South African President's Office States Commitment to Developing Economic Partnership with BRICS

South Africa intends to strengthen economic cooperation with member states at the BRICS summit, including expanding mutual trade and investment, the administration of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on September 9 ahead of the group's 18th summit in New Delhi.

"South Africa will use the summit to advance its economic and diplomatic priorities, with a particular emphasis on expanding trade and investment within BRICS, promoting industrialization and value addition, and attracting investment in Africa's infrastructure," the statement read.

According to the statement, Ramaphosa will take part in the BRICS summit at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Participants will pay special attention to strengthening interaction among the members of the expanded BRICS and advancing the interests of Global South countries.

"President Ramaphosa will also take part in a leaders' dialogue at the BRICS Business Forum, which will bring together BRICS leaders and business representatives to discuss trade and supply chains, agriculture, women-led development, the digital economy, and innovation," the statement said.

The 18th BRICS Summit will be held on September 12-13 in New Delhi, India. The agenda includes settlements in national currencies, the development of alternative payment infrastructure, and deepening economic cooperation.

Earlier in September, South African presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya announced that Ramaphosa would lead his country's delegation to the upcoming 18th BRICS Summit.

BRICS is an intergovernmental association founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa joined later, followed in 2024 by Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia, and in 2025 by Indonesia.