SA Looks to BRICS for Trade Growth as Regional African Ties Face Strain

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in New Delhi on Friday ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, as leaders of the expanded bloc gather for talks on trade, development, and reform of global institutions.

Ramaphosa was welcomed by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Jayant Chaudhary before a traditional dance performance greeted the South African president.

The two-day summit begins on Saturday under India’s 2026 BRICS chairship, with leaders set to discuss expanding trade and investment, strengthening financial and institutional cooperation, and reforming the United Nations and international financial institutions.

South Africa has said it will push for greater trade and investment between BRICS members, industrialisation and value addition, as well as investment in African infrastructure linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Ramaphosa is also due to take part in the BRICS Business Forum Leaders’ Dialogue, covering trade and supply chains, agriculture, women-led development, the digital economy, and innovation.
Talks will also focus on unity within the expanded 11-member bloc and securing a stronger voice for the Global South in international decision-making.