Her Royal Highness Lebogang Zulu, National Chairperson of BRICS Women’s Business Alliance South Africa, recently met with South African members of the Inclusive Economy Working Group at Fireroom in Bedfordview for a focused and collaborative engagement.
The meeting was warmly embraced by the leadership of the South African Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, reflecting a united commitment between business leadership and civil society to advance inclusive economic transformation. Representatives from MaCallan Capital were also present, reinforcing the importance of private sector participation and innovative financing solutions in driving sustainable and inclusive growth.
The gathering created space for meaningful discussions, planning and strategic alignment. Central to the agenda was the consolidation of outcomes from the inaugural meeting of BRICS WBA National Chairpersons held under India’s Presidency. Members reflected on the key resolutions and discussions from that engagement and explored how to localise and implement those priorities within the South African and broader African context.
Participants examined initiatives aimed at strengthening women-led enterprises, improving access to markets and investments, advancing the BRICS Women Advancement Fund initiative, and fostering stronger economic cooperation activities across Africa and BRICS member state networks. The discussions highlighted the need for structured partnerships, blended finance models, and practical support mechanisms that can unlock real opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
The conversation also focused on defining clear priority projects for 2026. There was strong agreement that the year ahead must centre on implementation, with clearly defined and measurable outcomes in trade expansion, investment mobilisation, the advancement of large scale projects, and structured mentorship programmes across key economic sectors. Members emphasised that impact must be visible and quantifiable, reflected in increased market access, capital flows, enterprise growth, and cross border partnerships.
Zulu encouraged the group to approach the 2026 programme of work with clarity, unity, and shared accountability. She emphasised that global BRICS commitments must translate into tangible national and regional initiatives that expand economic access and create meaningful participation for women and emerging enterprises.
The engagement reaffirmed a collective understanding that inclusive growth is built through partnership, coordination, and decisive action. By aligning civil society, private sector leadership, and BRICS priorities, the Inclusive Economy Working Group is positioning itself to deliver measurable progress for South Africa and the continent.
As preparations for 2026 continue, the message from the meeting was clear. Collaboration remains the foundation, and implementation will define success.
