Presidential visit aims to deepen strategic partnership
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to embark on a State Visit to Brazil on 9–10 March, following a formal invitation from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The visit presents a significant opportunity for the two leaders to hold wide-ranging discussions on matters of shared interest, spanning both bilateral cooperation and multilateral affairs.
The two nations enjoy a long-standing and deeply rooted relationship, underpinned by their common African heritage, mutual solidarity, and a commitment to South-South cooperation. Their diplomatic bond is formally guided by the Declaration of Strategic Partnership, inked in 2010 and given practical effect through the South Africa–Brazil Joint Commission.
"South Africa and Brazil share historic and fraternal ties, built on friendship, shared African heritage, solidarity, South cooperation and multilateralism."
As the dominant economy across Latin America, Brazil represents a vital gateway for South Africa's broader engagement with the Latin American and Caribbean region. Both governments are expected to identify fresh avenues for expanding economic cooperation and unlocking new prospects for trade that benefits both countries.
Trade and investment take centre stage
A key feature of the programme will be a South Africa–Brazil Business Forum, where President Ramaphosa is scheduled to deliver an address aimed at fostering greater commercial collaboration. He will be joined by a business delegation drawn from a diverse range of sectors, including agribusiness, aerospace, chemicals, defence, energy, engineering, mining, maritime and pharmaceuticals. On the sidelines of the official visit, the President will also hold discussions with leading Brazilian business figures to fast-track investment and highlight the opportunities available in South Africa.
Bilateral trade between the two countries reached R32.5 billion in 2025. South African exports to Brazil stood at R5.2 billion, while imports from Brazil amounted to roughly R27.3 billion. South Africa's primary exports to the Brazilian market include chemicals, mineral products, machinery, iron and steel, and vehicles, whereas Brazil ships mineral products, live animals, machinery, vegetables, and iron and steel products to South African shores.
"During the visit, both sides will explore additional avenues to broaden economic ties and unlock new opportunities for mutually beneficial trade and economic relations."
The SACU–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement has been instrumental in driving consistent growth in South African exports to Brazil, opening up preferential market access across 1 500 product lines. President Ramaphosa's trip will serve as a platform to discuss how best to capitalise on the agreement's potential and find ways to enhance and diversify the trade relationship further.
Brazilian investment in South Africa covers manufacturing, services, engineering, agriculture and aviation, while prominent South African firms maintain a strong footprint in Brazil across retail, pharmaceuticals, extractive industries, paper, financial services, technology and chemicals. Tourism between the two countries is also flourishing, with Brazil ranking as South Africa's ninth-largest source of international arrivals in 2025, buoyed by the resumption and expansion of direct flights between São Paulo and South Africa since 2023.
South Africa's trade deficit with Brazil, where imports outweigh exports by more than five to one, underscores the urgency of unlocking new market access for local producers and manufacturers. Strengthening commercial ties through the SACU-MERCOSUR agreement could open doors for small and large South African businesses alike, while increased Brazilian investment may support job creation in key sectors. The outcomes of this visit could shape the trajectory of South-South economic cooperation for years ahead.
