• Cyril Ramaphosa is on a two-day state visit to Brazil.

• Talks aim to expand trade, investment, and strategic cooperation.

• Bilateral trade reached $32.5 billion in 2025.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Brazil for a two-day state visit at the invitation of his counterpart Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic, political, and economic relations between the two countries.

According to the South African presidency, Ramaphosa is accompanied by a business delegation representing sectors including agribusiness, aerospace, chemicals, defense, energy, engineering, mining, maritime transport, and pharmaceuticals.

During the visit, the two leaders are expected to explore ways to expand economic cooperation and boost trade. Priority areas for collaboration include agribusiness, aerospace, creative industries, defense, energy, mining, science and technology, sports, and tourism.

Ramaphosa is also scheduled to address a South Africa–Brazil business forum designed to promote stronger commercial partnerships. He will also meet with Brazilian business leaders to encourage investment and highlight opportunities available in South Africa.

In a statement, the South African government described Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America, as a key partner for the country’s engagement in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

Brazil and South Africa established diplomatic relations in 1948 and have maintained close bilateral cooperation. In 2010, the two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership.

Trade between the two countries reached $32.5 billion in 2025, according to the South African government. Key traded goods include chemicals, machinery, iron, mineral products, and vegetables.

The two countries are also expected to discuss shared geopolitical priorities as members of the Global South, including cooperation within BRICS, IBSA, the G77+China, the G20, and the United Nations.

Lydie Mobio