Beyond Protocol, The Rise of Network Diplomacy
By Kirtan Bhana
Pictured (l-r) at the launch are Ange Okamba - Economic Counsellor - Embassy of the Republic of Congo, Rod Ciangillan Rembendambya – Ambassador of Gabon, Gil Bires - Commercial Counsellor - High Commission of Mozambique, Antonis Mandritis – Ambassador of Cyprus, Maceda Huo – Counsellor - High Commission of Mozambique and Constantinos Tsouroulis – Founding President of the Chamber (photo: TDS)
27 July 2026
The launch of the Pan African Hellenic Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Professionalism and Entrepreneurs NPC in Pretoria may, at first glance, appear to be the establishment of another business chamber. In reality, it is emblematic of a profound transformation taking place in international relations, one in which diplomacy is increasingly driven not only by governments, but by networks of business leaders, professionals, diaspora communities, academia and civil society.