The Kingdom of Belgium’s new Ambassador-Designate to the Republic of South Africa, Stéphane Doppagne, has arrived in Pretoria to begin his new diplomatic assignment, bringing extensive African experience and a career spanning more than two decades in Belgian diplomacy.
Doppagne was welcomed in South Africa by Ambassador Martin Slabber, Director: Western Europe at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
The arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in Belgium–South Africa relations at a time when the two countries continue to cooperate across trade and investment, sustainable development, science and innovation, skills development and broader international and multilateral affairs.
Stéphane Doppagne: A Career Diplomat with Extensive African Experience
Stéphane Doppagne is a career Belgian diplomat who entered the diplomatic service in 1999. His career has been particularly distinguished by extensive experience across Africa.
Before his arrival in South Africa, Doppagne served as Belgium’s Ambassador to Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe, based in Luanda.
His African diplomatic experience also includes postings in Nairobi, Kenya; Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Yaoundé, Cameroon; and Luanda, Angola.
His experience in Central Africa has been particularly significant. From 2020 to 2023, he served as Belgium’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, focusing on one of Africa’s most strategically important and complex regions.
In that capacity, Doppagne engaged extensively with governments and regional stakeholders on issues relating to peace, security, stability and cooperation in the Great Lakes region. Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has also featured him in discussions on Belgium’s engagement with the Democratic Republic of Congo and the wider Great Lakes region.
His earlier diplomatic career included service as Belgium’s Consul General in Lubumbashi, covering several provinces in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Belgian official records subsequently confirm his appointment as Ambassador to Cameroon in 2016, with accreditation also covering the Central African Republic and Chad.
Ambassador in Angola
Doppagne was appointed Belgium’s Ambassador to Angola in 2023, with São Tomé and Príncipe subsequently added to his accreditation.
During his tenure in Luanda, he was involved in strengthening Belgium’s political and economic engagement with Angola. His posting also coincided with growing Belgian interest in sectors including infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, food processing, mining, diamonds and investment.
Belgian business agencies continued to engage with Doppagne during 2026, including around business missions involving Belgian companies and Angola.
His Angola mission formally came to an end in July 2026. On 30 July 2026, he was received by the President of Angola on the occasion of the conclusion of his mandate.
Welcomed by DIRCO’s Ambassador Martin Slabber
Doppagne’s arrival in Pretoria was welcomed by Ambassador Martin Slabber, who serves as Director: Western Europe at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Slabber’s current role places him at the centre of South Africa’s diplomatic engagement with Western European partners, including Belgium.
A Strong Foundation for Belgium–South Africa Relations
Doppagne arrives in South Africa with considerable knowledge of the African continent and experience working with governments, diplomatic missions and regional organisations.
His appointment comes against the backdrop of increasingly broad Belgium–South Africa relations.
The relationship received significant attention during the historic state visit of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde to South Africa in March 2023, which was Belgium’s first state visit to South Africa.
The two countries have opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, green hydrogen, renewable energy, science and innovation, skills development, sustainable development and education.
Doppagne’s extensive experience across Africa could prove particularly valuable as Belgium seeks to deepen its engagement with South Africa and the wider African continent.
A New Journey
As Ambassador-Designate, Stéphane Doppagne now begins the process of establishing his diplomatic presence in Pretoria ahead of the formal presentation of his credentials.
His arrival brings to South Africa a diplomat with more than 25 years of experience in international affairs and a professional background strongly connected to Africa.
With his experience in Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Angola and the Great Lakes region, Doppagne takes up his new assignment with a detailed understanding of African political, economic and diplomatic realities.
His tenure is therefore expected to provide an opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between Belgium and South Africa, while expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest and contributing to closer Belgium–Africa relations.
