Sunday 13 / September / 2026
New Delhi : South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday said BRICS as a grouping is at an "inflection point" amid shifts in the global economy, changing trade patterns, rapid technological advances and growing climate pressures, calling the developments an opportunity to shape a more resilient, diversified and inclusive economic future for the Global South.
NEW DELHI: South Africa and India have a significant opportunity to deepen economic cooperation across investment, trade, industrial development and sustainable growth, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Saturday, calling for a new era in bilateral economic relations.
Addressing the South Africa-India Roundtable in New Delhi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Ramaphosa urged businesses from both countries to translate policy commitments into commercially viable projects and long-term investments.
“We are ready for a new era in economic relations between our two countries,” Ramaphosa said, stressing the importance of stronger private-sector partnerships in driving bilateral economic ties.
He identified renewable energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals, infrastructure, agriculture and digital innovation as key areas offering scope for expanded cooperation.
Ramaphosa said South Africa’s abundant mineral resources, combined with India’s manufacturing capabilities, could create new opportunities in electric vehicles, batteries and other advanced industrial products.
He also encouraged Indian companies to participate in South Africa’s infrastructure development programme, noting that the country has identified 195 strategic integrated projects with a combined value of more than $100 billion.
The projects cover areas including transport networks, renewable energy generation, water infrastructure and healthcare facilities, presenting opportunities for Indian investment and technology partnerships.
Highlighting the growing potential of the digital economy, Ramaphosa pointed to the new Cape Town site of Indian business services company Atain. The facility is expected to expand its workforce in South Africa from around 1,500 to more than 2,000 young people, further contributing to skills development and employment.
The South African president also called for closer collaboration among universities, research institutions, skills-development organisations and businesses in both countries.
He said stronger institutional and commercial partnerships would be essential to developing skills, promoting innovation and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
“The strength of the partnership between our countries is not measured by the agreements we sign but by the impact we achieve,” Ramaphosa said.
His remarks come as India hosts the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing together leaders from major emerging economies. India currently holds the BRICS presidency, with China set to assume the rotating presidency next year.
The roundtable highlighted the growing importance of economic cooperation between South Africa and India as both countries seek to expand trade and investment while supporting industrialisation, green development and technological innovation.
The two sides are expected to explore opportunities that can strengthen supply chains, promote private investment and build greater value addition in sectors such as critical minerals, clean energy, manufacturing and digital services.
