Lula & Ramaphosa: Brazil & South Africa Seek Defense Independence & Trade Deals
Brasília – – Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa underscored the importance of self-reliance in defense capabilities for nations of the Global South during a meeting at the Palácio do Planalto. The discussions took place against a backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions and a desire to reduce dependence on established arms suppliers.
“Here, no one has nuclear bombs, no one has atomic bombs. Our drones are for agriculture, for technological purposes, and not for war,” Lula stated during the meeting, as reported by Brazilian media. “We think of defense as deterrence. If we don’t prepare for this issue, someone will invade us.” The Brazilian president emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to build indigenous defense industries, suggesting a joint approach between Brazil and South Africa to leverage their combined industrial potential.
The meeting occurred amid heightened regional security concerns, fueled by the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. Forces in January. This event, according to sources, prompted renewed debate within the Brazilian government regarding defense preparedness and the modernization of its armed forces. Lula’s call for self-sufficiency in defense appears to be a direct response to these anxieties.
“We don’t need to buy from the arms dealers. People can produce,” Lula asserted, advocating for a partnership to foster domestic production. “Let’s join our potential and see what we can build.”
President Ramaphosa echoed Lula’s sentiments regarding the need for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts, condemning the loss of life and infrastructure damage in ongoing disputes. “We live a resurgence of conflicts and reiterate a call for peaceful resolutions of disputes. We condemn the loss of lives, especially of civilians, and condemn the loss of vital infrastructure in that part of the world,” Ramaphosa stated.
Beyond defense cooperation, the two leaders discussed climate change and the importance of financial mechanisms to support vulnerable nations. Lula sought Ramaphosa’s support for South Africa’s participation in the Loss and Damage Fund (FRLD), a climate financing mechanism established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This is particularly relevant for South Africa, which faces increasing climate-related challenges across the African continent.
The discussions also touched upon Brazil’s role within the G20, with Lula highlighting the diminished value of the group without South Africa’s participation. This statement comes at a time of strained relations between Pretoria and Washington, after former U.S. President Donald Trump excluded South Africa from the upcoming G20 summit in Miami. Lula indicated ongoing negotiations for a bilateral meeting with Trump in the second half of March, though a firm date remains unconfirmed.
The visit culminated in the signing of two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. The first MOU focuses on cooperation in tourism, prioritizing training and technical assistance. The second establishes a framework for collaboration between ApexBrasil, the Brazilian trade and investment promotion agency, and South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, with a focus on sustainable trade and investment.
According to data from Brazil’s ComexStat, bilateral trade between Brazil and South Africa reached US$2.3 billion in 2025. Both leaders acknowledged that this figure falls short of the potential given the economic significance of both nations within the Global South.
The presidents are scheduled to meet again in Barcelona, Spain, on , for the fourth meeting dedicated to defending democracy, at the invitation of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Further meetings are anticipated at the BRICS summit, the G7, and the G20 later in 2026, though specific dates are yet to be determined.
The official visit began with a military honors ceremony at the Palácio do Planalto, where Lula greeted Ramaphosa and his delegation. The presidents then participated in a formal ceremony, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
The leaders also addressed regional and multilateral issues during their discussions, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation and addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts. A business forum, organized by ApexBrasil and Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided a platform for private sector representatives from both countries to explore potential partnerships and investment opportunities.