Johannesburg: South Africa is advocating for the delivery of practical outcomes for developing countries at the 18th BRICS Summit. This includes unlocking climate finance, reforming global institutions, expanding local-currency trade, and creating greater value from Africa's critical minerals.

According to South African Government News Agency, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola outlined that BRICS aims to reassert itself as a premier multilateral platform for development in the Global South and as a key voice on developmental issues. Speaking to SAnews.gov.za ahead of the summit in New Delhi, India, Lamola emphasised the necessity of advancing reforms in global financial institutions and the broader international financial architecture, including the United Nations and other key multilateral forums like the World Trade Organization.

The summit, hosted by India under the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,' offers a platform for the Global South to share views on appointing the next UN Secretary-General and discuss climate change adaptation. Lamola highlighted the obligation of developed countries to finance adaptation measures in developing nations, emphasizing the importance of leveraging Africa's critical minerals for greater industrial development and value retention.

South Africa intends to use the BRICS platform to push for greater beneficiation of Africa's natural resources, which would lead to expanded manufacturing opportunities, skills development, and more value retained from the continent's minerals. Lamola stressed the importance of not merely exporting raw resources and focusing on how the growing African population can be harnessed for skills development and climate change adaptation.

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted discussions on payment methods and financing systems to facilitate trade and settlement within BRICS countries using local currencies. India's chairship has prioritized resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, focusing on strengthening cooperation in areas such as health, agriculture, food and energy security, digital infrastructure, and climate action.

The summit represents the culmination of India's 2026 BRICS chairship, expanding the grouping to include major emerging economies and developing countries. This expansion provides South Africa with another platform to advance Global South priorities such as development finance, climate adaptation, industrialisation, and fairer global governance.