The South African agriculture and agribusiness sector’s view on BRICS participation has generally focused on how this can expand export opportunities.
Other matters that agribusiness groups in other BRICS members typically raise, such as climate-smart agriculture, advances in seed breeding and deeper fertiliser trade, are important and broadly beneficial to South Africa.
But, so far, many of these issues have largely been discussed from a knowledge-sharing perspective without a clear avenue to ensure technical knowledge transfer to countries with lower agricultural productivity. Such countries could benefit from the know-how and skills of those with the most advanced agricultural sectors.
As China assumes the chairmanship of BRICS going into 2027, it will likely continue focusing on these productivity issues in agriculture. The encouraging part for South Africa’s agricultural and agribusiness sectors is that China has already indicated it will also focus on trade-related matters.
A BRICS chair that champions trade will be valuable ahead of South Africa’s turn to chair BRICS again in 2028. But the approach going into 2027 may need a review.
Closer engagement with government
Agribusinesses and the agricultural sector typically participate in the BRICS group through the country chapters of the BRICS Business Council. The business councils are not policy bodies but recognised forums for dialogue among the business communities of the various BRICS countries. Before the annual summit, the chairing country formulates a report, supported by other member countries, which is then tabled at the leaders’ summit for consideration.
While this process ensures BRICS political leaders are aware of the Business Council’s work, the impact of the council on key policy and programme issues within the grouping remains unclear.
It may be critical that each chapter of the BRICS Business Council not only tables its ideas through formal channels ahead of the summit but also engages with its domestic government throughout the year on its agenda and vision for BRICS.
This will improve alignment as the various working groups meet regularly, discuss the work programme from the start of the year and refine ideas throughout the year, resolving differences and building common purpose and support for the agenda.
Work that reflects the priorities of business communities in all member countries should ideally receive more political support and, over time, lead to material gains for businesses and communities across the BRICS countries.
The summits cannot simply be spectacular events without tangible benefits for the various business communities. If this continues, doubts about BRICS effectiveness will grow. This is even more urgent today as the world faces geoeconomic tensions and the BRICS group faces pressure from countries outside the group that view it as a competitor.
Turning market access into gains
Material progress from one summit to the next that strengthens countries’ economic ties would be much more beneficial than an illusory view of what happens in BRICS. China has already shown leadership in trade matters.
At a time when various countries are raising tariffs and closing their markets, China has embraced open markets. For the African continent, the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement for shared development is one such material step as it lowered tariffs on various goods from African countries to zero.
What remains for some agricultural products is ensuring that China also addresses phytosanitary barriers so this agreement can deliver material economic benefits and truly live up to its objective of enhancing development and prosperity in Africa and China.
The steps China has already taken in its dealings with Africa should inform its approach within BRICS.
If China pursues trade matters deliberately, South Africa will build on already fertile ground when it assumes the chairmanship in 2028. The business communities of all member countries would also benefit from this approach. BRICS has potential but action beyond major speeches is essential for the group’s economic advancement.
