Ramaphosa takes SA’s trade and investment agenda to BRICS summit - IOL
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, where South Africa will seek to expand intra-BRICS trade and investment.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New Delhi, India, to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, where he is expected to push for stronger trade and investment ties among member countries and greater investment in African infrastructure.
He arrived in the country on Friday morning, September 11.
The BRICS Summit will be held from September 12-13, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam under India’s chairship, guided by the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Security”.
The summit brings together leaders of BRICS member and partner countries, as well as outreach invitees.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Friday afternoon that Ramaphosa will deliver remarks at the BRICS Business Forum, focusing on trade and supply chains, agriculture, women-led development, the digital economy and innovation.
“The Forum brings together BRICS leaders, business representatives, including members of the BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, investors, as well as entrepreneurs from BRICS countries and partner economies.”
“It plays an important role in shaping the BRICS economic agenda and strengthening business-to-business cooperation.”
Magwenya said that on Saturday, September 12, 2026, Ramaphosa will address the India-South Africa Business Leadership Roundtable, with a focus on enhancing bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.
“The forum also seeks to encourage additional Indian foreign direct investment in key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, critical minerals, and the electric vehicle battery value chain.”
He said Ramaphosa will later that day participate in a closed session of BRICS leaders entitled “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism”.
“The session will consider the need for a more inclusive, representative and responsive global governance architecture, with a focus on reform of the United Nations system, the international financial architecture and the multilateral trading system.”
Magwenya said that on Sunday, September 13, 2026, Ramaphosa will deliver a statement during the summit’s open session for BRICS and invited leaders, “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth”, which will focus on India’s chairship priorities.
He said South Africa will use the summit to advance its diplomatic and economic priorities, particularly by expanding intra-BRICS trade and investment, promoting industrialisation and value addition, and mobilising investment in African infrastructure aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit.
“The President will also join other leaders in visiting the Bharat Innovates & BRICS @20 Exhibition, which will showcase innovation, technology and key achievements of BRICS cooperation, as well as participate in a joint tree-planting ceremony.”
“He will also hold bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government, as well as engagements with business leaders and captains of industry.”
Ramaphosa is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi.
The 17th annual summit was hosted by Brazil under the chair of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The main theme was “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”.
