“South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his reported re-election, reaffirming the countries’ commitment to bilateral relations, multilateral cooperation and shared leadership through BRICS and other international forums. The announcement highlights Pretoria’s continuing emphasis on partnerships among developing countries, international law and a more representative global order.”
Ramaphosa congratulates Lula on historic re-election as South Africa seeks stronger Global South alliances
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following his re-election, highlighting the importance of the diplomatic relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to international cooperation. The announcement, issued by the South African Presidency on Monday, 26 October 2026, places renewed attention on South Africa’s foreign policy priorities, its partnerships with major developing economies and its ambition to contribute to a more representative international order.
Brazil’s electoral news agency, Agência Brasil, reported on 25 October that Lula had secured re-election with 51.75% of valid votes counted at the time of its report, defeating challenger Flávio Bolsonaro. Lula’s victory gives the veteran Brazilian leader another term and provides continuity for a government that has emphasised social development, economic cooperation and Brazil’s international standing.
For Pretoria, the outcome carries significance beyond the domestic politics of Latin America’s largest economy. Brazil is an important partner in South Africa’s efforts to deepen relations with countries in the Global South, strengthen multilateral institutions and expand commercial opportunities across developing regions.
In his congratulatory message, Ramaphosa described Lula as a friend and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He also highlighted cooperation through BRICS, the India-Brazil-South Africa Dialogue Forum, the G77+China and the Group of Twenty. These platforms provide opportunities for countries with different economic circumstances to coordinate positions on development, trade, international security and global governance.
A diplomatic relationship built on shared priorities
Relations between South Africa and Brazil are supported by a long-standing commitment to cooperation among developing countries. Both governments have advocated greater representation for emerging economies in international decision-making and have sought to strengthen diplomatic engagement beyond traditional centres of global power.
According to South Africa’s government, the relationship is anchored in a Strategic Partnership Declaration signed in 2010 and implemented through the South Africa–Brazil Joint Commission. The partnership provides an institutional framework for political dialogue, economic engagement and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Ramaphosa’s congratulatory statement therefore reinforces an existing diplomatic direction rather than introducing a new relationship. His government has already invested in high-level engagement with Brazil, including a state visit to Brasília in March 2026 at Lula’s invitation.
That visit focused on strengthening political relations, expanding trade, attracting investment and developing cooperation across agriculture, aerospace, energy, mining, science, technology, defence, tourism and other sectors. The two governments also discussed shared priorities within international organisations.
The renewed emphasis on bilateral cooperation could help both governments maintain momentum after Brazil’s election. However, a congratulatory statement alone does not guarantee new agreements or additional investment. Practical progress will depend on continued diplomatic engagement, the implementation of existing commitments and the willingness of businesses and public institutions to pursue joint projects.
BRICS and the wider international order
One of the most important dimensions of the relationship is cooperation through BRICS, a grouping that provides participating countries with a platform to discuss economic development, international finance and geopolitical issues.
For South Africa, engagement with Brazil through BRICS supports its ambition to strengthen the influence of developing economies in global affairs. For Brazil, cooperation with South Africa provides a valuable connection to African markets, regional institutions and debates about development on the African continent.
Ramaphosa’s reference to shared leadership within BRICS reflects the South African government’s continued preference for multilateral diplomacy. Rather than relying exclusively on bilateral relations with powerful countries, Pretoria seeks to maintain partnerships across several international groupings.
This approach is particularly relevant as governments face disagreements over trade, security, development finance and the rules governing international institutions. Cooperation between South Africa and Brazil can provide opportunities to coordinate diplomatic positions, although their interests will not necessarily align on every issue.
The two countries also participate in the G20, which brings together major advanced and emerging economies to discuss global economic stability, financial cooperation and development challenges. Their participation offers an avenue for raising issues affecting developing countries, including access to finance, infrastructure investment and the economic consequences of international conflicts.
Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these groupings depends on whether political declarations translate into coordinated initiatives. South Africa and Brazil will need to demonstrate that their cooperation can produce tangible outcomes rather than remaining limited to summit meetings and statements of shared principle.
Economic relations offer opportunities for growth
Trade remains a practical foundation for the South Africa–Brazil relationship. South Africa’s government reported that bilateral trade reached R32.5 billion in 2025, with South African exports amounting to R5.2 billion and imports from Brazil totalling approximately R27.3 billion. These figures indicate substantial commercial engagement, while also revealing a marked imbalance in the value of goods traded.
South Africa exports chemicals, mineral products, machinery, iron and steel, and vehicles to Brazil. Brazilian exports to South Africa include mineral products, live animals, machinery, vegetables, and iron and steel products.
These established trade flows offer opportunities for both countries to examine whether commercial ties can become more diversified. South African producers could explore additional opportunities in Brazil, while Brazilian companies could consider further investment in South African manufacturing, agriculture, engineering and services.
The Southern African Customs Union–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement also provides a framework for preferential market access across specified product lines. South Africa’s government has identified the agreement as an instrument that can support export growth and improve commercial opportunities between the two regions.
For businesses, the main challenge is converting diplomatic goodwill into practical commercial outcomes. Companies require reliable market information, efficient logistics, predictable regulations and accessible financing. Government-to-government cooperation can help address some barriers, but private-sector participation remains essential.
Lula’s new term could offer continuity for engagement with South Africa, particularly if both administrations prioritise investment promotion and trade diversification. However, specific new trade agreements, investment commitments or export targets should not be assumed without official confirmation.
Cooperation on development and technology
The relationship also extends beyond merchandise trade. Both countries have interests in industrial development, energy, scientific research, agriculture and technological innovation.
Cooperation in agriculture could create opportunities to exchange technical expertise and strengthen food production. Collaboration in energy and mining could support industrial development, while scientific and technological partnerships could help institutions share research and develop new capabilities.
South Africa’s March state-visit programme identified these sectors as areas for deeper cooperation. It also highlighted the participation of business representatives from industries including engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, maritime services and agribusiness.
Tourism is another potential area of growth. South Africa’s government reported that Brazil was the country’s ninth-largest source of international tourist arrivals in 2025, supported in part by the resumption and expansion of direct flights between São Paulo and South Africa since 2023. Stronger air connectivity can facilitate tourism, business travel and people-to-people engagement.
Although these opportunities are promising, progress will depend on implementation. Government departments, universities, research organisations and businesses will need to identify projects with clear objectives, adequate financing and measurable results.
For South Africa, deeper engagement with Brazil could also contribute to its wider economic diplomacy strategy by connecting domestic producers with new markets and encouraging partnerships that support local industrial capacity.
The importance of international law and multilateralism
Ramaphosa’s message placed particular emphasis on solidarity and adherence to international law. These principles have featured prominently in South Africa’s stated foreign policy, which stresses multilateral cooperation and the importance of international institutions.
The reference is significant because South Africa and Brazil frequently participate in discussions concerning global governance, economic inequality and the representation of developing countries. Both governments have argued that international decision-making should reflect the realities of a changing world rather than remain dominated by a limited number of powerful states.
The India-Brazil-South Africa Dialogue Forum offers one example of this approach. In September 2026, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to South-South cooperation and a more representative multilateral system during a ministerial meeting held alongside the United Nations General Assembly. South Africa assumed the forum’s chairship for 2026–2027.
Such cooperation can help countries coordinate their positions on development finance, international security, climate-related challenges and institutional reform. However, meaningful progress requires negotiations with a wider range of countries, including those whose interests and policy preferences differ.
South Africa must also balance its international ambitions with domestic priorities. Diplomatic partnerships deliver their greatest value when they contribute to economic opportunities, institutional capacity, improved living standards and the country’s ability to manage international risks.
Regional and global implications of Lula’s victory
Lula’s re-election provides continuity in Brazil’s leadership and offers South Africa an opportunity to sustain high-level engagement with an established partner.
Nevertheless, Brazil’s domestic political divisions remain important. The closely contested election demonstrates that the country continues to face competing views about its economic direction, social policies and international relationships. The extent to which the incoming administration can build consensus at home will influence its ability to implement domestic and foreign policy priorities.
For South Africa, the central question is how to maintain a productive relationship with Brazil while continuing to engage constructively with other international partners. A diversified foreign policy can expand diplomatic and commercial options, but it requires careful management of competing interests.
Partnerships within BRICS and other multilateral forums should not be viewed as automatic substitutes for relations with Europe, the United States or other major economies. Instead, they can form part of a broader strategy that allows South Africa to pursue its national interests across multiple diplomatic channels.
Similarly, closer relations with Brazil do not eliminate differences that may arise over trade, security or international policy. Sustained cooperation requires dialogue, mutual respect and a willingness to negotiate disagreements.
What happens next?
Ramaphosa’s congratulatory message establishes a positive diplomatic tone following Brazil’s election. The next stage will be to maintain communication between the two governments and identify opportunities to advance commitments already discussed during their March 2026 engagement.
Potential priorities include expanding bilateral trade, attracting investment, strengthening scientific cooperation, supporting tourism and coordinating positions in international institutions. Progress in these areas would provide measurable evidence that the political relationship is producing benefits for both countries.
For South African businesses, continued engagement could create opportunities to explore Brazilian markets and build commercial partnerships. Government agencies can support this process by improving access to market information and facilitating contacts between businesses.
For diplomats, the task will be to ensure that cooperation through BRICS, IBSA, the G20 and the G77+China remains focused on achievable objectives. Shared declarations can establish direction, but sustained negotiations and practical programmes are necessary to deliver results.
Ultimately, the significance of Lula’s re-election for South Africa will be measured not only by the strength of the congratulatory message but also by what the two countries accomplish during the coming years.
Ramaphosa’s statement signals Pretoria’s intention to preserve and strengthen a strategic partnership grounded in South-South cooperation, multilateralism and international law. Whether that ambition translates into greater trade, stronger investment and more effective global cooperation will depend on the decisions and actions that follow.
For South Africa, the immediate diplomatic message is clear: Brazil remains an important partner in its international engagement, and Pretoria intends to continue working with Brasília on shared economic and political priorities.
