Ramaphosa, Da Silva call for trade relations to be improved

President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Brazilian counterpart President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have called for an increase in trade between the two countries.

“As I look around this room at the companies, the entrepreneurs, the investors and the decision-makers who have made the journey to be here I see something powerful.I see two nations choosing partnership over isolation. Cooperation over competition.”

Remarks by President… pic.twitter.com/CwGptS3HQb

— The Presidency (@PresidencyZA) March 9, 2026

Ramaphosa is visiting the country, following his trip to the US to attend Reverend Jesse Jackson’s funeral.

Ramaphosa said that the two countries needed to work on increasing the number of companies doing business.

The two countries signed a strategic partnership declaration in 2010.

“South Africa serves as a strategic entry point for Brazil into the African continent, just as Brazil provides a gateway for South Africa into Latin America and the Caribbean.

This visit strengthens these linkages and supports broader regional engagement.”

FULL TEXT: Media… pic.twitter.com/8YsmKyqyMB

— The Presidency (@PresidencyZA) March 9, 2026

Brazil and South Africa are members of G20, IBSA, BRICS and other key multilateral bodies.

The state visit will focus on enhancing diplomatic, political relations and boost economic and commercial relations between the two countries. Ramaphosa and Lula da Silva will look at strengthening cooperation in defence, energy, mining, sport and tourism.

President Ramaphosa also addressed a South Africa-Brazil business forum.

Brazil remains the largest economy in Latin America and a strategic partner to Pretoria as it seeks to expand trade.