History of Italy–South Africa relations in Timeline

Italy and South Africa have maintained diplomatic relations since 1929. Italy has a strong diplomatic presence in South Africa with an embassy in Pretoria, consulates-general in Johannesburg, and a consulate in Cape Town. Reciprocally, South Africa has an embassy in Rome. Both nations are members of the G20, indicating their significance in the global economic landscape. The relationship signifies cooperative international engagement on various global platforms.

1901: Start of Increased Italian Migration

From 1901 to 1915, Italian migration to South Africa significantly increased, marking South Africa as a popular destination for Italian migrants.

1902: End of the South African War

In 1902, the South African War between English and Boer Republics concluded, which subsequently conditioned and limited Italian emigration to South Africa.

1915: End of First Migration Period

In 1915, the first period of significant Italian migration to South Africa ended.

1916: Start of Second Migration Period

From 1916 to 1942, a second wave of Italian migration to South Africa occurred, continuing the trend of South Africa as a destination for Italian migrants.

1929: Establishment of Diplomatic Relations

In 1929, Italy and South Africa officially established diplomatic relations, marking a formal beginning to their bilateral relationship.

1941: Establishment of Zonderwater POW Camp

From 1941 to 1947, 94,000 Italian prisoners of war, captured in Italian East Africa and North Africa, were placed in the Zonderwater Prisoner of War camp.

1942: End of Second Migration Period

In 1942, the second period of increased Italian migration to South Africa ended.

1943: Increased Employment of Italian POWs

In 1943, after the fall of the fascist regime, the tendency to employ Italian prisoners of war in the works at the Zonderwater camp, which had started in 1941, increased considerably.

1947: End of Zonderwater POW Camp Period

From 1941 to 1947, 94,000 Italian prisoners of war were held at the Zonderwater Prisoner of War camp, which ended in 1947.

1947: End of Italian Society of Mutual Aid and Charity Activity

In 1947, the Italian Society of Mutual Aid and Charity in Cape Town, established in 1890, ceased its activities after operating continuously since its inception.

1948: Increase in Italian Migration

In 1948, Italian migration to South Africa increased further, continuing the trend of migration to South Africa.

1994: National Party Expulsion and Bilateral Agreements

In 1994, the National Party was expelled from power in South Africa, which led to South Africa and Italy signing several bilateral agreements in trade, technology, culture, and defense.

November 1995: Convention to avoid double taxation signed

In November 1995, South Africa and Italy signed the Convention to avoid double taxation in the field of income taxes and to prevent tax evasion, with an additional Protocol, signed in Rome on 16 November 1995.

1996: Memorandum of Understanding

In 1996, cooperation between Italy and South Africa was regulated by the Memorandum of understanding. Alongside their agreement, these two countries have been involved in promoting several activities related to the development of education and health, as well as environmental issues.

1997: Increase in Foreign Direct Investment

In 1997, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Italy to South Africa increased by over 426%.

1998: Italian Cultural Institute Founded in Pretoria

In 1998, the Italian Cultural Institute was founded in Pretoria, organizing various activities and initiatives such as Italian language courses, scholarships, photographic exhibitions, and dance, theatre, and music events.

1998: Collaboration Agreements Between Universities

Since 1998, several collaboration agreements have been signed between Universities in South Africa and Italy, covering multiple study courses.

2001: Italy Becomes a Top Investment Partner

In 2001, Italian investment in South Africa reached EUR 11.8 million, making Italy one of the top 10 biggest investment partners for South Africa.

March 2002: Agreement on Education Development Signed

On 13 March 2002, in Cape Town, Italy and South Africa signed an agreement on education development which established the exchange of academic materials, teachers and researchers, as well as the introduction of scholarships.

2003: Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Consultation (MoU) Signed

In 2003, a Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Consultation (MoU) was signed between Italy and South Africa, establishing regular meetings at the Senior Official level and a general framework for bilateral consultation.

2008: Tat Vaccine Partnership Initiative Established

In 2008, at the end of the program, the "Tat Vaccine Partnership" initiative was established with the aim of raising funds for the completion of the vaccine trial.

2013: Order of Friends of Oliver Reginald Tambo conferred to Reggio Emilia citizens

In 2013, President Jacob Zuma conferred the Order of Friends of Oliver Reginald Tambo to two citizens of Reggio Emilia for their support in the fight against apartheid, strengthening the bond between South Africa and Italy.

2013: Sailing Race Organized by Italian Embassy

In 2013, the Italian Embassy in South Africa organized a sailing race to raise money for people living in disadvantaged social and economic conditions, which was repeated the following year.

November 2014: Football Matches Organized for School Children

In November 2014, the Italian Embassy in South Africa organized many football matches, involving more than 200 school children located in precarious areas.

2014: First Bilingual Educational Institution Opened

In 2014, the first bilingual educational institution was opened in Johannesburg. Courses in Italian are held in three Universities in South Africa.

2015: Communication with Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti

In 2015, the Italian Embassy helped more than 30 children from a primary school in Mafikeng to communicate with Samantha Cristoforetti, an Italian astronaut. The initiative also involved a class from an Italian school in Caprino Bergamasco.

October 2016: Agreement on Environmental Initiatives Signed

On 18 October 2016, an agreement on environmental initiatives was signed in Johannesburg between the Italian Ministero dell’Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare and the Department of Water and Sanitation of South Africa.

2017: Italian Investment Flows

In 2017, Italian investment flows toward South Africa amounted to EUR 205.2 million according to Eurostat data.

2018: Increase in Italian Exports and Imports

In 2018, Italian exports to South Africa increased by approximately +8.5%, while the total value of Italian imports from South Africa rose by +13.4%.

2018: Italian Investment Flows

In 2018, Italian investment flows toward South Africa amounted to EUR 85.7 million according to Eurostat data.

June 2019: First Meeting Between Presidents Ramaphosa and Conte

In June 2019, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte met for the first time in Osaka, Japan, during the G20 summit to discuss cooperation, peace, security in Africa, and economic relations between the two countries.

August 2019: Second Meeting Between Presidents Ramaphosa and Conte

In August 2019, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte met a second time in Biarritz, France, during the G7 Summit to discuss cooperation, peace, security in Africa, and economic relations between the two countries.

2019: Economic Slowdown in Italian Trade

In 2019, an economic slowdown began to be noticed in Italian trade exchanges with South Africa.

2019: Education Outcome Fund Promoted

In 2019, the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment promoted the Education Outcome Fund, a new investment project of one billion Euros in the field of education in Africa and the Middle East, with South Africa being one of the objectives to optimize the ability of students in reading and mathematics in public schools.

2020: Worsening Trade Figures Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

According to a report in 2020, trade figures between Italy and South Africa would likely worsen due to the dramatic economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.