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The Free State province is looking into expanding its export market on the globe in an effort to grow its economy and attract international investors.
According to the latest bilateral trade data recorded in February 2026; between South Africa and Italy, South Africa imported goods and services to the value of $2. 55 billion from Italy; and its exports were valued between $934 million and $2.48 billion. Based on the data, trade between the two countries is growing and the Free State wants to claim a market share and be a player on international shores.
The Free State Premier Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae led her envoy to Italy for a nine days working trip which took place from the 3rd to the 11th of May 2026. The province aimed to entice Italy to be a trade partner and also strengthen diplomatic relations with Free State and explore areas of investment and innovation.
Letsoha-Mathae and her entourage pitched the agricultural and tourism sectors as one of the most attractive areas of investment to Italy. The Premier was accompanied by a provincial delegation comprising the MEC of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Hon. Ketso Makume, DDG Planning, Dr. Mafole Mokalobe, Acting HOD for Treasury and Economic Development, Mr. Pakiso Lebone, and Director International Relations, Ms. Ipeleng Morake and support staff, who focused on economic development, tourism, agriculture, investment promotion and international cooperation.
The delegation visited a number of regions in Italy including Napoli in the Campania Region, Bari in the Puglia Region, Pescara and Ortona in the Abruzzo Region, as well as Roma in the Lazio Region.
The visit formed part of the Free State Provincial Government’s broader commitment to reposition the province within the global investment and development landscape while creating practical opportunities that can contribute towards economic growth, job creation, tourism development and skills transfer for the people of the Free State.
The visit was further linked to future participation opportunities in the internationally recognised Tipicità Festival in Fermo, Marche Region, a globally respected platform showcasing agriculture, tourism, culture, manufacturing and innovation.
Throughout the mission, the Free State delegation engaged with government institutions, municipalities, private sector leaders, educational institutions and development agencies to explore areas of mutual cooperation and partnership. The delegation was warmly received across all regions visited, with many engagements revealing strong similarities between the Italian regions and the Free State in areas such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, skills development, heritage preservation and local economic development.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae emphasised that the provincial government remains committed to ensuring that international engagements translate into tangible benefits for the people of the Free State.
“This mission was not a tourism exercise, but a strategic economic and developmental engagement aimed at creating opportunities for our province. Every discussion we held focused on how we can unlock investment, create jobs, empower women and youth, strengthen agriculture, grow tourism and build international partnerships that will benefit our people.
We are encouraged by the warm reception we received and by the willingness of our Italian counterparts to work with the Free State towards practical and sustainable cooperation,” said Premier Letsoha-Mathae.
The Premier said the Free State Provincial Government remains confident that the relationships established during this mission will contribute meaningfully towards advancing economic development, international cooperation and sustainable growth within the province.
