The Embassy represents the Republic of South Africa to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; the Republic of Djibouti as well as the Permanent Mission to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
The South African Embassy was opened in Addis Ababa in August 1994 establishing formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia as well as accreditation to the African Union [then known as the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)]. The first South African Ambassador presented his credentials to the Ethiopian President on 8 February 1995, and OAU Secretary General, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, on 13 March 1995. South Africa and the Republic of Djibouti also established diplomatic relations in 1994 and appointed the first non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Djibouti who presented his credentials to President Hassan Gouled Aptidon on 1 December 1997.
The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa aims to strengthen political, economic and social relations through structured bilateral agreements and high‐level engagements to advance South Africa’s national priorities, the African Agenda and South‐South cooperation. Additionally, South Africa’s foreign policy focuses on building unity, inclusive economic development and shared prosperity for the African continent and its people through its participation in multilateral structures.
H.E. Ambassador Nonceba Losi is the current Head of Mission and Permanent Representative. He is supported by a team of officials designated according to the following sections: Bilateral Affairs; Legal Affairs; Social Affairs; Multilateral Partnerships; Political Affairs; Peace and Security; Economic Affairs; Administration, Budgetary and Finance Matters (AU); Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development; and Defence.
The Embassy also offers various services: consular and immigration services, inclusive of information to South African citizens visiting or living permanently in Ethiopia as well as foreign citizens wishing to travel to South Africa.