Leaders of Brazil and South Africa discuss cooperation in key areas of mutual interest

President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa paid a state visit to the Federative Republic of Brazil at the invitation of its President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The purpose of the trip was to expand bilateral trade and discuss partnerships on a wide range of issues, particularly in the areas of tourism and investment. The leaders of the two countries also took part in the opening of the Brazil-South Africa Business Forum, according to Brasil de Fato, a partner of TV BRICS.

“South Africa serves as a strategic entry point for Brazil to the African continent, just as Brazil provides a gateway for South Africa to Latin America and the Caribbean. The visit strengthens these ties and supports broader regional engagement” – Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa

The presidents discussed strengthening cooperation in the areas of economy and trade, energy and mining, environmental protection, food security and agricultural development, information technology, education, medicine, culture, and sports, according to the Brazilian government’s website.

During the official visit, the parties signed a number of bilateral documents. These include a memorandum of understanding on trade and investment promotion between the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) and the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), as well as an updated action plan for 2026-2028 to implement the memorandum of understanding and cooperation in the field of tourism between Brazil and South Africa. The presidents also confirmed their intention to implement all previously concluded agreements.

“There is huge scope for advancing industrial cooperation in identified high-impact sectors. These sectors include biofuels, agro-processing, aerospace, energy, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing and automotive. This cooperation should include technology transfer and skills development. <…> South Africa and Brazil are not simply trading partners. We are fellow architects of a more equitable international order,” Ramaphosa emphasised during his speech at the opening of a business forum in Brazil. His speech is available on the South African Foreign Ministry’s website.

The Brazilian president expressed solidarity with his South African counterpart on the issue of rare earth element mining: both sides believe that minerals should be processed in the countries where they are mined.

“Brazil has so far developed only 30 per cent of its territory’s potential, and we have enormous potential. <…> Now we need to form partnerships to carry out the processing (of rare earth elements) here in Brazil. And we can cooperate with South Africa by creating joint ventures for development” – Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil.

President Lula expressed his gratitude to South Africa for supporting Brazil’s initiative to finance the protection of tropical forests (Tropical Forest Forever Facility, TFFF) and invited South Africa to deepen its participation in this programme. The leaders of the two countries also expressed their willingness to continue their joint work on the creation of a reserve for the protection of whales in the South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary (SAWS).

The South African president highlighted Brazil’s presidency of BRICS in 2025. According to Ramaphosa, Brazil’s priorities as chair of the group, such as cooperation between countries of the Global South and partnerships for social, economic and environmental development, are also fundamental principles of South African diplomacy.

The presidents of the two countries agreed to further promote economic and financial cooperation aimed at developing trade between BRICS countries, including through the use of local currencies. The two leaders also called for the early finalisation of the BRICS 2030 Economic Partnership Strategy. Both leaders emphasised the importance of BRICS as the voice of the Global South, which is necessary for development, respect for multilateralism and consensus on issues of global importance.

African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS