South Africa's agricultural and agribusiness sectors are looking for more than just discussions at Brics summits. While knowledge-sharing on issues like climate-smart agriculture and seed breeding is important, the sector wants to see tangible benefits from the group's activities. Currently, many of these issues have been discussed from a "knowledge-sharing" perspective, without a clear avenue to ensure technical knowledge transfer to countries with lower agricultural productivity.
China will assume the chair of Brics next year and is expected to focus on productivity issues in agriculture, as well as trade-related matters. This approach is encouraging for South Africa's agricultural and agribusiness sectors, as a Brics global chair that champions trade will be valuable ahead of South Africa's time to chair the group once more in 2028. China's focus on trade matters is particularly significant, given that various countries are currently lifting tariffs and closing their markets.
The Brics business council is a recognised forum for dialogue among the business communities of the various countries, but its impact on key policies and programmes within the grouping is unclear. The council participates in the Brics group through country chapters, and formulates a report that is tabled at the leaders' summit for consideration. However, it remains to be seen how much influence the council has on actual policy decisions.
To strengthen alignment and achieve tangible benefits, each chapter of the Brics business council should engage with its domestic government throughout the year on its agenda and vision for Brics. This would ensure that work reflects the priorities of business communities in all member countries and receives more political support. Regular meetings and discussions among working groups would help refine ideas and build common purpose.
The Brics summits should not just be spectacular events, but rather opportunities for material progress that strengthens countries' economic ties. If this continues, doubts about Brics's effectiveness will grow, particularly in the face of geo-economic tensions and pressure from outside countries that view it as a competitor. Instead of an illusory view of what happens in Brics, material progress would be much more beneficial.
China has already shown leadership on trade matters, embracing open markets and lowering tariffs on various goods from African countries to zero. The China-Africa economic partnership agreement for shared development is one such material step, and ensuring that China addresses phytosanitary barriers would help deliver economic benefits. This approach must be marshalled within Brics to achieve similar results.
If China pursues trade matters deliberately, then when South Africa assumes the chair in 2028, it will build on already fertile ground. The business communities of all member countries would also benefit from this approach. Brics has potential, but action beyond major speeches is essential to the group's economic advancement. Wandile Sihlobo, South Africa's presidential envoy on agriculture and land, emphasises the need for Brics to deliver beyond summits.
Key points
- Brics needs to deliver tangible benefits to its member countries
- China's focus on trade matters is significant for South Africa's agricultural sector
- The Brics business council must engage with domestic governments to achieve tangible benefits
