The initiative brings together companies and officials in search of new business and export opportunities in strategic markets across the continent
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is organising a business mission to Southern Africa between 26 August and 2 September 2026, bringing together Brazilian business leaders and government representatives. This was reported by Brasil 247, a partner of TV BRICS.
The project aims to strengthen trade relations, expand the presence of Brazilian companies in strategic markets across the African continent and attract investment. The itinerary includes visits to South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, and Ethiopia.
As the source points out, the initiative is part of a broader direction in Brazilian foreign policy towards closer ties with Africa. By linking the diplomatic agenda to commercial development and business generation, the initiative reinforces a strategy of South-South cooperation built up over recent years.
Bilateral trade with Brazil already totals US$23.7 billion, and, according to the agency, 5,309 export opportunities for Brazilian products have been identified on the continent, the majority of which are concentrated in machinery and equipment, chemicals and manufactured goods – a sign that Brazil’s export portfolio is seeking to move beyond commodities.
Brazil mainly exports agricultural and food products to Africa, such as sugar, maize, meat (poultry and beef) and soya, as well as iron ore and petroleum-based fuel oils, two of the most significant items on the export basket. In return, it imports strategic inputs from the continent, such as fertilisers and crude oil, which are essential for the country’s industry and agribusiness.
Brazil’s move is not an isolated case: closer ties with the African continent are gaining ground amongst other BRICS countries, whether through the strengthening of trade partnerships or the expansion of exports and imports.
India and South Africa, for example, are seeking to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in sectors such as manufacturing, the pharmaceutical industry and critical minerals. To this end, partnership agreements were signed between India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and his South African counterpart, Parks Tau, according to ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.
China, for its part, recorded a historic high in trade with African countries. In the first half of 2026, trade exceeded US$208 billion. According to Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP), a partner of TV BRICS, this growth was driven, amongst other factors, by the adoption of a zero-tariff regime for products from African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China. In May and June, the first two months of the measure, Chinese imports of African products exceeded US$28 billion.
African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS
