Lamola calls for stronger South Africa-Brazil partnership

South Africa's International Relations and Co-operation Minister Ronald Lamola urged the nations of South Africa and Brazil to establish a fresh model of economic collaboration that benefits the Global South by harnessing their natural resources. The Minister made the call at the 8th Session of the South Africa-Brazil Joint Commission, held at the OR Tambo Building in Pretoria.

Lamola welcomed Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and their delegation, expressing enjoyment at their presence in South Africa for the joint meeting. The Joint Commission last convened in Brasília in April 2024, marking the beginning of a new opportunity to evaluate achievements and chart a course for the future.

Since their last meeting, the two nations have reached significant milestones, including the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between ApexBrasil and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. Additionally, a Tourism Cooperation Action Plan for 2026-2029 was approved, along with advancements in agriculture, education, and cooperation in energy, science, technology, mining, and other areas.

Lamola highlighted the robust economic ties between South Africa and Brazil, noting that Brazil is the country's largest trading partner in Latin America and its second-largest partner in the Americas. The two-way trade reached approximately $2 billion (R32bn) in 2025, with South African companies operating in various sectors in Brazil, while Brazilian firms invest in South Africa's automotive and food-manufacturing industries.

The SACU-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement serves as a platform for expanding market access and addressing trade barriers, while the Joint Commission offers a forum to explore further cooperation and ensure the partnership fulfills its potential. Lamola emphasized South Africa's commitment to achieving a more balanced and diversified trade relationship.

Recent initiatives, such as the Outward Selling Mission to Brazil and the South Africa-Brazil Business Forum, indicate a growing interest in strengthening commercial partnerships and investment opportunities.

The Minister also announced that Brazil is now South Africa's ninth-largest source market for tourism, with nearly 65,000 Brazilians visiting the country last year. The bilateral 90-day visa agreement and the expansion of direct flights between South Africa and São Paulo have contributed to this recovery. As leading economies on their continents, Brazil and South Africa serve as bridge-builders between the Global North and the Global South, promoting common positions on global governance reform and addressing concerns about debt and economic disparities in the regions.