Italy meets South Africa via Webinar

The public bank of Italy, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), launched their new business matching platform for South African companies in April. As part of the launch, they are hosting a series of themed online events highlighting different sectors. On 13 July, the Embassy of Italy hosted a webinar focusing on the textile sector, connecting Italian and South African companies with the goal of increasing trade between the two countries. The event hosted interventions from the Ambassador of Italy, CDP representatives, the DTIC, South African agriculture associations and Italian trade associations like ACIMIT (for machinery).

Mohair South Africa was invited to show what the Mohair industry has to offer in terms of raw materials. Our general manager, Marco Coetzee presented an overview of the industry including the developments in our certified sustainable mohair supply chain from the farm to the spinners. Italy is very important for the South African mohair industry as they buy the majority of the South African mohair tops (39% during 2022). The industry was well represented as Frances van Hasselt, a mohair farmer and designer presented her recent projects from farm to fashion.

After the webinar, companies had the opportunity to engage with one another on the new business matching platform. More than 80 companies attended the webinar, and we look forward to seeing our relationship with our Italian stakeholders grow from strength to strength.