by Marion Smith
The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to South Africa, His Excellency Antonis Mandritis, hosted a luncheon and presentation at the Irene Country Club to introduce the newly established Pan African Hellenic Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Professionals and Entrepreneurs (PAHCCIPE).
The event brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of chambers of commerce, business leaders and professionals for the official presentation of the Chamber’s vision and objectives. The initiative aims to strengthen economic, trade, cultural and strategic cooperation between Africa, Cyprus and Greece while creating a platform that connects governments, diplomatic missions and the private sector.
Addressing the distinguished gathering, PAHCCIPE President Mr Constantinos Tsouroulis outlined the Chamber’s ambitious vision of harnessing the strength of diaspora communities as strategic assets for economic diplomacy and sustainable development across the African continent.
Mr Tsouroulis thanked High Commissioner Mandritis for his leadership and unwavering support in bringing the initiative to life, describing the luncheon as an important first step in fostering meaningful partnerships.
“Our Chamber’s name may be lengthy, but its purpose is remarkably simple,” he said. “It is to build trusted bridges of commerce, investment, innovation and professional cooperation throughout the African continent.”
He emphasised that the Chamber was intentionally established as a pan-African organisation rather than one serving only Cyprus, Greece or South Africa.
“It belongs to every nation that believes cooperation creates greater opportunities than isolation,” he said.
A central theme of his address was the vital role played by diaspora communities in driving economic growth and strengthening international relations. He noted that citizens living abroad should not simply be regarded as expatriate communities, but as valuable national assets capable of facilitating trade, attracting investment, transferring knowledge and opening new markets.
“The Hellenic and Cypriot experience provides inspiration, but every nation represented here possesses a remarkable global network of people whose knowledge, relationships and goodwill represent extraordinary opportunities for economic growth and international cooperation,” he said.
Mr Tsouroulis highlighted the Chamber’s intention to work alongside governments, diplomatic missions, chambers of commerce, business leaders and diaspora organisations to transform these relationships into practical opportunities for investment, entrepreneurship, education, innovation, skills transfer and sustainable economic development.
He described economic diplomacy as an essential pillar of modern international relations.
“Diplomacy is measured not only by political relationships but also by investment flows, commercial partnerships, innovation and shared prosperity,” he said. “We do not seek to replace governments or diplomatic missions. We seek to become a trusted platform through which governments, embassies and the private sector can work together to unlock opportunity.”
Speaking about Africa’s future, Mr Tsouroulis pointed to the continent’s abundant natural resources, youthful population, technological innovation, expanding consumer markets and entrepreneurial spirit as key drivers of future growth.
He also highlighted Cyprus’s strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, noting that the Republic of Cyprus offers internationally respected professional services, a strong legal framework, and serves as an important gateway to the European Union.
“Africa and Cyprus possess complementary strengths,” he said. “Together, they can create possibilities far greater than either could achieve independently.”
Looking ahead, Mr Tsouroulis expressed the Chamber’s desire to establish close working relationships with diplomatic missions across Africa to identify opportunities that will benefit their respective countries while contributing to the continent’s shared prosperity.
Concluding his address, he once again thanked High Commissioner Mandritis for his commitment to advancing economic diplomacy.
“Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated that diplomacy is not confined to protocol. It is about creating opportunities, bringing people together, opening doors, building trust and leaving institutions stronger than we found them.”
The launch of PAHCCIPE marks an important milestone in strengthening commercial, professional and cultural ties between Africa, Cyprus and Greece. By creating a platform that connects governments, business leaders and diaspora communities, the Chamber aims to foster investment, innovation and long-term partnerships that contribute to inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity across the continent.
