Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a state visit to Brazil from 9 to 10 March at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, with the trip aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
The Presidency said the visit will allow the two leaders to discuss a range of bilateral and multilateral issues and explore ways to deepen cooperation across several sectors.
“The visit will provide an opportunity for the two Heads of State to engage on a broad range of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest,” the Presidency said in a statement.
South Africa and Brazil maintain longstanding relations based on cooperation within the Global South and shared participation in international groupings, including BRICS, IBSA, the Group of 77 and the United Nations.
The state visit is expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic ties and expanding economic and commercial cooperation, particularly in sectors such as agribusiness, aerospace, defence, energy, mining, science and technology, tourism and sport.
President @CyrilRamaphosa will undertake a state visit to the Federative Republic of Brazil from 9–10 March 2026 at the invitation of His Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. https://t.co/bzHna4ZSFq [7/3/2026]
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) March 8, 2026
The relationship between the two countries is anchored in a Declaration of Strategic Partnership signed in 2010, implemented through the South Africa–Brazil Joint Commission.
Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America, is considered a key partner for South Africa’s engagement with the region.
“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 statement said.
Trade between the two countries reached R32.5 billion in 2025, with South African exports valued at R5.2 billion and imports from Brazil totalling R27.3 billion.
South Africa mainly exports chemicals, mineral products, machinery, iron and steel and vehicles to Brazil, while imports include mineral products, machinery, vegetables and livestock.
The visit will also highlight opportunities created through the SACU–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement, which provides preferential market access for about 1,500 product lines.
As part of the programme, Ramaphosa will address a South Africa–Brazil Business Forum aimed at promoting increased trade and investment between the two countries. The President will be accompanied by a business delegation representing sectors including agribusiness, aerospace, engineering, mining, maritime and pharmaceuticals.
Ramaphosa will also meet Brazilian business leaders on the sidelines of the visit to promote investment opportunities in South Africa.
Tourism is another growing area of cooperation, with Brazil ranking as South Africa’s ninth-largest source of international arrivals in 2025, supported by direct flights between São Paulo and South Africa.
The President will be accompanied by several cabinet ministers, including International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau.
A welcome ceremony for Ramaphosa will take place at the Palácio do Planalto, followed by a joint media briefing with Lula and the business forum in Brasília.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
