The AICS Office in Maputo, in close coordination and synergy with the Embassies of Italy in Maputo, Lusaka, Harare and Luanda, with the respective Offices of ICE – the Italian Trade Agency, as well as with AICS Headquarters, participated on 20–21 November in the 12th edition of the CEO Dialogue on Southern Africa, organised by The European House – Ambrosetti in Johannesburg. AICS was recognised as a Golden Sponsor of the event.
Launched in 2014, the Forum has become the main platform in Southern Africa for business and institutional leaders interested in exchanging ideas, building partnerships and exploring opportunities for cooperation between Europe and the African continent, with a particular focus on the SADC region. Its core objective is to promote strategic business opportunities and strengthen commercial and political relations between the two continents.
In this edition, AICS Maputo supported the participation of eleven[1] companies from the Office’s five countries of competence — Mozambique, Angola, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe — reaffirming the commitment of the Italian Cooperation to promoting partnerships between the private sector and sustainable development in Southern Africa.
On 21 November, the Head of the AICS Maputo Office, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, delivered a keynote address during the panel “Promoting Resilience: Energy-Smart and Circular Agrifood Value Chains”, where the discussion focused on the contribution of the renewable energy–food–circularity nexus to increasing SME competitiveness, improving food security and strengthening climate resilience.
His intervention also highlighted concrete examples of collaboration with the private sector, including the recent joint launch of Blue Economy initiatives with ENI in Cabo Delgado and the partnership with Illy to develop the coffee sector in Malawi and Mozambique.
One of the most significant moments of the event was the signing of the CEO Manifesto on the Future of African Business, where AICS was represented by the Head of the Maputo Office, Paolo Enrico Sertoli. The document brings together ten priorities identified by the private sector to promote sustainable growth in Africa, and AICS’ endorsement underscores its commitment to fostering constructive dialogue between public institutions and economic actors. The Manifesto will be delivered to the South African Presidency and to G20 leaders, meeting in the country the following day, so that these recommendations may contribute to global discussions on investment and development.
Reflecting on the participation, Paolo Enrico Sertoli underlined that “the presence of the Italian Development Cooperation and AICS at the CEO Forum on Southern Africa represents a moment of great significance: on one hand, it allows us to present the strategies of the Italian Cooperation in Southern Africa; on the other, it engages local companies — often small or very small — in an inspiring context full of development opportunities.”
He further added that “in the spirit of Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa and the EU’s Global Gateway, the Italian Cooperation considers the private sector a key actor in development dynamics, particularly in the agrifood and energy sectors, where the experience of companies provides concrete added value in our operational contexts.”
For Fumukazi, representing Phoka Coffee Growers from Malawi, “the real value of the Forum was the community. Connecting with peers facing similar challenges is invaluable. I will be leaving with a stronger network.”
On his side, Paulo de Lemos from Artcult Angola highlighted the strategic relevance of the event: “the Forum provided an exclusive platform to build and strengthen high-level relationships with key decision-makers from both the public and private sectors across the region.”
Throughout the Forum, the Head of AICS Maputo office, engaged with internationally prominent figures, including José Manuel Durão Barroso, Chair of the GAVI Alliance and former President of the European Commission, and Enrico Letta, former President of the Council of Ministers of Italy. These exchanges allowed for substantive discussions on themes such as education, training, and health.
This edition of the CEO Dialogue underscored the growing relevance of Europe–Africa cooperation, especially in a year when South Africa hosts the G20 Summit — a moment that brings renewed attention to regional priorities and opportunities, reinforcing the strategic relevance of a strengthened Europe–Africa partnership.
[1] From Mozambique, Café Vumba, Café Chimanimani, Cooperativa Frutas de Barué and Leonardo Green Deal took part in the event; from Angola, Mitagro LDA and ArtCult Lda were present; from Zimbabwe, Murimi 247 and the Cicada Group participated; from Zambia, Balmoral Farm Ltd and Real Naturation Africa joined; and from Malawi, the Phoka Coffee Growers Cooperative attended.