South Africa is preparing to use the BRICS Summit in India to advance stronger trade and investment relationships while promoting greater economic cooperation among developing countries.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, where South Africa is expected to place economic cooperation, industrial development and investment in Africa high on its agenda.

A major focus for the South African delegation will be expanding trade and investment among BRICS members. The country wants stronger commercial links to help support economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses across participating economies.

South Africa is also seeking additional investment from India. Discussions are expected to focus on areas including infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals and the electric-vehicle battery value chain.

Critical minerals are becoming increasingly important to the global economy because they are essential for many modern technologies and clean-energy products. South Africa sees cooperation in this sector as an opportunity to attract investment while supporting greater industrial value addition within Africa.

Infrastructure development is another important area of cooperation. South Africa is seeking partnerships that can support infrastructure investment across the continent and contribute to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The South African delegation is also expected to promote stronger intra-BRICS trade. Increasing trade among member and partner economies could provide businesses with access to larger markets and create additional opportunities for investment.

The summit will also address broader questions surrounding global governance. South Africa is supporting efforts to make international institutions more representative and responsive, including discussions concerning the United Nations, international financial institutions and the global trading system.

The country is expected to emphasise the interests of the Global South during the discussions. South African officials see BRICS as an important platform for developing countries to coordinate positions and pursue greater influence in international economic affairs.

Innovation and technology will also feature prominently during the summit. Leaders are expected to examine how cooperation in these areas can support sustainable and inclusive economic development.

For South Africa, the BRICS meeting therefore represents both a diplomatic and economic opportunity. The government wants to strengthen existing partnerships while attracting investment that can contribute to industrialisation, infrastructure development and job creation.

The summit could provide a platform for South Africa to deepen relations with major emerging economies and advance its broader economic priorities.