Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola strongly urged South Africa and Brazil to strengthen their economic interaction. He emphasized the need for the growing demand for critical minerals to contribute to the industrialization and prosperity of Global South countries, rather than repeating old resource extraction models.
These statements were made on Wednesday at the OR Tambo building in Pretoria during the 8th session of the Joint Commission of South Africa and Brazil. The event was attended by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and other high-ranking officials.
Lamola noted that the Joint Commission was established as the main mechanism for managing bilateral cooperation and is a practical embodiment of the strategic partnership between South Africa and Brazil. He recalled that significant progress has been made since the last meeting of the commission in Brasilia in April 2024, including the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between ApexBrasil and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, as well as the adoption of the Tourism Action Plan for the period 2026–2029.
Furthermore, cooperation in agriculture and education was deepened, and interaction continued to develop in energy, science, technology, and mining.
Strengthening trade and investment ties
Lamola stated that the strong political relations between the two countries are underpinned by growing economic ties. He specified that Brazil is South Africa's largest trading partner in Latin America and its second-largest partner in the Americas. Trade volume between them in 2025 amounted to about $2 billion (R32 billion).
South African companies are present in Brazil in the pharmaceuticals, technology, mining, financial services, and chemical industries. In turn, Brazilian firms invest in South Africa's automotive and food production sectors. Lamola noted that South Africa provides Brazilian companies access to the rapidly integrating African market of over 1.4 billion people through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
At the same time, Brazil serves as an important gateway for South African companies into Latin America and the Caribbean. Lamola mentioned that the SACU–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement provides an existing platform for development, and the Joint Commission opens opportunities for market expansion, removal of trade barriers, and realization of partnership potential.
South Africa is also striving for more balanced and diversified trade. Both sides welcomed recent initiatives bringing business communities closer, such as the Export Mission to Brazil and the South Africa-Brazil Business Forum, demonstrating growing interest in commercial partnership and new investments. Lamola expressed hope for the soon conclusion of an Investment Promotion, Cooperation, Facilitation, and Protection Agreement, which would strengthen the foundation for mutually beneficial investments.
Tourism and global cooperation
Lamola reported that Brazil has become the ninth largest source of tourist arrivals in South Africa. Last year, nearly 65,000 Brazilians visited the country, bringing the number of arrivals close to pre-pandemic levels. This was significantly aided by a bilateral 90-day visa agreement and an increase in direct flights between South Africa and São Paulo.
As leading economies of their continents, Brazil and South Africa act as connecting links between the Global North and the Global South. In multilateral forums, they supported a common position on reforming global governance so that it better reflects the aspirations of the international community majority. They also expect to continue this cooperation in working towards the historic choice of the first female Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Both regional groups also agree on the urgent need to reform the global financial architecture. Lamola pointed out that 750 million people on their continent, more than half of Africa's population, live in countries where interest payment expenses exceed hospital and classroom expenditures. In Latin America and the Caribbean, many countries are also burdened by debt, with more than half of the population, about 350 million people, living in countries that spend more on debt repayment than on healthcare.
He noted that, as founders of the G20, Brazil and South Africa used this forum to closely examine these imbalances and promote specific reforms. Lamola expressed pride that South Africa took the baton from Brazil as the last of four consecutive presidencies of the Global South in the G20. During its presidency, South Africa placed inequality at the center of the global agenda, including the proposal to establish an International Commission on Inequality, which has since gained momentum.
He expressed deep gratitude for Brazil's support during South Africa's tenure and its unwavering moral support during a difficult period when South Africa's participation was unilaterally restricted.
Critical minerals and a new development model
Lamola stressed that their regions and countries are rich in minerals essential for the world's green future. According to the International Energy Agency, the demand for these minerals is likely to quadruple by 2040. As this demand grows, Brazil and South Africa have an important opportunity to work together to prevent the repetition of old extraction models, where Global South countries supply raw materials, but wealth and prosperity are generated elsewhere.
He stated that their countries are ideally suited to promote a different model—one in which minerals powering the green future also stimulate industrialization, skills development, technology exchange, and prosperity within their own societies. Lamola added that both countries have not hesitated to use their voice and soft power to draw attention to the problems and crises facing Global South countries.
He justified this stance by saying it is driven not by charity or altruism, but by the conviction that many problems faced by their societies cannot be solved by the actions of individual countries. Recently, both nations have also faced the need to resist unilateral approaches, defend their national interests, and protect democracies from external dictates. Lamola concluded that in a time when the multilateral system and the world are threatened by serious difficulties, joint efforts become even more important.
He emphasized that the partnership is built between two nations that understand that democracy and nation-building are always processes. South Africa and Brazil have learned these lessons from experience. Finally, he wished the people of Brazil success in the upcoming elections, expressing confidence in the strength and resilience of Brazilian democracy.
