Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is in South Africa on the first day of a four-day trade mission which is hoped will help explore opportunities for Irish firms in the region.
Enterprise Minister Micheal Martin is also present on the trip where representatives from more than 50 companies hope to build links with local businesses.
Minister of State for Overseas Development Michael Kitt is also on the mission which will also visit Irish Aid projects in Tanzania.
Mr Ahern will meet today with Irish ex-pats and business and political figures in Capetown. Face-to-face talks with South African Deputy President Mlambo Ngcuka are also scheduled, while courtesy visits are also planned to the Niall Mellon Township Trust and the Leratong Hospice founded by Belfast Passionist priest Fr Kieran Creagh who was shot twice by armed burglars last March.Journeying on to Tanzania on Wednesday, the Irish delegation will visit projects funded by Irish Aid and meet Irish missionaries.Visits are also planned to an HIV/Aids clinic and a NGO specialising in combating gender-based violence.Mr Ahern and the delegation will return to Dublin on Friday.