in the region.
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Strengthening business and political relations among companies and institutions.
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Providing business and political leaders with innovative approaches and ideas capable of shaping their strategies.
Alongside the discussions, participants will enjoy a
cocktail reception and gala dinner,
providing an exclusive networking experience.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Africa’s premier business and leadership forum.
Italy in Town 2025
Early Bird Tickets Available Soon!
🍝 Ready for Cape Town’s Biggest Italian Celebration?
Get ready to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavours of Italy right here in Cape Town. The Italy in Town Festival is just around the corner, and tickets will be available soon.
👉 Keep an eye on our Italy in Town Instagram page for the latest updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks.
Recap: SMILE Networking Event
On 16 September 2025, ItalCham hosted the SMILE Networking Event at the Italian Sporting Club in Bedfordview. The evening brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of the Italian and South African business communities for a celebration of dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
Distinguished Guests
The Chamber was honored to welcome:
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Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry of Italy, Francesco Lollobrigida
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H.E. Ambassador of Italy to South Africa, Alberto Vecchi
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Consul General of Italy in Johannesburg, Livio Spadavecchia
Their presence underscored the strength of the bilateral relationship between Italy and South Africa.
Key Messages from Minister Francesco Lollobrigida
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The Agricultural Sector
Minister Lollobrigida emphasized the central role of agriculture as a foundation of food security and economic development. He pointed to opportunities for collaboration in innovation, trade, and sustainability between Italy and South Africa.
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The “Piano Mattei” for Africa
The Minister introduced Italy’s “Piano Mattei”, a strategic framework for Africa that seeks to establish sustainable, long-term partnerships across sectors. The initiative is rooted in reciprocity, with Italy committed to supporting African nations while fostering shared prosperity.
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Italian Cuisine and UNESCO
Highlighting culture as a pillar of diplomacy, the Minister stressed Italy’s efforts to have Italian cuisine recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, celebrating food not only as a tradition but as a bridge between communities worldwide.
The SMILE Network – Address by ItalCham's Secretary General, Pamina Bohrer
In her address, Pamina Bohrer, Secretary General of the Italian-South African Chamber, introduced the SMILE Network (Small and Medium Italian League of Enterprises).
Launched in 2021 by COM.IT.ES with the Chamber’s support, SMILE is today the largest network of Italian-linked businesses in South Africa, uniting over 1,000 members nationwide. Since inception, the platform has already published more than 70 job vacancies for Italian language speakers, brand ambassadors of Italian products, and positions in Italian companies operating in South Africa.
About SMILE
SMILE’s mission is to connect and strengthen the Italian business community in South Africa. It brings together:
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Italian companies with headquarters in South Africa
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Company owners and independent professionals of Italian origin
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Importers of Italian products
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South Africans with business interests in Italy
Its objectives include:
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Increasing linkages between Italian enterprises
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Delivering tangible benefits to Italian businesses
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Achieving buy-in from the Italian-South African community
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Reinforcing the Sistema Italia in South Africa
For members, SMILE offers visibility, business opportunities, exclusive events, and a chance to be part of a dynamic, supportive network that advances Italian enterprise abroad.
A Successful Evening
The Italian Sporting Club provided a welcoming and historic setting for an evening of meaningful connections. Guests left inspired by the opportunities for collaboration, proud of the cultural heritage that unites the two countries, and motivated to continue strengthening the Italy–South Africa partnership through initiatives like SMILE.
The Chamber thanks all participants for their support and looks forward to building on the momentum of this event to create new opportunities for cooperation and shared success.
Recap:
Doing Business in South Africa
Seminar with Confidustria Giovani
September 17th, Sandton Convention Centre
On Wednesday, September 17th, ItaCham had the pleasure of participating in the “Doing Business in South Africa” seminar, hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre ahead of the Youth Entrepreneurs South Africa Summit (a B20 initiative). The event welcomed a 40-strong delegation from Confindustria Giovani, visiting South Africa to deepen their understanding of the country’s investment landscape and strengthen business ties.
Seminar Highlights
The session opened with welcome greetings from Lorenzo Bagnoli, Vice President of Confindustria Young Entrepreneurs, followed by institutional remarks by Anna Quattrone, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Italy in Pretoria.
Participants then heard from Giovanni Atena, Director of the Italian Trade Agency in Johannesburg, who shared valuable insights on supporting Italian companies abroad.
The program continued with a session led by the ItalCham, introduced by Secretary General Pamina Bohrer. This segment placed a spotlight on Italian companies successfully operating in South Africa, featuring case studies from Chamber members:
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Giovanni Possente – Pelliconi
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Gianluca Della Riccia – WAM Group
Both presentations highlighted the opportunities and challenges of entering and scaling in the South African market, offering first-hand perspectives that resonated strongly with the visiting entrepreneurs.
Company Visits
The next day, the delegation had the opportunity to visit two additional Chamber members:
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Il Lusso, showcasing Italian excellence in design and lifestyle.
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RGC Engineering, an established industrial partner contributing to South Africa’s manufacturing landscape.
These visits enriched the delegation’s understanding of the breadth of Italian business presence in South Africa, from advanced engineering solutions to luxury design.
Strengthening Ties
The Chamber’s participation ensured that Italian entrepreneurial talent was directly connected to the local business ecosystem, while also reinforcing the Chamber’s role as a bridge between Italy and South Africa. The active involvement of Chamber members — Pelliconi, WAM, Il Lusso, and RGC Engineering — was a testament to the dynamic contribution of Italian companies in the country.
Heritage Month – Our Proud Heritage Through Textiles
by Aranda Textile Mills
Johannesburg, September - September is Heritage Month in Mzansi. This is when spring revives our spirits, gives us a renewed pride in being South African, and we search for authenticity and value.
Aranda Textile Mills has a history of designing, developing and producing a variety of quality blankets, throws and shawls since 1953, appealing to a culturally diverse audience which knows that blankets are woven into the very fabric of our African identity.
“We believe that a blanket represents life -Basotho people say “Kobo ke Bophelo”. Nothing is more beautiful. Many cultures in South Africa, including the Basotho, Ndebele and Xhosa people, share a love for blankets that are symbolic through the ages, from birth, marriage, right through to death,” says Marco Magni, CEO of Aranda.
Every phase of most Southern African cultural life is marked by blankets. The baby is received in a blanket, initiates wrap themselves in blankets before emerging as adults, blankets form part of many cultural wedding ceremonies, and those who have passed on are sometimes even wrapped in a blanket for burial. Blankets are passed down through the generations.
Heritage month in South Africa allows us to give creative expression to our historical inheritance - our language and clothes, including the blankets we use. Heritage provides a sense of identity and belonging – giving insights into history and culture. It can foster a sense of community cohesion and understanding.
By preserving heritage through its blankets, Aranda ensures that the knowledge and traditions of the past are entrusted to future generations, enriching our South African society and providing inspiration for the future.
“Aranda’s decades of experience and popularity speak to the authenticity of our blankets and the unmatched quality, which ensures that the blankets are truly for life.”
Trust the label – if it says Aranda, it is Aranda. #itisAranda
About Aranda
Established in 1953, Aranda Textile Mills is the oldest blanket manufacturer in South Africa and the sole manufacturer of all Authentic Basotho Heritage Blankets worldwide. We offer the finest quality blankets, throws, shawls, and more, with an extensive selection that blends timeless elegance with modern flair. Our collections beautifully celebrate the rich tapestry of African culture and heritage.
Our products are produced using the highest quality yarns, which is why Aranda is the producer of some of the finest textile products in the world. The superior finish of these product is unique to Aranda, and it is what makes us stand out among the world's best. Our exquisite craftsmanship combined with our diverse backgrounds has enabled us to secure a place within the competitive global market.
For further information, please contact:
Leigh-Ann Carey
073 055 1015
Or
Grace Belger
082 330 3074
KEY-Energy Transition Expo 2026 Hosted Buyers Programme
Rimini EXPO Centre, Italy | 4-6 March 2026
Join ItalCham’s hosted delegation to KEY – The Energy Transition Expo 2026, a fast-growing global platform where companies, institutions and innovators drive the future of clean energy and sustainability, organized by IEG – Italian Exhibition Group.
After our first delegations in 2024 and 2025 – with the notable participation of SAPVIA (The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association) in 2025 – we are now recruiting South African companies to join KEY 2026 and take part in B2B meetings with exhibitors from across the clean energy sector.
Here's what KEY 2025 looked like:
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Over 1,000 exhibitors, 30% of which international
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90,000 m² of exhibition space across 20 halls
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350 hosted buyers and delegations from more than 50 countries
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More than 160 events, conferences and workshops
Why Join?
At KEY, the future of energy takes shape!
Connect with the global clean energy community, discover innovative technologies, and explore new business opportunities.
KEY’s unique format brings together seven exhibition sectors, each dedicated to a strategic area for the future of energy:
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SEC – Solar Expo & Conference: the hub for solar innovation, from residential and industrial solutions to large-scale projects and agrivoltaics.
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WEM – Wind Expo for Med: onshore, offshore, and mini-wind: the full spectrum of wind energy and its role in shaping renewable communities. WEM includes the exhibition Su.Port – ports as energy hubs: electrification of docks, emission reduction, and offshore wind development.
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KSE – Key Storage Expo: advanced storage technologies – from electrochemical to thermal and hydro – ensuring flexibility and stability in renewable-based energy systems.
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HYPE – Hydrogen Power Expo: production, storage, distribution and applications: hydrogen as a key vector for decarbonizing industry and mobility.
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EFFI – Energy Efficiency Expo & Sustainable Building District: cross-sector solutions for smarter energy use, plus sustainable construction in collaboration with Green Building Council Italia.
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eME – eMobility Expo: electric mobility at the centre: charging infrastructure, fleet electrification, batteries, and the evolving mobility ecosystem.
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Sustainable City: a laboratory for tomorrow’s cities: smart grids, digital services, clean transport, urban regeneration, and citizen well-being.
Buyers Programme - What’s Included:
Selected companies will receive the following benefits:
• 3-night hotel accommodation (B&B treatment, 4-start hotel) for 1 representative per company
• Cash reimbursement of maximum € 300,00 as partial coverage of the flight ticket for 1 representative per company
• Transfers Bologna Airport – Hotel / Hotel – Bologna Airport
• Daily transfer from the hotel to the expo venue, and back
• Free entrance ticket
• Lunch at the exhibition centre
Applicants will have to undertake:
• To schedule at least 10 B2B meetings with KEY exhibitors using the online “My Agenda by IEG” platform. These 30-minute meetings will take place on a dedicated B2B day during the exhibition. If the quota is not met in advance, additional appointments must be arranged directly at the expo;
• To submit the appointment diary, duly completed and signed by all exhibitors met;
• To complete an online satisfaction survey at the end of the meetings;
• To return to the exhibition on the designated free visit day to explore additional companies of interest.
Please note: the exact dates for the B2B day and the free visit day will be confirmed shortly and published on this page as soon as available.
Apply by 28 November 2025
Limited spots available – applications will close as soon as the delegation reaches full capacity.
The company representative who will attend KEY must be a decision maker.
job board
View the job vacancies on the SMILE website
via this link - CLICK HERE
If you are currently hiring,
please take a look at SMILE-vetted candidates HERE
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Alla prossima!