Opportunities in Africa: Bridges of Cooperation and Development
17 November 2025
On 10 November 2025, South African Ambassador to Greece Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela delivered a keynote address at a business forum information event that was held under the theme ‘Opportunities in Africa: Bridges of Cooperation and Development’.
The event was jointly hosted by the Hellenic-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its President, Dr. Vassilis Takas and the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) led by its President, Mr. Vasilis Korkidis. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was represented by Ambassador Dimitris Karampalis, the Deputy Director-General for International Economic Relations.
In her remarks, the Ambassador underscored South Africa’s unique position as the most industrialised and diversified economy in Africa. She emphasised that the country’s ability to balance natural resource wealth with sustainable development strategies has enabled South Africa to emerge as a forward-looking economy that is well-prepared to meet current challenges and those of the future.
The South African Ambassador drew particular attention to the various agreements between South Africa, the Hellenic Republic and the European Union that create an enabling environment for trade and investment.
Ambassador Msengana-Ndlela also highlighted business opportunities in key sectors of the South African economy and the possible scope to increase trade between both countries.
Opportunities in maritime and logistics, which plays a pivotal role in South Africa’s economic architecture were cited as key sectors for cooperation. The major ports from Richards Bay in the Indian Ocean to Saldanha Bay in the Atlantic Ocean, function as strategic gateways for international trade, reinforcing the country’s role as Africa’s continental hub for commerce and maritime activity. This positioning creates opportunities for enhanced cooperation with global partners and businesses in the Hellenic Republic.
South African Embassy in Athens, Greece