“Against All Odds” – BRICS+ Agri Summit 2025 Seals R9.42 Billion in Trade and Investment, Igniting Inclusive Agricultural Growth Across the Global South

Wola Africa
April 7, 2025
Business, News and Current Affairs, Technology, Trading

Durban, South Africa – 30 March 2025

The 2025 BRICS+ Agriculture Trade and Investment Summit, held at the Durban ICC from 27–29 March, has emerged as one of the most impactful showcases of South-South cooperation and inclusive trade, overcoming immense financial and structural challenges to close deals valued at an impressive R9.42 billion (USD 499.77 million).

Organised by the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance – South Africa, the summit was fuelled by resilience, unity, and purpose. Far from just a networking event, it became a powerful movement that unlocked markets, mobilised innovation, and spotlighted women-led economic leadership within the global agriculture value chain.

“This wasn’t just a summit — it was a miracle built on unity, grit and belief,” said Lebogang Zulu, Executive Chairperson of BRICS WBA South Africa. “We didn’t just speak. We led. We didn’t just hope. We delivered — together.”

Key Deliverables at a Glance

• R9.42 billion in confirmed trade and investment partnerships

• 18+ MOUs signed across BRICS+ countries

• 29 women-led ventures supported with funding, mentorship and exposure

• Over 120 hours of mentorship and global exchange programming

• Technovate Agri-Platform launched to support tech-driven trade

Trade Wins That Shifted the Narrative

• R8.57 billion sugar export deal sealed between One Africa (South Africa) and JPF Participações LTDA (Brazil)

• R471 million sugar plant investment for KwaZulu-Natal, based on Brazil’s agro-industrial model

• R207 million poultry production partnership between Jovatech (Zimbabwe) and Casnet Commerce (USA)

• R94+ million in infrastructure projects including boreholes, fertiliser, and solar power across Southern Africa

Youthful Innovation & Purpose-Driven Pitches

• R20M – GentiShe, biodegradable sanitary pads

• R20M – Ses’fikile Wines, a black-woman-owned wine label

• R19M – Avo EcoPower, turning avocado waste into energy

• R40M – SACG, a premium Arabica coffee brand

• R120K in mentorship – FamMed Clinics, addressing rural healthcare

Tech Meets Agriculture

The Technovate Platform—developed by South African women in agriculture—is set to revolutionise trade verification, remote mentorship and training using AI, IoT, and smart goggles.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Beyond deal-making, the Summit has left a lasting impact, with over R3.1 million committed to mentorship and capacity building. A fully-funded business exchange programme will send five women-led South African agribusinesses to India for immersion and scaling.

Mentors included experts from Brazil, India, Zimbabwe, USA and South Africa. Key partners included the Graça Machel Trust, SMARTXchange, FAESP Agro Sowers, and the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry.