South Africa–Brazil partnership to turn South Atlantic into corridor linking Africa and Latin America

Historic ties across the South Atlantic

Relations between Brazil and South Africa are increasingly viewed as a strategic partnership capable of strengthening cooperation across the Global South, reports The Diplomatic Society, a partner of TV BRICS.

A recent state visit by Cyril Ramaphosa to Brazil, where he held talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brasilia, underlined a shared intention to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

Experts claimed that the partnership between the two nations is rooted in long-standing historical connections. For centuries, maritime routes across the Atlantic enabled exchanges of people, goods and cultural influences between African and Latin American societies.

Geography further reinforces this relationship. The South Atlantic places the two countries within a common maritime space, and the distance between Brazil’s eastern coastline and southern Africa is shorter than many traditional trade routes connecting either region to other global markets.

Gateways linking Africa and Latin America

Both countries occupy key gateway positions within their respective regions.

South Africa acts as an entry point to African markets through regional integration structures and the continent’s expanding trade framework. Brazil, meanwhile, serves as a major economic hub in Latin America through its leadership role in the regional bloc MERCOSUR.

The institutional basis for economic cooperation already exists through the Preferential Trade Agreement between the Southern African Customs Union and MERCOSUR. Expanding this framework could strengthen economic ties and create a South Atlantic corridor linking the markets of Africa and Latin America.

According to analysts, such a development could also diversify international supply chains while unlocking economic complementarities between the two regions.

During the visit, President Ramaphosa held meetings with Brazilian leaders and representatives from various sectors to explore ways of expanding market access and strengthening economic partnerships. Further discussions are expected during the next session of the South Africa–Brazil Joint Commission.

Opportunities in strategic sectors

Several areas have been identified as offering strong potential for expanded cooperation between Brazil and South Africa. Brazil is one of the world’s leading agricultural producers and has extensive expertise in tropical farming and food production. Cooperation with South Africa could include technology exchange, joint research and expanded trade in value-added agricultural products.

Furthermore, Brazil’s experience in aerospace technology and advanced manufacturing opens opportunities for scientific collaboration. Partnerships between universities and research institutions may support innovation in areas such as climate science, biotechnology and digital technologies, experts stated.

Both countries also possess significant natural resources and are navigating complex energy transitions. Cooperation in renewable energy development, biofuels and sustainable mining practices could help address climate goals while supporting economic growth.

Cultural exchange remains one of the most distinctive dimensions of the relationship. Shared African cultural influences are reflected in music, cuisine, and artistic expression in both countries.

Expanding cooperation in film, literature, fashion and cultural tourism could further strengthen people-to-people ties while reinforcing Afro-Latin cultural diplomacy.

Towards a deeper strategic partnership

Discussions between Presidents Ramaphosa and Lula in Brasilia indicate an intention to elevate the bilateral relationship to a more comprehensive strategic level, the source claims.

Memoranda of cooperation in agriculture and education represent practical steps toward this goal, while broader collaboration is being explored in areas including defence, science, tourism and sport.

According to international forecasts, "the partnership between South Africa and Brazil could become one of the defining relationships of the Southern Hemisphere, transforming the South Atlantic into a corridor of opportunity linking Africa and Latin America in a new chapter of Global South cooperation".

Thus, observers note that the long-term potential lies in building a stronger Afro-Latin partnership that connects two dynamic regions of the Global South.