The 12th Brazil Africa Forum drew business leaders, governments, and financial institutions to So Paulo to debate and strengthen the ties between the partners.
It is a relationship that in recent years has had its fair share of challenges, but the mood at the forum was unfailingly upbeat, reflecting the deep-seated historical ties between the two regions.
The current environment is auspicious. Brazils President Luiz Incio Lula da Silvas pictured with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recent Africa visits aimed to revitalise Brazils relations with the continent.
Lula has made promises of substantial investments and renewed financing during visits to South Africa, Ethiopia, and Angola. He has pledged investments of over 1.8bn in military, security, pharmaceuticals, construction, and agribusiness cooperation.
As part of Brazils Africa strategy, the National Bank for Economic and Social Development BNDES opened an office in Johannesburg at the end of last year to increase its presence in African countries.
