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:​

• Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry of Italy, Francesco Lollobrigida 

• H.E. Ambassador of Italy to South Africa, Alberto Vecchi

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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:

• Italian companies with headquarters in South Africa

• Company owners and independent professionals of Italian origin

• Importers of Italian products

• South Africans with business interests in Italy

Its objectives include:

1. Increasing linkages between Italian enterprises

2. Delivering tangible benefits to Italian businesses

3. Achieving buy-in from the Italian-South African community

4. 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.