Donato Elicio

Donato Giovanni Elicio, born in Ruvo di Puglia, in the province of Bari, on January 15, 1969, is the father of five children: Vito, Francesca, Ava-Marie, Domenichella, and Thulani-Giovanni.
Elicio has embarked on an extraordinary entrepreneurial and human journey. Following a period of personal and professional crisis in Italy, he chose to move to Africa in 2007, facing the challenges of a new social and economic context with courage and determination.
In the capital city of Zambia, Lusaka 2008, he and his partner Antonino Sciarrino, founded a solid and constantly expanding business: DO&TO Limited.

DO&TO operates in the distribution of food and household products, distinguishing itself for the high quality of its offerings. The entire product range is imported from Italy, with a 75% share coming from the Puglia region. DO&TO is now a point of reference in the local market, thanks to an efficient distribution network and constant attention to the quality of imported products.

In parallel to his entrepreneurial activity, Donato Elicio has cultivated a deep commitment to social and cultural issues. This association therefore, was conceived with the aim of offering support, guidance, and a sense of community to Italians residing in the country. In April 2013, the ITALIANI IN ZAMBIA association was founded, providing hospitality, information, and assistance to all Italians transiting or arriving in Zambia.

Always sensitive to the issues of intercultural dialogue and cooperation, Elicio has been a member of the board of the Zambian-Italian Cultural Centre (ZICC) since January 2017, where he actively contributes to the promotion of Italian culture and cultural exchange between the two countries.

DO&TO Ltd., is promoting numerous charitable initiatives. This includes fully funding the construction of a new 250-square-meter wing at the Lilayi Primary School, intended for a staff room and educational spaces for students with special needs. This facility was inaugurated and handed over to the Zambian Government on April 29, 2026. DO&TO Ltd., is constantly committed and involved in other initiatives at the Mother Theresa Orphanage, Cheshire Home (care for children with disabilities).

For his contribution to the development of relations between Italy and Zambia, for promoting Italy’s image abroad, and for his ongoing commitment to social issues, Donato Elicio was awarded the honour of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy by the President of the Italian Republic on January 9, 2020. This award is given to Italian and foreign citizens who have distinguished themselves in promoting friendship and cooperation between Italy and the rest of the world.

On October 31, 2023, in the presence of the highest officials of the Zambian State and the Italian Ambassador Enrico De Agostini, Casa DO&TO was inaugurated as a multifunctional centre that constitutes the operational hub of the company, as well as a strategic platform for the development of future entrepreneurial and social initiatives. The facility, a concrete expression of the project’s roots and success, extends over a total area of 5,800 square meters, of which 1,300 square meters are dedicated to a warehouse, storage area, and offices.

In November 2023, DO&TO was part of the delegation of Zambian entrepreneurs, led by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, on an official visit to Italy. This included institutional meetings at the Quirinale Palace and at Confindustria, where Elicio, part of the delegation, was involved in bilateral relations. Donato represents an example of ethical entrepreneurship and resilience, capable of combining economic growth, human values, and civic engagement.

In June 2026, DO&TO was invited by ICE-ITA (Italian Trade Agency) to the Agriculture Business Forum held in South Africa, attended by the Italian and South African Ministers of Agriculture.
A large number of Italian and South African companies and entrepreneurs participated in the Forum, and important bilateral agreements were initiated during these meetings.