Ramaphosa and Lula (Photo: Fabio Rodrigues-Pozzebom/Agência Brasil)

By Brasil 247 - Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on March 9 that Brazil needs to expand its defense capabilities and invest in international cooperation to avoid strategic vulnerabilities. The statement was made during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Brasília, as part of a state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

The remarks followed a meeting at the Palácio do Planalto and were part of Ramaphosa's official agenda in Brazil. According to Lula, cooperation between the two nations could include joint initiatives in the defense sector, reducing dependence on international arms suppliers.

"We think of defense as deterrence. But I don't know if my colleague Ramaphosa realizes that if we do not prepare ourselves in terms of defense, one day someone will invade us," Lula said. The president added that Brazil and South Africa have the potential to develop joint projects in the sector.

Bilateral cooperation and trade - During the visit, the two governments announced the signing of agreements aimed at expanding economic, commercial, and political cooperation. Among the measures was the renewal, for four years, of the tourism action plan designed to encourage leisure and business travel between the two countries.

An agreement was also concluded between ApexBrasil and South Africa's Department of Trade to stimulate commerce and investment. According to Lula, current trade levels remain below the potential of the two economies.

"The trade relationship is not commensurate with the potential of our economies. Annual trade has been stagnant for nearly 20 years. There is no political explanation for why our trade should not exceed $10 billion. Something is missing in our relationship," the Brazilian president said.

Trade flows between Brazil and South Africa reached $2.3 billion in 2025. Brazil's main exports include poultry meat and offal, sugars and molasses, and road vehicles. Brazilian imports are mainly silver, platinum, and other platinum-group minerals.

Partnerships in energy, technology, and critical minerals - Lula also highlighted areas with strong cooperation potential, including renewable energy, science and technology, and agriculture. He advocated greater cultural exchange between Brazil and South Africa to bring the two societies closer together.

"This visit will allow us to rethink our relationship with South Africa, because we share many similarities and have much to learn and teach each other in renewable energy, science and technology, and agriculture," he said.

Another topic discussed was the exploration of critical minerals and rare earth elements, considered strategic for the energy transition and the technology industry. Lula said Brazil intends to strengthen value chains linked to these resources.

State visit and institutional agenda - Ramaphosa was received at the Palácio do Planalto shortly after 10 a.m. on Monday. The program included a private meeting between the two presidents, an expanded meeting with government delegations, the signing of agreements, and a joint press statement.

After the Planalto engagements, the delegations moved to the Itamaraty Palace, where they attended an official luncheon and the opening of the Brazil-South Africa Business Forum.

As part of the state visit protocol, the South African president is also expected to visit the National Congress and the Supreme Federal Court.

Brazil and South Africa have maintained a strategic partnership since 2010, considered the highest level of bilateral relations. Cooperation includes defense and security, nuclear energy, investment, trade, and coordination in multilateral forums. During his current term, Lula visited South Africa in 2023 for the BRICS Summit and returned in 2025 for the G20 leaders' meeting.

(Reported by Brasil 247 on March 9, 2026 )