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SOUTH AFRICA ITALY SUMMIT / INDABA Press review 2018 © 2018 The European House-Ambrosetti For internal use only
17 OCTOBER 2018
WWW.BUSINESSLIVE.CO.ZA
Summit to promote growth,
help shape future strategies
•andEvent aims to create permanent
influential community of
director Sergio Galli, the
company is a perennial
supporter of the SA-Italy
political and business leaders Summit. “We have deep
roots in both countries. We
have strong relationships
with Italian suppliers, which
PEDRO VAN GAALEN the University of we’ve forged over 50 years,
All reports Pennsylvania 2017 Global Go in addition to many loyal
To Think Tank Index Report. local consumers.”
S
A is the strategic The inaugural summit in Italtile supports the
gateway to sub- 2014 was intended to be a ceramics industry in Italy by
Saharan Africa, highly exclusive annual importing high-end finished
while Italy offers bilateral forum reserved for products to supply the local
an ideal CEOs and leaders of the two market. The company has
springboard into Europe. countries. “The format also introduced into SA
Synergies therefore exist mirrors other summits we technology used in the Italian
between the two countries, host around the globe, which ceramics and related
which the annual South have already delivered industries, and has shared its
Africa-Italy Summit/Indaba significant results in Europe, experience in this regard to
seeks to strengthen by the Association of Southeast help grow the local sector.
improving trade relations Asian Nations (Asean), Iran, “We are confident that as
and uncovering investment China and other countries we continue to grow and
opportunities. included in the One Belt, One develop those partnerships,
Now in its fifth year, the Road initiative,” explains we will help to lift the local
2018 summit will once again Paolo Borzatta, Senior economy,” says Galli.
take place in Johannesburg, Partner at The European The summit is also set to
Gauteng — the economic House — Ambrosetti. evolve into a pan-European
powerhouse of SA — thanks The aim of the local The fifth South Africa-Italy Summit/Indaba will be held in Johannesburg. /123RF — FELIX LIPOV and pan-African platform,
to the support of the Gauteng initiative is to create a capable of creating strategic
Provincial Government and permanent and influential participants who met with importance of strengthening African Chamber of business partnerships at the
its Premier, David Makhura. community of political and their African counterparts. bilateral relations in the Commerce (ISACC), which is highest level. “We are excited
According to gross business leaders who can While attendees are able broader regional and global supporting The European about the information on
domestic product (GDP) data leverage the strategic to interact with business political environment. The House — Ambrosetti in ‘skills development for smart
recently published by Stats platform to interact and leaders and politicians and summit outlined the hosting the summit. manufacturing’ that will be
SA, Gauteng contributed just share innovative ideas that opinion leaders from the two institutional framework of The event also takes place shared at one of the sessions,”
over a third to SA’s economic shape their future strategies. regions, the summit is more bilateral trade and against the backdrop of says Neo Masombuka, CEO
output in 2016. As the The summit also seeks to than just a single event. investment relations, the renewed Italian investor of Grow-to-N.
proverbial growth engine of foster stronger bilateral “We work year-round policy tools already in place, confidence in SA, which South African state-
the local economy, Premier business engagements and with a qualified and high- and those yet to be deployed. significantly increased in owned enterprises are also
Makhura and his investment relationships to calibre steering committee to Particular attention was 2018 following the election leveraging the SA-Italy
administration are working promote growth that benefits explore business also dedicated to highlighting of Ramaphosa as president. summit platform to uncover
to realise their vision, which both business and opportunities and synergies the opportunities and the “We’re delighted with the growth opportunities.
seeks to transform, government organisations, between the two regions. critical challenges posed by renewed interest from Italian According to Molatwane
modernise and re- and the economies of their The steering committee the volatile international investors in light of President Likhethe, General Manager:
industrialise Gauteng to build respective countries. comprises project advisors, macroeconomic Ramaphosa’s call for $100bn Corporate and Public Affairs
a seamlessly integrated, Over the past four years partner companies and The environment and its effects in investment into SA over at Transnet, the ability to
socially cohesive, the summit has hosted European House — on European and southern the next five years.” engage with Italian,
economically inclusive region participants from 25 different Ambrosetti. The committee African businesses. government and industry
that maintains its position as countries, including more leverages business research Among the issues role players and businesses
a leading economy on the than 30 government conducted by the think tank covered in 2017 were the THE AIM IS TO in the freight logistics field is
African continent. ministries from Africa and to establish co-operation volatility of commodity CREATE A a significant drawcard.
As part of its 10-pillar Europe, and almost 300 between leading industry prices, the Chinese “The summit also
strategic plan, the Gauteng Italian and European players in key sectors, using slowdown, the growth PERMANENT AND provides an important think
Provincial Government is the summit as a platform to performance of SADC INFLUENTIAL tank to explore new and
leveraging the Summit to share this information with countries and Europe’s path COMMUNITY OF innovative supply chain
strengthen bilateral trade all stakeholders and establish to creating post-crisis solutions, which informs our
agreements and economic co-operation via a variety of growth momentum. POLITICAL AND strategic growth plans.”
co-operation to create and sessions,” explains Borzatta. The 2018 edition will now BUSINESS LEADERS Likhethe explains that
promote smart, innovation- The 2017 summit hosted seek to build on the success this country is ideally
driven, knowledge-based 65 participants from Italy, of the 2017 event. “It’s positioned to play a key role
and sustainable industries. seven government serendipitous that the SA- Zanardi says more than as an international gateway
The summit is facilitated representatives, six local Italy Summit is taking place 120 Italian companies have and hub for the regional
by The European House — government representatives, in the same month as the made significant investments freight system. “SA and Italy
Ambrosetti, which for the six ambassadors from investment conference in SA and are making a both have the opportunity to
fifth consecutive year has Europe and the Southern announced by President valuable contribution to the expand their business
been named as the leading African Development Cyril Ramaphosa to attract local economy by using the relations within the broader
private think tank in Italy, Community (SADC) and 15 foreign direct investment country as their base for African context, through
and is ranked in the project advisors from Italy into SA,” says Cristina African operations. various co-operative and
European top 10 and the top and SA. Discussions at last Zanardi, Deputy Secretary Italtile is one such strategic partnerships that
100 think tanks globally in Premier David Makhura. year’s summit stressed the General of the Italian-South company. According to retail can be forged at the summit.”
2 BusinessDay www.businessday.co.za October 2018 BusinessDay www.businessday.co.za October 2018 3
South Africa-Italy Summit/Indaba South Africa-Italy Summit/Indaba
Giving youth a sporting chance
•willYoung athletes from SA and Italy
B
eyond building between the two nations
better business through sport. Spearheaded
show off their skills at the 2018 relations, the by the Gauteng Provincial
annual South Government’s Department
OR Tambo Soncini Social Cohesion Africa-Italy of Sport, Arts, Culture and
Games Summit/Indaba also aims to
foster stronger cultural ties
Recreation, in conjunction
with international partners
Reggio Emilia, the OR Tambo
Soncini Social Cohesion
Games will form part of the
2018 summit’s programme
of events.
Teams that progressed
from the Municipality Games
will compete at these
Provincial Games, which
take place on October 27 and
28 2018. Teams will
comprise young athletes in Attendees at sessions from last year’s South Africa-Italy Summit/Indaba.
the under-17 age category,
who will participate
New platform
against teams from Italy in
football, netball (under-19),
rugby, basketball, athletics
and swimming.
The OR Tambo Soncini
Social Cohesion Games form
part of a bilateral cultural
programme that saw 250
South African youth, coaches
and management travel to
Reggio Emilia in Italy to
to put Africa
on EU radar
compete at the 2018
Tricolour Games. The Games
were an opportunity for
athletes who have never
travelled beyond SA’s
borders to experience a new
•impact
country and different
cultures, while building Think tank aiming to expand summit’s reach and
social cohesion and
establishing friendships with with inaugural Africa Europe CEO Dialogue
participants from other
countries.
S
Athletes stayed in the ince launching in and government,” explains in Johannesburg — Africa’s and development of attributable to the EU’s the think tank.
athletes’ village, which gave Cape Town in Paolo Borzatta, Senior busiest airport and a gateway businesses on both historical presence in the Several topics of interest
them the chance to socialise 2014, the annual Partner at The European to the rest of the continent. continents, believes Borzatta. region. However, we are far will be addressed, including
with other participants. This South Africa-Italy House — Ambrosetti. In this context, SA is a There are, of course, EU from realising the full the financial tools needed to
engagement included time in Summit/Indaba Following four years of country of great strategic corporations that understand potential of bilateral EU- improve investment appeal;
the village “free zone”, which has sought to strengthen engagement at the summit, importance to European the beneficial economic Africa trade relations. Even potential synergies that exist
offered various cultural economic ties between the Italy clearly understands the businesses. As the most dynamics at play and are greater value can be between different tourism
activities, as well as table two nations, which already rising importance of Africa in diversified and advanced capitalising on the business extracted given the right models; the role of
tennis, skate boarding, share a rich and mutually- the global economic context. economy on the continent, opportunities emerging opportunities,” says Borzatta. intermodal transport and
rollerblading and basketball. beneficial relationship. The country is committed to SA offers the ideal within Africa, particularly in “We have created this logistics in the region; the
The tournament was held Having built a solid unlocking the continent’s springboard into Africa for southern Africa. Recent data platform to put the many development of proper
from July 7-13 2018, with foundation over the growth potential, particularly companies interested in on trade and investments opportunities available infrastructure at a regional
representative under-17 preceding four years, the within Africa’s many exploring growth shows that EU exports to within Africa back on the level to improve mobility
teams from Gauteng globally-acclaimed think underdeveloped markets, opportunities. As such, many southern Africa rose by 7.7% radar of European within the continent via road,
participating in football, tank, The European House — through initiatives such as Italian companies have in 2017, which equates to businesses. Europe can rail, sea and air; and smart
rugby, basketball, athletics Ambrosetti, now plans to the SA-Italy Summit and already chosen SA as a base €72bn in trade. These results partner with South African technologies for the city of
and swimming. South leverage the platform it has Africa Europe CEO Dialogue. for their African operations. strengthened the EU’s and African enterprises, the future. A scientific and
African athletes excelled, created with this event to Southern Africa is But the majority of Italy’s position as the major which offer unmatchable university co-operation hub
earning five gold, four silver expand the reach and impact experiencing robust European counterparts have exporter to the region, as this knowledge of the territory, to will take an in-depth look at
and two bronze medals. of the summit. economic growth, with yet to recognise the volume represents almost apply important technologies the role and potential of
The attendance of This year the SA-Italy rising trade and additional opportunities and significant twice that of the combined and know-how to unlock research co-operation
Gauteng Provincial Summit/Indaba will host the passenger traffic, cited by growth potential offered exports from the US, United growth opportunities.” between the two areas.
Government representatives inaugural Africa Europe CEO The European House — within Africa, suggests Arab Emirates and India, The European House — “Private investment
at the 2018 Tricolour Games Dialogue. The event will Ambrosetti as important Borzatta, who believes and was 15% more than Ambrosetti, in conjunction remains subdued and
was used to enhance accommodate other catalysts for this growth. southern Africa remains off Chinese exports. with the Gauteng Provincial international engagement
existing partnerships and southern African and A significant development the radar of many European Conversely, southern Government, has identified has yet to reach acceptable
foster greater collaboration European countries to create was the announcement in Union (EU) companies due to African exports into the EU key initiatives within both SA levels,” says Borzatta. “This
in the sports sector during an exclusive, influential April by Alitalia that it would several factors. mirrored the upward trend, and Africa that will receive situation must be remedied,
various workshops. community of leaders who reintroduce direct flights “Significant trade and growing 6.5% last year. This significant focus at the and EU companies are
In addition, a cultural can engage in a forum that from Italy to SA after an investment opportunities in robust trade equated to summit, based on numerous ideally positioned to provide
showcase was held where builds their businesses, along absence of 16 years. The other emerging markets €69bn in 2017, which is analyses, reports and the key competencies,
groups representing their with the economic airline now operates four have diverted attention and higher than the combined strategic studies prepared by technological capabilities and
respective countries prosperity of their countries weekly flights between capital from European value of exports from capital to help realise the
performed. SA’s participation and their continents. Rome-Fiumicino players away from Africa, southern Africa to the US, ambitious infrastructure
and cultural programme was “The vision for the Africa International Airport and OR which is why the many India and the United Arab projects planned in several
well received, with Gauteng Europe CEO Dialogue is to Tambo International Airport opportunities offered on the Emirates, and also exceeds southern African countries.”
invited back to compete at create a pan-African and continent remain unknown the region’s exports to China. By boosting public-
the 2021 Tricolour Games. European strategic hub for to European business The EU also affirmed its private partnerships in the
This gesture was high-level networking in SA IS THE IDEAL leaders,” explains Borzatta. position as Africa’s major region, by strengthening ties
reciprocated to the hosts, southern Africa. The SPRINGBOARD INTO This is proving growth partner, with foreign between Europe and Africa,
with Gauteng Provincial platform will accelerate detrimental to both regions, direct investment (FDI) in the the economies of the two
Government representatives business and investment AFRICA FOR FIRMS but the EU and southern continent totalling €302bn in continents will grow faster
extending an invitation to relations, unlock growth INTERESTED IN Africa have the potential to 2017. This amounted to more together. Summit organisers
teams from Reggio Emilia to opportunities and boost EXPLORING create synergistic than five times that of US FDI believe the Africa Europe
participate in the 2018 OR competitiveness through partnerships that would and eight times more than CEO Dialogue will create the
Tambo Soncini Social interactions between key GROWTH address several issues China’s total investments. perfect platform to establish
Cohesion Games. decision makers in business OPPORTUNITIES crucial to the future growth “This volume is largely Paolo Borzatta … partnerships. these partnerships.
4 BusinessDay www.businessday.co.za October 2018
South Africa-Italy Summit/Indaba
SA, Italy boost trade relations
• Gauteng Provincial Government engaging with private sector players to unlock potential, create jobs
T
he 2018 edition of New Holland agricultural strategic plan, implemented
the South Africa- machinery. under the leadership of
Italy Summit/ Premier David Makhura, to
Indaba, which facility in 2017. re-industrialise the Gauteng
takes place from ● Mollebalestra is an Italian economy through
October 23-24, will be the suspension products infrastructure development.
third event hosted in provider. The company For example, the massive
Gauteng. This is significant as signed a joint venture roll-out of public transport
the province is the economic agreement with springs infrastructure across the
powerhouse of both SA and manufacturer Golden Spring province will be utilised to
the Africa continent. & Engineering services in revitalise and modernise old
The summit is a crucial September 2017. The JV is industries that will locally
networking event that facilitating the manufacture manufacture or assemble
provides business leaders of of Mollebalestra’s range of buses, trains and locomotives.
the two countries with a products in SA. The government is
formidable tool to deepen ● Ariston Thermo Group working closely with state-
their established and robust produces geysers, air- owned enterprises Prasa and
trade and economic conditioners, heat pumps Transnet to re-industrialise
relationships and share their and more, and is making the province and build
mutual knowledge. significant inroads into the economic infrastructure that
“To understand the geyser market in SA. will boost employment
significance of trade relations ● NeOn Energy operates in creation and economic
between Italy and SA, it is and citrus fruit. Other entries mutual knowledge of and ● Enel Green Power RSA, the renewable energy space. inclusion through investing
important to contextualise are wool and animal hair, collaboration between the the South African division of As an independent power in post, freight, rail and
the trade volumes and rawhides and skins, and business communities of our Italian multinational producer (IPP), it will operate pipeline capacity.
quantitative trends. mineral products, especially two countries. SA also has a manufacturer and distributor a 200kW solar generation This infrastructure will
Specifically, we are currently ores, slag and ash. large and well respected of electricity and gas, Enel plant over the next 15 years. not only boost provincial
experiencing consecutive “However, merely Italian community. It is the Group. The renewables ● New Holland is an prosperity, but as the
periods of double-digit looking at the aggregate largest Italian community in company recently signed agricultural machinery economic hub of SA and as a
growth in trade volumes figures does not adequately sub-Saharan Africa and project financing agreements producer that has gateway into Africa, these
between the two countries,” explain the nature and depth consists mainly of with two local lenders for significantly grown its projects will have significant
explains Pietro Giovanni of relations between our two entrepreneurs who have €950m (or 80% of the total market share since investing benefits for the country, as
Donnici, the Italian countries,” says Donnici. developed a deep knowledge €1.2bn investment) for five in SA in 2017. The company well as the African continent.
Ambassador to SA. of the African continent. The new wind farm projects that is part of CNH Industrial, one
According to data size and strength of the will deliver a total capacity of of the world leaders in
provided by the Italian THESE PROJECTS Italian community in this about 700MW. capital goods, which already GOODS IMPORTED
Embassy, in 2017 bilateral WILL HAVE country is, without doubt, an ● Lucchini RS, a renowned has a presence in SA with an AND EXPORTED
trade between the two additional factor that helps Italian manufacturer of Iveco plant.
nations grew by 10.5%. SIGNIFICANT Italian companies to settle in forged railway products. ● Building Energy is an CONTRIBUTE TO
However, that figure has BENEFITS FOR SA and thrive, together with the Lucchini RS invested R200m Italian-based global IPP that THE PRODUCTIVITY
already been eclipsed in AND THE AFRICAN South African economy.” in its Germiston production produces electricity from OF THE NATIONAL
2018, with bilateral trade Of interest and relevance plant in 2013, and will be renewable energy sources
growing by 11% in the first CONTINENT to economic development in making further investments such as wind, solar, hydro INDUSTRIES
seven months of this year, SA in general, and Gauteng in in the second phase. The and biomass. In April 2018
compared to the particular, is the number of plant has the capacity to the company concluded a
corresponding period in Roughly 70% of Italian these Italian companies that produce 25,000 wheels a deal with Eskom to build, In addition, the Gauteng
2017. Overall trade between exports to SA comprise have invested in the country year for the local market, and own and operate a 147MW Provincial Government has
the two countries amounted capital or intermediate since the summit launched. is currently supplying wind farm and a 4.7MW mini identified key sectors that
to $3.3bn in 2017, but by July goods. This reveals a pattern According to figures wheels to major rail service hydropower plant in SA. have the potential to address
2018 this figure had already of business-to-business provided by the Italian-South providers in the country, ● Tokai Carbon Italia, the twin policy imperatives
reached $2.17bn. transactions that provides African Chamber of including Transnet, Prasa, the manufacturer of graphite of creating employment and
“Italy’s most prolific production inputs to South Commerce (ISACC), which is Gautrain and the Blue Train. electrodes and carbon greater economic inclusion.
export to SA is industrial African companies and once again supporting The ● Mapei is a global leader in products, recently entered These include finance, ICT,
machinery. This entry alone increases their productivity, European House — the production of adhesives the local market. tourism, the automotive
accounts for 30% of Italian without undermining local Ambrosetti in hosting the and chemical products for A number of these industry, renewable energy,
exports,” explains Donnici. manufacturers. This also summit, Italian companies the building industry. The companies will contribute to manufacturing, construction,
According to data applies to South African that have recently invested in company constructed a local the realisation of the Gauteng pharmaceuticals, creative
available from the South exports to Italy, as these are SA include: hi-tech manufacturing Provincial Government’s industries and real estate.
African Revenue Service, the goods included in the
other main entries are country’s production
mineral products, in processes and appreciated in
particular fuels and industrial the Italian market.
oils, and chemical and “Such a trade structure is
pharmaceutical products; mutually beneficial, because
vehicles, predominantly in the goods imported and
the form of cars, trucks, vans exported reciprocally
and bikes, in addition to contribute to the productivity
locomotives, railway stock, of the national industries and
ships and aircrafts; rubber to the quality of the
and plastic products; iron manufactured goods, which
and steel products; and agri- positively contributes to the
food products. respective value chains,”
The main products explains Donnici.
exported by SA are base Given the recent
metals and articles of base developments in bilateral
metal, especially iron and trade, Donnici believes it is
steel, aluminium and articles noteworthy that this steadily
thereof, which accounts for growing relationship has
35% of South African exports. occurred in parallel with the
Agri-food accounts for 24.3% establishment of the SA-Italy
of South African exports to Summit/Indaba as an annual
Italy, predominantly in the event in SA.
form of fish, crustaceans and “The summit has over the
aquatic invertebrates, in past five years played a
addition to edible fruit, nuts crucial role in deepening the
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Mashaba said as part of the city’s NGO
rejuvenation plan, there would be
practical training of artisans and
already 300 young people were being trained by the University of Johannesburg
as part of a partnership with the city.
“We want to take back these hijacked buildings and convert them into affordable
accommodation, into student accommodation and into hubs [for small, medium
and micro-sized enterprises] where people can carry out business and have
factories for people to work from, so for me the inner city is a low hanging fruit,”
he said
“We don’t want short-term investments like the stock markets and the bonds. We
want the Italians to invest in long-term investments like brick and mortar. We want
factories so that our people can get employment,” he added.
Mashaba said the city recently managed to attract a R2 billion investment in one
of the inner city developments and he was hoping for more of the same.
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partnership with the Gauteng provincial government, former Finance Minister
Trevor Manuel spoke on Africa’s viability as an investment destination while
Transport Minister Blade Nzimande, in his speech, said the country was
considering establishing transport-specific innovation hubs.
“We’re looking to introduce transport innovation hubs to harness the great Contact Us
potential we have in terms of innovation. These will not only be restricted to South
Africa, but will be in partnership with the Southern African Development
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Community region and the rest of the continent. There are lots of opportunities in
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the region for public transport. We in South Africa have very interesting examples,
while not perfect, of what can be done,” he said.
Nzimande spoke about the bus rapid transport systems that had been established Subscribe To City Press
in 13 South African cities. He said the country had invested billions of rands and
this transport model could be copied in the region, in an integrated way.
Nzimande added that less than 1% of government budgets on the continent was
spent on innovation, whereas Europe spent at least 5%.
Lesetja Malope
Business writer
City Press
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13/11/2018 Leaders gather at Day 1 of the South Africa-Italy summit | IOL Business Report
Leaders gather at Day 1 of the South Africa-Italy
summit
BUSINESS REPORT / 24 OCTOBER 2018, 08:03AM / STAFF REPORTER
Transport Minister Blade Nzimande told the summit the “investment into research and innovation in the transport sector
is an absolute necessity”. FILE PHOTO: ANA
CAPE TOWN - Southern Africa strengthened its relations with its largest trade partner, the
European Union at the Fifth South Africa-Italy summit.
The European Union is the number one exporter to Southern Africa, its main trade partner and
the major investor in the Region.
Within this context, some of the most influential business leaders from Southern Africa and
Europe gathered in Johannesburg to explore opportunities for growth and investment.
Southern Africa strengthened its relations with its largest trade partner, the European Union at the Fifth South Africa-
Italy summit. File Image: IOL
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13/11/2018 Leaders gather at Day 1 of the South Africa-Italy summit | IOL Business Report
The fifth edition of the South Africa-Italy Indaba, taking place this year on October 23 and 24 at
the Maslow Hotel, has grown to become one of the most important forums to discuss strategic
economic issues between the whole of Southern Africa, Italy and Europe at large.
Organised by The European House Ambrosetti (TEHA), in partnership with the Gauteng
Government, the summit was addressed by among others Trevor Manuel, former South African
Finance Minister and now President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy on Investment, who
spoke on the topic of Africa’s viability as an investment destination.
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TEHA’s Managing Partner and chief executive, Valerio De Molli, said in opening the summit that
the event’s aim was “to put Southern Africa on the radar of European companies, together with
the many opportunities the region offers”.
“At the base of this engagement and commitment there has always been the certainty that the
two regions are, and will be, vital for each other."
EU exports towards Southern Africa have returned to growth in the past year, reaching a value
of R1.2 trillion.
This value is almost twice that of the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates and
India combined, and is 15% more than the Chinese.
In addition, the EU is the major partner of Africa for growth of the region, with total FDIs stock in
the continent totalling 302 billion Euro, more than double the US investments` stock and 8 times
Chinese ones” De Molli.
The transport sector’s importance to the growth of investment between Europe and Southern
Africa was a crucial part of the opening day of the summit.
South Africa’s Transport Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, told the summit the “investment into
research and innovation in the transport sector is an absolute necessity”.
“We’re looking to introduce transport innovation hubs to harness the great potential we have in
terms of innovation. These will not only be restricted to South Africa, but will be in partnership
with the SADC region and the rest of the African continent."
There are lots of opportunities in the region for public transport. We in South Africa have very
interesting examples, while not perfect, of what can be done. We have established bus rapid
transport systems in 13 South African cities, investing billions of rands, which can be copied in
the region, in a very integrated way,” said Nzimande.
https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/leaders-gather-at-day-1-of-the-south-africa-italy-summit-17613207 2/3
13/11/2018 Leaders gather at Day 1 of the South Africa-Italy summit | IOL Business Report
He said less than 1% of government budgets on the African continent was spent on innovation,
whereas Europe spent at least 5% on innovation.
“South Africa, SADC and the rest of Africa provide huge opportunities for investment, not least
from Europe, that can change our continent. If the first three industrial revolutions left us
behind, we must not be left behind with the fourth industrial revolution,” Nzimande added.
He said the areas of civil aviation, the fact that Africa had the largest inland waterway in the
world, and maritime transport were all areas of “huge opportunity for growth and development”
and collaboration between African countries and Europe."
Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Fortune Chasi, said
the country’s new dawn following the election of President Emmerson Mnangagwa,
represented a golden opportunity.
“Zimbabwe is on the cusp of huge economic infrastructure development in every respect. We
bring to SADC investment opportunities that arise from the challenges we are facing. We have
not been able to keep up with our huge infrastructure demands."
A congenial atmosphere has now been created for foreign partnerships and private investment.
If we achieve cohesiveness as a region, transport has the opportunity of driving our economies
to much higher levels,” Chasi told the summit.
Other topics addressed at the summit included the “financial tools to improve Africa’s
investibility”, the “intermodal paradigm in transport and logistics” and “smart technologies and
the city of the future”.
A major highlight on the opening day of the summit was an address by Jonathan Reichental,
Chief Information Officer of California’s Silicon Valley City of Palo Alto.
Some of the points Reichental made was the need to prepare for a world where computers –
and not people - would drive cars in future, and how cities needed to be designed differently.
Reichental also spoke of how the future of the world was “solar” and how this would transform
the economic systems of the world.
“As leaders we’re not thinking boldly enough. We have the most complex work in the world - in
the most complex environments of the world - our cities. We’re just at the beginning of an
incredible transformation, where all the possibilities and opportunities to build amazing cities
and improve the quality of life of our people, is worth trillions of dollars. I encourage us to
innovate cities, because then you can really, truly change the world,” said Reichental.
De Molli said going forward the summit would be known as the “Africa-Europe chief Dialogue”.
Some of the Italian companies that are supporting the summit include MA Automotive, Building
Energy, CNH Industrial, Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane, Fiera Milano, Terna, Alitalia and Ubi
Banca.
“We are convinced that, by working together, Southern Africa and European companies can
unleash and nurture the growth of the continent,” said De Molli.
BUSINESS REPORT ONLINE
https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/leaders-gather-at-day-1-of-the-south-africa-italy-summit-17613207 3/3
13/11/2018 Southern Africa strengthens relations with its largest trade partner, the European Union at the fifth South Africa-Italy Summit | Bran… Southern Africa strengthens relations with its largest trade partner, the European Union at the fifth South Africa-Italy Summit 25 Oct 2018 European Union (EU) is today the number one exporter to Southern Africa, its main trade partner and the major investor in the Region. Within this context, some of the most influential business leaders from Southern Africa and Europe gathered in Johannesburg today to explore exciting opportunities for growth and investment. The fifth edition of the South Africa-Italy Indaba, taking place this year on October 23 and 24 at the Maslow Hotel, has grown to become one of the most important forums to discuss strategic economic issues between the whole of Southern Africa, Italy and Europe at large. Organised by The European House Ambrosetti (TEHA), in partnership with the Gauteng Government, the summit was addressed by among others Trevor Manuel, former South African Finance Minister and now President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy on Investment, who spoke on the topic of Africa’s viability as an investment destination. TEHA’s Managing Partner and CEO, Valerio De Molli, said in opening the summit that the event’s aim was “to put Southern Africa on the radar of European companies, together with the many opportunities the region offers”. “At the base of this engagement and commitment there has always been the certainty that the two regions are, and will be, vital for each other. European Union (EU) exports towards Southern Africa have returned to growth in the past year, strengthening the EU position as the major exporter towards the region and reaching a value of 72 Billion Euro (R1.2 trillion). This value is almost twice that of the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates and India combined, and is 15% more than the Chinese one. In addition, EU is today the major partner of Africa for growth of the region, with total FDIs stock in the continent totalling 302 billion Euro, more than double the US investments` stock and 8 times Chinese ones” De Molli, whose TEHA has been nominated as the number one think tank in Italy, told delegates at the summit today. The transport sector’s importance to the growth of investment between Europe and Southern Africa was a crucial part of the opening day of the summit. South Africa’s Transport Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, told the summit the “investment into research and innovation in the transport sector is an absolute necessity”. https://www.brandsouthafrica.com/governance/government/southern-africa-strengthens-relations-with-its-largest-trade-partner-the-european-unio… 1/4
13/11/2018 Southern Africa strengthens relations with its largest trade partner, the European Union at the fifth South Africa-Italy Summit | Bran… “We’re looking to introduce transport innovation hubs to harness the great potential we have in terms of innovation. These will not only be restricted to South Africa, but will be in partnership with the SADC region and the rest of the African continent. There are lots of opportunities in the region for public transport. We in South Africa have very interesting examples, while not perfect, of what can be done. We have established bus rapid transport systems in 13 South African cities, investing billions of rands, which can be copied in the region, in a very integrated way,” said Dr Nzimande. He said less than 1% of government budgets on the African continent was spent on innovation, whereas Europe spent at least 5% on innovation. “South Africa, SADC and the rest of Africa provide huge opportunities for investment, not least from Europe, that can change our continent. If the first three industrial revolutions left us behind, we must not be left behind with the fourth industrial revolution,” Dr Nzimande added. He said the areas of civil aviation, the fact that Africa had the largest inland waterway in the world, and maritime transport were all areas of “huge opportunity for growth and development” and collaboration between African countries and Europe. Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Fortune Chasi, said the country’s new dawn following the election of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, represented a golden opportunity. https://www.brandsouthafrica.com/governance/government/southern-africa-strengthens-relations-with-its-largest-trade-partner-the-european-unio… 2/4
13/11/2018 Southern Africa strengthens relations with its largest trade partner, the European Union at the fifth South Africa-Italy Summit | Bran… “Zimbabwe is on the cusp of huge economic infrastructure development in every respect. We bring to SADC investment opportunities that arise from the challenges we are facing. We have not been able to keep up with our huge infrastructure demands. A congenial atmosphere has now been created for foreign partnerships and private investment. If we achieve cohesiveness as a region, transport has the opportunity of driving our economies to much higher levels,” Chasi told the summit. Other topics addressed at the summit today included the “financial tools to improve Africa’s investibility”, the “intermodal paradigm in transport and logistics” and “smart technologies and the city of the future”. A major highlight on the opening day of the summit was an address by Jonathan Reichental, Chief Information Officer (CIO) of California’s Silicon Valley City of Palo Alto. Some of the points Reichental made was the need to prepare for a world where computers – and not people – would drive cars in future, and how cities needed to be designed differently. Reichental also spoke of how the future of the world was “solar” and how this would transform the economic systems of the world. “As leaders we’re not thinking boldly enough. We have the most complex work in the world – in the most complex environments of the world – our cities. We’re just at the beginning of an incredible https://www.brandsouthafrica.com/governance/government/southern-africa-strengthens-relations-with-its-largest-trade-partner-the-european-unio… 3/4
13/11/2018 Southern Africa strengthens relations with its largest trade partner, the European Union at the fifth South Africa-Italy Summit | Bran… transformation, where all the possibilities and opportunities to build amazing cities and improve the quality of life of our people, is worth trillions of dollars. I encourage us to innovate cities, because then you can really, truly change the world,” said Reichental. De Molli said going forward the summit would be known as the “Africa-Europe CEO Dialogue”. Some of the Italian companies that are supporting the summit include MA Automotive, Building Energy, CNH Industrial, Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane, Fiera Milano, Terna, Alitalia and Ubi Banca. “We are convinced that, by working together, Southern Africa and European companies can unleash and nurture the growth of the continent,” said De Molli. On behalf of The European House Ambrosetti https://www.brandsouthafrica.com/governance/government/southern-africa-strengthens-relations-with-its-largest-trade-partner-the-european-unio… 4/4
https://www.cnbcafrica.com/videos/2018/11/05/south-africa-italy-summit-highlights/
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