The visit signals Pretoria’s intention to diversify its trade partners and deepen bilateral cooperation at a time of heightened global geopolitical tension.
Thembisa Fakude, Senior Researcher and Director at Afrasid, told Channel Africa that Ramaphosa’s delegation is heavily weighted toward economic portfolios, indicating that trade, investment and tourism will dominate the agenda. “The concentration is certainly economic,” Fakude said, noting that most ministers accompanying the president hold economic cluster portfolios, with the exception of Defence Minister Angie Motshekga.
Fakude said the bilateral focus reflects a broader trend within the Brazil, Russia, India, China, SA, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia (BRICS) group. “We are seeing members negotiating alone rather than as a bloc,” he explained. “China negotiates alone, SA negotiates alone, and now Brazil and SA are reinforcing bilateral economic cooperation.”
According to Fakude, SA is seeking to expand exports beyond traditional partners and sees Brazil as a natural counterpart. He said direct maritime routes, cultural similarities and strong tourism potential make Brazil an attractive destination for economic diversification. “If you go to Brazil, you might think you are in SA. There is huge potential to grow tourism,” he added.
Beyond trade, Fakude believes defence cooperation will be discussed, particularly given global tensions linked to the Iran conflict. Brazil maintains a strong naval presence in the South Atlantic, and Fakude said SA may be seeking knowledge‑sharing and strategic dialogue rather than military guarantees.
He suggested that Motshekga’s presence signals Pretoria’s concerns about potential external threats. “SA is clandestinely beginning to negotiate with its partners in preparation for whatever may come,” he said, referencing growing anti‑SA rhetoric from figures such as Donald Trump.
As SA seeks new markets, Fakude noted that stronger bilateral trade with Brazil could reshape regional dynamics. “SA is on a charm offensive,” he said. “Brazil offers alternative products previously sourced from the United States. With Brazil, China and Russia, our prospects for diversifying exports and imports look better than before.”
Ramaphosa’s visit is expected to lay the groundwork for deeper trade, tourism and security collaboration as both countries navigate an increasingly fractured global landscape.
–ChannelAfrica–
