Distinguished international trade law practitioner and diplomat to lead national trade initiatives and strengthen South Africa’s international business connections

 

SINGAPORE / JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — The International Trade Council (ITC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Roger Latchman as Chairperson for South Africa. In this role, Dr Latchman will spearhead the Council’s national initiatives, working to support local enterprises, facilitate trade education, and expand cross-border business opportunities across South Africa.

 

With more than two decades of experience in international trade, corporate governance, and compliance, Dr Latchman holds an LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Salford (UK) and brings a distinguished record of institutional leadership. He serves as Honorary Consul-General of Georgia in South Africa, providing direct access to the global diplomatic community and an extensive network of international business leaders. His professional background includes service as a WITSA Board Member (2009–2024) and Deputy Chairman (2014–2016), membership of the B20 South Africa Integrity and Compliance Task Force, former Chairmanship of the Mail & Guardian, and authorship of Trading Up: How South Africa Can Anchor the Next Economic Growth Engine.

 

The South Africa Chapter will serve as a vital national hub for ITC members, offering localised support whilst connecting South African businesses to the Council’s global network of more than 28,000 direct members across 179 countries. Under Dr Latchman’s leadership, the chapter will focus on reducing barriers to trade, enhancing compliance education, and fostering transparent, mutually beneficial partnerships between local businesses and international markets — with South Africa positioned as an AfCFTA and regional investment gateway.

 

“I am honoured to accept the appointment as Chairperson of the International Trade Council – South Africa. By leveraging our established connections within the global diplomatic corps and our international business networks, we aim to provide South African enterprises with the practical resources, compliance insights, and market access necessary to scale their operations globally.”

— Dr Roger Latchman, Chairperson, International Trade Council – South Africa

 

“We are very pleased to welcome Dr Roger Latchman to the International Trade Council’s leadership team. His dual expertise in international trade compliance and diplomatic relations makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead our efforts in South Africa, helping local businesses navigate the complexities of international trade with confidence.”

— Ranjani Rangan, Chairperson, International Trade Council
 

Strategic Priorities for the ITC South Africa Chapter

  • Leverage diplomatic and consular networks to create direct channels for South African businesses seeking international market entry.
  • Deliver specialised educational programmes focused on international trade compliance and best practices for risk management.
  • Facilitate structured networking opportunities to connect South Africa-based exporters with global buyers and trade partners.
  • Collaborate with regional and national trade promotion organisations to advocate for streamlined and transparent cross-border trade processes.
  • Position South Africa as an AfCFTA and regional investment gateway, driving inward foreign direct investment and facilitating African trade corridors.

 

About Dr Roger Latchman
Dr Roger Latchman holds an LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Salford (UK) and brings over two decades of experience across international trade, corporate governance, and compliance. He serves as Honorary Consul-General of Georgia in South Africa and is a member of the B20 South Africa Integrity and Compliance Task Force. He served as a WITSA Board Member from 2009 to 2024, including as Deputy Chairman from 2014 to 2016. He is a former Chairman of the Mail & Guardian and the author of Trading Up: How South Africa Can Anchor the Next Economic Growth Engine.

 

About the International Trade Council
The International Trade Council is a global peak-body chamber of commerce headquartered in Singapore, with more than 28,000 direct members across 179 countries. It works to facilitate education in international trade, to make cross-border trade easier and more efficient, to connect businesses and trade-promotion organisations across markets, and to promote transparency in international trade.

 

Media & Chapter Contacts
Press / Media
Contact: Jessica Jumaway
Role: Media Contact, ITC
Email: [email protected]
Headquarters: Singapore

 

Chairperson – South Africa
Name: Dr Roger Latchman
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27 83 337 6133
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerlatchman/