New Delhi, India | September 14, 2026 — President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for South Africa to make greater use of its BRICS membership to expand economic cooperation, increase trade and investment and deliver tangible benefits for citizens.
Ramaphosa made the call in his weekly newsletter following the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi, India, where South Africa joined other member states in discussions on economic cooperation and the future of global governance.
The President said BRICS had strengthened its position as an important platform for developing a more inclusive global economy and international order.
“Through BRICS, we will continue to add our voice to the growing call from the Global South for an inclusive world order rooted in mutual respect and shared prosperity, and we will continue to use our membership of BRICS to develop our economy and improve the lives of our people,” he said.
BRICS expands South Africa’s economic partnerships
The BRICS grouping was expanded after the 2023 Summit in Johannesburg, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joining Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
The expanded bloc represents about half of the world’s population and approximately a quarter of global trade.
For South Africa, Ramaphosa said BRICS provides a platform for strengthening political and economic relationships while supporting efforts towards a more balanced multilateral system based on international law and centred on the United Nations.
South Africa has expanded practical cooperation with fellow BRICS members in science and technology, research, education and skills development.
The country has also taken part in people to people exchanges through initiatives including the BRICS Youth Council, BRICS Think Tanks Council and BRICS Network University.
“While BRICS Summits may seem far removed from the daily lives of South Africans, the country gains a lot from our membership of the group,” President Ramaphosa said.
More than one fifth of South Africa’s trade is conducted with BRICS countries. The country has also accessed development financing through the New Development Bank, commonly referred to as the BRICS Bank.
That financing has supported major investments in energy, water and transport infrastructure.
South Africa also has access to a $100 billion pool of currency reserves through the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement, which can provide support during a liquidity crisis.
South Africa and India seek stronger business ties
Ramaphosa said the benefits of BRICS cooperation extend beyond government to the private sector, which he described as an important partner in expanding trade and investment.
During his visit to New Delhi, South Africa took part in the BRICS Business Forum, bringing together Heads of State, Ministers and business leaders to discuss ways of expanding commercial relations among member countries.
The President also used the visit to pursue stronger economic ties between South Africa and India.
India is South Africa’s fourth largest trading partner, while more than 150 Indian companies have invested more than $10 billion in South Africa.
Those investments have created employment for more than 18 000 South Africans.
South African companies including Naspers, FirstRand Bank, Sanlam and Momentum also have significant investments in India.
The South Africa India CEOs’ Roundtable brought together senior executives from major companies in both countries to discuss opportunities for increased investment and partnerships.
According to Ramaphosa, Indian companies welcomed structural reforms being implemented in South Africa in sectors including energy, logistics, telecommunications and water.
The reforms also cover areas such as visas and public digital infrastructure.
South Africa presented investment opportunities in green industrialisation, critical minerals and beneficiation, infrastructure, agriculture and the digital economy.
Health, technology and minerals among key opportunities
Ramaphosa said South Africa and India possess complementary capabilities that could create new economic opportunities for both countries.
India’s experience in pharmaceuticals and health technology could support South Africa’s efforts to increase local production of medicines and vaccines.
India’s strength in information technology, financial technology and digital public infrastructure could also contribute to the modernisation of South African government systems and services.
South Africa, meanwhile, has critical mineral resources that could contribute to India’s expanding renewable energy, battery and automotive value chains.
Greater cooperation could also create opportunities for more mineral processing and beneficiation to take place within South Africa.
“To turn this potential into practical partnerships, we are keen to restore direct flights between South Africa and India. We also need closer working relationships between our business chambers,” he said.
Ramaphosa said South Africa’s priority going forward would be to use its BRICS membership to strengthen bilateral relationships, expand trade and investment and create opportunities that support domestic economic growth.
He said South Africa would continue using BRICS to strengthen the voice of the Global South while seeking practical opportunities to grow the country’s economy and improve the lives of South Africans.
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