By nokuthula dhlamini
South Africa's women-owned agribusiness has set a strong example of comprehensive economic growth with a stunning R9.4 billion R9.4 billion in trade, investment and partnership value at the 2025 BRICS+ Agricultural Trade and Investment Summit. The summit, held under the theme of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance (WBA), reminded us of South Africa's leadership in catalyzing trade outcomes that directly respond to the country's priorities, particularly as the country takes over its G20 leadership this year.
Despite budget and infrastructure constraints, the recent summit at Durban ICC has achieved valuable results that put women at the forefront of agricultural leadership. From sugar exports to technology-enabled trading platforms, the signed contracts demonstrate the realistic value of BRICS+'s active South African membership.
At the heart of these transactions were women-owned and women-led companies. These companies have taken away the investment pledge that will revolutionize agriculture in the region.
In the past, women have had significant economic disadvantages, and in agriculture, they have had even bigger sets that have stifled and curtailed entrepreneurial growth, including limited access to finance, land and markets. Without a doubt, women continue to play an important role in food security provision, economic empowerment and development.
The success of this contract not only reflects the faith and capabilities left to women, but also the country's beliefs and support for women's socioeconomic transformation, empowerment, and leadership in women's comprehensive engagement in the economy.
The outstanding contract included a 8.57 billion sugar export agreement between the JPF participant LTDA in South Africa and Brazil. Additionally, using the Brazilian agricultural industry model, there is a R471 million sugar manufacturing plant in Kwazulu-natal's pipeline.
Further agreements included poultry production investments that linked Zimbabwe's Jovatech with US-based Casnet Commerce, as well as more than R94 million for infrastructure projects such as fertilizer production, solar and boreholes in South Africa.
The summit saw smaller but promising investments through the live business pitch. These include:
Gentleman (biodegradable hygiene pad)
R20 million Cessfiquille Wine (Brand Owned by Black Woman) R20 million Avoeco Power (Avocado By-Product Innovation) R19 million SACG (Premium Arabica Coffee)
R40 Million Fanm Clinic (Rural Healthcare)
Mentorship Value R120,000
In particular, the Technovate platform has been launched, a proud South African, AI- and IoT-enabled Agri-Trade platform that enables market engagement through training, remote connectivity and live trade verification, real-time investors, experts and smart goggles. This is a progressive leap in digitizing agriculture and connecting local farmers with global markets.
Developing ecosystems through heritage of guidance and inclusiveness
The BRICS+ platform has surpassed R3.1 million for mentorship, skill development and global exchange. Five women-owned companies were selected for fully funded business immersion in India, supported by mentors from India, Brazil, the US, Zimbabwe and South Africa, with strong support from the BRICS Chamber of Commerce, SmartXchange, FAESP Agro Sowers and Graça Machel Trust.
The transaction sealed at the summit shows that global partnerships based on the Shared Development Goals are unlocking opportunities for South African companies to export, expand and lead.
It also symbolizes the central pillars of South Africa's G20 leadership, comprehensive economic engagement, and the role of Africa's international trade, and affirms the promises of South Africa's national brand. Particularly through empowering women, embracing innovation and building sustainable partnerships, the country is ready to lead the world in how it conducts its business.
To stay up to date with the BRICS Women's Business Alliance in both Member States and beyond, visit www.bricswomen.com.
