“Against All Odds” – BRICS+ Agri Summit 2025 Triumphs with R9.42 Billion in Deals Despite Extreme Challenges

Durban, South Africa — The 2025 BRICS+ Agriculture Trade and Investment Summit, held from 27–29 March 2025 at the Durban ICC, defied every obstacle imaginable to emerge as one of the most impactful summits in BRICS+ history. Organized under severe financial, logistical, and structural constraints, the Summit was powered by the unwavering leadership of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance – South Africa, whose resilience and determination transformed what many considered impossible into a global success story.

Despite budget shortfalls, delayed confirmations, and limited infrastructure support, the Summit achieved a monumental ZAR 9.42 billion / USD 499.77 million in confirmed trade, investment, and partnership value — with a sharp focus on empowering women-led enterprises, catalyzing cross-border cooperation, and driving agricultural transformation in the Global South.

 “This wasn’t just a summit — it was a miracle built on unity, grit, and belief. The odds were stacked against us at every turn, but we pushed through and made history,” said Ms. Lebogang Zulu, Executive Chairperson of BRICS WBA – South Africa.

From Vision to Victory: What We Planned vs What We Delivered

Key Highlights That Defined the Summit

• ZAR 8.57B Sugar Export Deal signed between One Africa (South Africa) and JPF Participações LTDA (Brazil)
• ZAR 471M Sugar Manufacturing Plant to be established in KZN using Brazil’s agro-industrial model
• ZAR 207M Poultry Production Investment linking Zimbabwe’s Jovatech and US-based Casnet Commerce
• ZAR 94M+ in Infrastructure Projects including fertilizer, solar, and boreholes across Southern Africa

Pitch-Driven Investments

• GentiShe (biodegradable sanitary pads): R20M
• Ses’fikile Wines (black-woman-owned brand): R20M
• Avo EcoPower (avocado by-product innovation): R19M
• SACG (premium Arabica coffee): R40M
• FamMed Clinics (rural healthcare): R120K mentorship value

Technovate Platform Launched: A proudly South African AI- and IoT-driven agri-trade platform using smart goggles for real-time trade verification, training, and remote linkage with investors, experts, and markets.

 A Legacy of Mentorship & Inclusion: Over ZAR 3.1 million / USD 169,000 was committed to mentorship, skills development, and global exchange — including a fully-funded business immersion to India for 5 women-led businesses. Mentors included leaders from India, Brazil, USA, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, with key support from the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SMARTXchange, FAESP Agro Sowers, and the Graça Machel Trust.

A Turning Point for Inclusive Agricultural Development:

What the Summit lacked in resources, it more than made up for in resolve.
What began as an uphill battle became a beacon of South-South solidarity, entrepreneurial spirit, and women’s economic leadership.

This Summit was not only about deals — it was about dignity, delivery, and disruption in the name of inclusive growth. “We didn’t just host an event. We unlocked ecosystems. We didn’t just speak. We led. We didn’t just hope. We delivered — together,” said Zulu.

For More Information:

Ms. Raquel Lochenberg, Board Member and Head of Trade and Investment Working Group.

Email: Raquel@bricswba.org.za Mobile: +2772 242 4220

Visit: www.bricsagrisummit.org

Follow: @BRICSWBA_SA on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram

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