The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Rome is the official diplomatic representation of South Africa to the Republic of Italy.

The Embassy is also accredited to the Republic of Albania, the Republic of San Marino, and serves as the High Commission to the Republic of Malta, all three as non-residential capacities.

It also functions as the Permanent Representation of South Africa to United Nations agencies and Rome-based international organisations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

In addition, the Embassy serves South Africa’s membership to international institutions such as UNIDROIT (International Institute for the Unification of Private Law) and ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property), among others.

The Embassy was established in Rome in 1929, marking the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Italy.

MANDATE AND OBJECTIVES:

The Embassy aims to strengthen and expand South Africa’s political, economic, trade, scientific innovation and socio-cultural relations with Italy, Malta, Albania, and San Marino through structured bilateral engagement, high-level political dialogue, sectoral and institutional cooperation frameworks.

Its work is guided by South Africa’s foreign policy priorities, which include:

• Promoting inclusive economic growth, innovation and sustainable development;
• Strengthening multilateral cooperation and international partnerships;
• Supporting peace, stability, and global governance reform; and
• Advancing Africa’s development agenda within global institutions.

The Embassy also supports South Africa’s engagement with the European region in alignment with broader strategic cooperation frameworks between Africa and Europe.

The Embassy performs the following diplomatic and administrative functions:

• Promotes political and economic bilateral relations
• Provides consular services and performs other administrative responsibilities
• Promotes Agriculture and Food Security – FAO, IFAD, WFP
• Promotes the conservation of all forms of cultural heritage – ICCROM
• Promote international modernization, harmonization, and coordination of private and commercial law – UNIDROIT.

Countries of accreditation: Albania, Malta, San Marino.

Rome-based UN Agencies: FAO, IFAD, WFP, UNIDROIT and ICCROM.