South African experts call for stronger trade and youth focus at BRICS 2025 Summit

In exclusive comments to Soweto TV, a media partner of the TV BRICS International Media Network, South African analysts highlighted the need for deeper economic collaboration among the BRICS member states and greater domestic impact from multilateral engagements.

Khanyi Magubane, a political analyst, emphasised the summit’s likely focus on strengthening trade ties among the BRICS countries.

“Every summit has a focus, and this particular one is going to focus on strengthening trade and the way countries do business with each other,” she said.

Magubane noted that in an evolving global landscape, countries are seeking cost-effective partnerships, and the summit provides a platform for recalibrating such economic groups.

She also pointed to the anticipated intensity of bilateral and multilateral engagements on the sidelines. “We’re going to see foreign ministers meeting, delegations from policy and political offices trying to cut deals that make sense for their respective countries.” Magubane further underscored that growing interest from countries seeking BRICS membership will likely reinforce the group’s global influence.

Youth activist and politician Jacob Walaza shared the perspective of South Africa’s younger generation, highlighting priorities for the domestic agenda.

“One of our key expectations is reindustrialisation. We need to ensure that South Africa is technologically competitive and that infrastructure is developed to support job creation,” he said.

Walaza stressed that BRICS summits must go beyond diplomatic declarations and result in local impact. “We must feel the outcomes of the summit on the ground, especially as Johannesburg is not only hosting the BRICS Summit but will soon welcome the G20 as well.”

As the summit nears, analysts from South Africa underline the urgency of delivering results that resonate both globally and locally: strengthening trade, advancing technological development, and ensuring young people are included in the economic future envisioned by the BRICS partnership.

Photo: iStock/ Soweto TV