The re-election of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil opens a new phase in South-South relations. By placing Africa at the heart of its diplomatic and trade strategy, Brasilia intends to strengthen economic exchanges, strengthen strategic partnerships and promote a multipolar vision of the world.
At 81, Lula won her duel against Flavio Bolsonaro with 51.8% of the vote, thwarting prognosis and reaffirming her role as a figure in global progress. His victory is seen as a bulwark against the far right and a guarantee of continuity in Brazilian foreign policy.
Since its first mandates (2003–2010), Lula has doubled the number of Brazilian embassies in Africa from 17 to 37. It visited more than 27 African countries and promoted a dramatic increase in bilateral trade from $4.2 billion to $25.9 billion. His return to power in 2022 revived this dynamic: in 2025, he signed major agreements in Mozambique, Angola and South Africa, covering agro-industry, defence and energy.
Trade and South-South cooperation
Brazil relies on the export of its tropical agriculture model via the Embrapa agency, which has already allowed Africa to import $33.8 billion in agro-industrial products in three years. Petrobras, for its part, has strengthened its presence in Angola in offshore exploration. Lula insists on a balanced relationship: Brazil wants to develop alongside Africa, but never dictates its conduct.
Towards strategic and multipolar cooperation
Beyond the bilateral agreements already signed, the re-election of Lula opens the possibility of a stronger institutionalisation of the Africa-Brazil dialogue. Within the framework of the expanded BRICS, where several African countries have recently joined the group, Brazil could play a role as a bridge between Latin America and Africa, promoting better integration of the global South economies.
This dynamic would strengthen Africa's capacity to influence international negotiations on climate, food security and global governance. Lula's emphasis on balanced cooperation and respect for African sovereignty is a credible alternative to traditional partnerships dominated by Western or Asian powers.
For Africa, Brazil is a partner able to combine historical solidarity, technical expertise and political will, paving the way for a strategic diversification of alliances.
Lula's re-election is not limited to a Brazilian internal issue: it paves the way for strategic cooperation between Africa and Brazil, based on global South solidarity, diversification of partnerships and the construction of a multipolar world. For Africa, it is the opportunity to strengthen its voice on the international stage and build winning synergies with a committed and historic partner.
