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Diplomatic Correspondence and Protocol Writing for Official Communication

Staff in foreign affairs offices, embassies, regional bodies and public entities across Africa must write with a precision and courtesy that upholds their institution's standing. Notes verbale, official letters and invitations follow conventions that carry real diplomatic weight. This course develops the drafting skills and protocol knowledge needed to represent an organisation correctly in formal correspondence.

What you will be able to do

  • Apply the conventions of formal and diplomatic correspondence correctly.
  • Draft notes verbale, official letters and invitations to accepted standards.
  • Use appropriate titles, salutations and forms of address for dignitaries.
  • Convey firm positions while maintaining courtesy and institutional dignity.
  • Handle confidential and sensitive matters with appropriate discretion.
  • Proofread official documents to eliminate errors that cause offence.

Course outline

  1. 01Principles of Diplomatic Communication
  2. 02Forms of Address, Titles and Salutations
  3. 03Drafting the Note Verbale and Official Letter
  4. 04Invitations, Acknowledgements and Replies
  5. 05Conveying Positions with Courtesy
  6. 06Confidentiality and Discretion in Correspondence
  7. 07Protocol Conventions and Common Errors
  8. 08Proofreading Official Documents

Who should attend

This course is designed for staff in foreign affairs, embassies, high commissions, regional organisations, protocol offices and public entities who prepare formal official correspondence.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendar
17 to 19 Aug 2026Lagos3US$1,500
24 to 26 Aug 2026Harare3US$1,500
31 Aug to 2 Sep 2026Kampala3US$1,500
7 to 9 Sep 2026Dar es Salaam3US$1,500
14 to 16 Sep 2026Pretoria3R13,000
21 to 23 Sep 2026Cape Town3R13,000
5 to 7 Oct 2026Online3US$900
12 to 14 Oct 2026Mozambique3US$1,500
19 to 21 Oct 2026Cairo3US$1,500
26 to 28 Oct 2026Accra3US$1,500
2 to 4 Nov 2026Lusaka3US$1,500
9 to 11 Nov 2026Kigali3US$1,500
16 to 18 Nov 2026Nairobi3US$1,500
23 to 25 Nov 2026Durban3R13,000
30 Nov to 2 Dec 2026Johannesburg3R13,000
14 to 16 Dec 2026Mauritius3US$1,500
21 to 23 Dec 2026Dubai3US$1,500

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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