BRICS WBA South Africa in collaboration with the South African Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (SACOCSO), has successfully concluded a high-level strategic mission in India (Delhi and Chandigarh). The mission was led by BRICS WBA SA Chairwoman, HRH Lebogang Zulu, and H.E. President Thulasizwe Ngubane, engaging with key institutions across the innovation, entrepreneurship and investment ecosystem.
This visit was undertaken under the invitation and leadership of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry Women Empowerment Vertical (BRICS CCI WE), led by President Ruby Sinha, whose passion and dedication to advancing women’s economic participation across BRICS nations remains truly unparalleled. The mission formed part of the BRICS CCI Women’s Summit and Felicitations 2026, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, and institutions committed to strengthening women-led enterprise, economic inclusion, and cross-border collaboration.
The engagements across India’s vibrant and dynamic economic hubs were marked by strong momentum toward deepening cooperation between BRICS nations, with a particular focus on youth entrepreneurship, women empowerment, and trade and investment collaboration.
Key outcomes of the mission include:
- A Memorandum of Cooperation to host Miss ASEATIC in South Africa for the first time, connecting 11 countries across 4 continents, advancing cultural exchange and women-led platforms
- Strategic engagement with ThinkStartup India, supporting the development and scaling of young South African entrepreneurs
- Strengthened relationships with investors and institutions across India, UAE and Saudi Arabia, focused on unlocking trade and investment opportunities
- Foundations for cross-border academic and university exchange programmes
- Early-stage enterprise and investment collaborations aligned to youth development and innovation
We were also honoured to witness the felicitation of Ms. Dimakatso Kanyane, Founder & CEO of Dillets Sanitary, as one of the distinguished winners of the BRICS Global Women Leadership Programme 2025–2026 — a proud moment reflecting the growing impact of South African women entrepreneurs on the global stage.
Equally, we take great pride in the outstanding contribution of Ms. Bridget Lubisi, Chief Financial Officer at HET Group, whose exceptional delivery during the “Resilient Futures: Women-Led Development for Inclusive Growth” panel discussion was both insightful and compelling, energising the session and affirming the strength, confidence, and global competitiveness of South African women leadership within the BRICS ecosystem.
These engagements will culminate in the ECEDM Africa Forum 2026, to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 15–19 June 2026.
The Forum will convene over 2,000 young entrepreneurs, alongside global partners, investors, and institutions, creating a platform for:
• Venture capital engagement and enterprise scaling
• Cross-border collaboration and technology exchange
• Youth-focused economic empowerment and leadership development
This initiative reflects the continued commitment of BRICS WBA SA and its partners to strengthening economic cooperation, advancing women empowerment, and building globally competitive entrepreneurial ecosystems across BRICS and the Global South.
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