President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa began a state agenda in Brasília this Monday (9), focusing on signing bilateral agreements and strengthening coordination within the G20 and BRICS.
Why this matters now: Ramaphosa’s visit occurs at a time of geopolitical fragmentation, where Brazil and South Africa are positioning themselves as the primary interlocutors for the Global South against Northern powers.
With bilateral trade totaling $2.3 billion in 2025, the meeting at the Planalto Palace seeks to move beyond commodities, targeting industrial partnerships and coordination on climate agendas and the reform of international financial institutions.
The first state visit of the third term
The reception with military honors at the Planalto Palace symbolizes the return of African priority in Brazilian foreign policy. This is the first time Ramaphosa has officially visited Brazil since Lula reassumed the presidency.
Lula has visited South Africa twice recently—for the BRICS and G20 summits—and Ramaphosa’s arrival reciprocates the gesture, consolidating a personal and political relationship that dictates the pace of demands from developing nations.
Expanded meetings with ministers from both sides indicate that the agenda is more than just protocol. The focus is on integrating production chains and facilitating investments that can raise the ceiling of the current trade flow.
The strategic weight of bilateral trade
2025 data shows an exchange of $2.3 billion, but the agenda remains concentrated. Brazil mainly exports proteins and vehicles, while South Africa sends noble minerals from the platinum group and silver.
The business forum at the Itamaraty Palace, scheduled for this afternoon, aims to diversify this balance. Brazilian interest lies in South African infrastructure and agribusiness, while Pretoria seeks Brazilian technology in defense and energy.
Ramaphosa’s presence at the National Congress and the Supreme Federal Court also indicates a “full state” visit, seeking institutional ties that survive government changes in both democracies.
Coordination in BRICS and G20
Brazil and South Africa share the rotating presidency of decisive forums. The synergy between Lula and Ramaphosa is crucial for proposals such as taxing the super-rich and reforming the UN Security Council to gain traction.
The alignment in Brasília serves as a rehearsal for upcoming major global conferences. Both leaders advocate for a multipolar world order, resisting automatic alignment pressures with conflicting blocs in the Northern Hemisphere.
The signing of agreements today should include technical and scientific cooperation, as well as memorandums of understanding on a just energy transition—a vital topic for two countries with vast mineral reserves and identical social challenges.
Symbolism and pragmatism at Itamaraty
The joint statement to the press, expected after the meetings, should reinforce a commitment to negotiated peace in global conflicts, a hallmark of the “bridge” diplomacy practiced by both presidents.
While the tone is one of celebrating friendship, economic pragmatism dominates the corridors. South Africa is the primary gateway for Brazilian companies into the African continent, and Brazil plays a similar role for South Africans in Latin America.
The visit closes a cycle of diplomatic isolation and reaffirms that Brasília and Pretoria intend to be the architects of a new global governance, where the South is not just a supplier, but a decision-maker.
How will the strengthening of this axis impact Brazil’s ability to attract foreign investment in a scenario of uncertain global interest rates?
