Ecco Chamber
Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa
I edition March 2025
Empowering Our Enterprises
Chambers Note
Empowering Our Enterprises
It’s a word that carries weight. It’s what runs beneath the world we’ve built, what moves ships across oceans, what turns iron into steel, what keeps the lights burning in the factories late into the night. It’s the thing we can’t see but always feel—especially when it’s missing. This week our focus is energy.
At ItalCham, we embrace energy in all its forms: the kind that fuels industries, the kind that sparks ideas, the kind that sustains partnerships across continents. Last week, our energy was directed to two events: KEY 2025 in Rimini, a meeting ground for the latest innovations in renewable energy, and the Africa Energy Indaba, a cornerstone of energy discourse on this continent we call home.
​
​A Along with five South African representatives ItalCham was in Rimini to witness and participate in the conversations shaping tomorrow’s energy landscape. Italy has long been at the forefront of renewable energy, and KEY 2025 kept its promise to be a showcase of ingenuity—solar panels engineered for maximum efficiency, hydrogen solutions that could change the game, wind energy refined to an art. But more than that, it’s a space where business meets necessity, where South African entrepreneurs and Italian innovators can sit at the same table and talk about what comes next. Because it’s not just about where energy comes from—it’s about where it’s going, and who gets to move forward with it.
​
Then, back on African soil, the Africa Energy Indaba reminded us why this conversation matters. South Africa, and the continent at large, stands at a crossroads. Energy security, sustainability, and accessibility aren’t just boardroom topics here—they’re questions of daily life. The Chamber is committed to fostering dialogue between Italian expertise and African ambition, finding ways for collaboration to translate into real-world impact. Whether it’s infrastructure investment, technical partnerships, or simply learning from each other’s successes and failures, our role is to be part of the momentum that keeps the wheels turning.
​
So, energy—it’s more than just kilowatts and megajoules. It’s the force that moves businesses forward, that connects people across borders, that turns problems into opportunities. As we engage with these global and local platforms, we do so with an understanding that energy isn’t just something we consume—it’s something we generate. And in the space between industry and innovation, between Italy and South Africa, between today and tomorrow, there’s work to be done. Andiamo.
Connecting Flights and Flavours
A Culinary and Trade Networking Experience
Join us for an exclusive networking evening as we celebrate the expansion of Supersconto, a premier distributor of authentic Italian food products, now bringing the flavours of Italy to the heart of the Winelands with its new deli and restaurant in Stellenbosch.
​
“Connecting Flights & Flavours” is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of the journey of fine Italian products from origin to table and the global trade networks that make it possible.
​
This gathering will bring together leading figures from the Italian and South African business communities, including food importers, distributors, restauranteurs, hospitality professionals, and international trade stakeholders.
Expect an evening of great food, insightful conversations, and valuable connections as we explore opportunities for collaboration in the dynamic world of international trade.
SMILE Networking
SMILE Welcomes the new
Consul General of Italy - Livio Spadavecchia
Johannesburg, March 6, 2025 – The Italian Club of Johannesburg was alive with the spirit of Italy as SMILE (Small to Medium Italian League of Enterprises) hosted a special networking event, welcoming the President of the Italian Club and celebrating the vibrant Italian-South African business community. The evening was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Italian Club, Settebello, COM.IT.ES, and Turkish Airlines, which proudly connects travelers to nine destinations in Italy, strengthening ties between the two nations.
With energy as the theme of the evening, the event embodied the dynamism of Italian enterprise and culture. The SMILE community, a key initiative of COM.IT.ES in collaboration with the Italian South African Chamber of Trade and Industries, continues to create opportunities for Italian businesses and professionals to connect, collaborate, and thrive in South Africa. As the saying goes, “People who spend time together are more likely to do business together.”
What is SMILE?
SMILE was initiated by COM.IT.ES and implemented with the support of ItalCham to bring together Italian companies, independent professionals of Italian origin, importers of Italian products, and South Africans with business interests in Italy. This free network offers discounted rates, exclusive business opportunities, and a strong sense of community. By compiling the most comprehensive database of Italian businesses in South Africa, SMILE fosters an environment where collaboration leads to economic growth.
​
​
An Evening of Culture and Connection
The presence of Dr. Consul General - Livio Spadaveccia - underscored the importance of strengthening relationships between Italy and South Africa. The highlight of the evening was a stunning performance by a choir from Genoa, which filled the hall with the soul of Italy, reminding everyone of the deep cultural roots that unite the Italian within South Africa.
​
To access the full article written by La Voce please click here
Africa Energy Indaba 2025
Powering a Greener Future
The Africa Energy Indaba, held from March 4-6 at the CTICC in Cape Town, focused on innovation, sustainability, and the future of energy in Africa.
​
This year, the Embassy of Italy in Pretoria has powered up the presence of Italian expertise by sponsoring the stand which is coordinated by Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries. Here, key players like Santerno, Cavagna Group, and Ansaldo Energia are showcasing cutting-edge solutions for a more efficient and sustainable energy landscape.
From renewable energy to smart grids, we’re not just talking about the future—we’re building it.
Key Energy Exhibition 2025
KEY25: A Record-Breaking Edition Driving the Energy Transition
On Friday, 7 March 2025, ItalCham conclude a successful visit of the South African delegation at K.eY 2025 in Rimini. Thank you to Sapvia, Gridbow Engineering, Muvigo Solutions, Lizwile Engineering and Nobeta Utilities for proudly carrying the South African flag.
​
This year's edition, KEY - The Energy Transition Expo, organized by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) at the Rimini Expo Centre, reached new heights, establishing itself as a leading event for Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean basin.
​
With an impressive 20% increase in total attendance (including a remarkable 40% growth in international visitors compared to 2024), over 1,000 exhibitors—more than 30% from abroad—spanning 90,000 m² across 20 halls, KEY25 set a new benchmark.
The event also introduced new focus areas on ports and hydrogen, in collaboration with Hannover Fairs International GmbH (HFI), the Italian branch of Deutsche Messe AG. The international presence was further strengthened with 350 hosted buyers and delegations from over 50 countries, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA).
​
For three days, KEY25 transformed Rimini into a global hub for energy innovation, featuring more than 160 conferences, workshops, and discussions led by industry experts, researchers, and key stakeholders. The event was officially inaugurated on 5 March by Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, alongside Michele De Pascale, President of the Emilia-Romagna Region. Discussions focused on strategies for ensuring energy security, cost control, and industrial competitiveness, while fostering crucial dialogues between institutions and businesses to drive decarbonisation efforts.
KEY25 has once again demonstrated that Italy is at the forefront of the energy transition, fostering connections and solutions that will shape the future of sustainable energy.
Nolands Foundation
Creating hope – cultivating change
When Nolands was founded in 1976, relationships were at the heart of the business. Nothing has changed, and the heartfelt philosophy of people first, is still at the company’s core. Through the Nolands Foundation, positive changes are being made, mental well-being is being nurtured, resilience is being instilled, and hope is being created – all to inspire brighter futures for young South Africans.
There are three powerful initiatives that drive the Nolands Foundation’s work:
2B Project
The 2Be Project helps young people build a solid foundation on which they can build. Our comprehensive programs are run at schools, and engages learners, teachers, principals, and parents/guardians. The programme focuses on imparting values, such as ethics, principles, and character development.
The NOVA Initiative
As a result of social media, broken family units, and negative influences, mental well-being is at an all-time low, and teenage suicide rates are deeply concerning. Through the NOVA initiative which launched on the 5th of March 2025, the Nolands Foundation is committed to addressing critical mental health challenges and is actively engaging with educators, principals, teachers, parents, and learners to find a solution.
Proud To Be She
Far too often, female learners miss crucial days of school due to their inability to access sanitary products during their menstrual cycles. The Proud to be She initiative supports these young women by distributing reusable sanitary products and facilitating workshops that guide them through their journey into womanhood.
If you’d like to learn more or join the Nolands Foundation in making a difference, please contact Paul Jones, the CEO of the Nolands Foundation.
Email: paulj@nolandsfoundation.co.za
​
Welcoming Our New Member
Octagon
Octagon is a leading global agency in sports, entertainment, and culture. The company is at the forefront of creative marketing and sponsorship consulting, and a leader in athlete and personality representation and management.
​
​The agency represents more than 900 of the most prominent and influential athletes, talent, and properties in the world, and creates distinctive marketing campaigns for some of the largest brands and Fortune 500 companies across the globe.
Contact details: Tom Negri (+27) 82 493 6901
Email: tom.negri@octagon.com
L'Italia in 10 Selfies
A human-centered economy that helps build the future
“Italy in 10 Selfies” every year tells about some of the country's records, often little-known or underestimated ones, that determine the features of an economy that is more human-oriented and, therefore, more promising for the future. Ecco Chamber will feature some of these factual selfies in the upcoming editions.
FIRST AMONG G7 COUNTRIES IN GREEN STEEL
PRODUCTION
Italy's steel industry is at the forefront of the global decarbonization movement, ranking first among G7 nations in sustainable steel production. With 86% of its steel produced using the energy-efficient electric furnace cycle—well ahead of the USA (68%) and Canada (42%)—Italy is setting the standard for greener manufacturing practices.
​
A recognized leader in energy efficiency, Italy's steel sector boasts significantly lower energy consumption per unit compared to the European average and key competitors like Germany, France, and Spain. This progress is driven by an increasing share of renewable energy in the production process and a strong commitment to recycling, with 76% of raw materials sourced from recycled steel—a 17% increase in just six years.
​
Reinforcing its pioneering role, Italy is also home to the world’s first certified zero-carbon steel mill, a milestone that enhances the industry's competitiveness in both European and global markets. As the second-largest steel producer in the EU after Germany, Italy continues to lead the charge toward a more sustainable and efficient future in steel manufacturing.