President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the South African government in hosting the 10th BRICS Summit that takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from today, Wednesday 25 July 2018, to Friday, July 27.
This is the first occasion on which President Ramaphosa will host the Summit, following his election as President in February 2018.
Under the theme, “BRICS in Africa: Collaboration for Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity in the Fourth Industrial Revolution”, the Summit is expected to be attended by Heads of State and Government from Brazil, Russia, India and China.
BRICS is an association of five major emerging national economies, in which South Africa began participating in 2010. Cooperation among BRICS members spans formal diplomatic engagement between the national governments; engagement through government-affiliated institutions, such as state-owned entities and business councils, and civil society and people-to-people engagement.
The Summit is focused on the need to strengthen the relationship between BRICS and Africa. In this regard BRICS leaders will also interact with African leaders on how best to bring about inclusive growth and shared prosperity through heightened collaboration.
In this context, leaders of the Republics of Namibia, Gabon, Angola, Senegal, Uganda, Togo and Rwanda will participate in the BRICS-Africa Outreach session.
Invitations have also been extended to all South African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government.
The President will also chair the BRICS plus initiative that includes Heads of State and Government of the Republics of Turkey, Argentina and Jamaica.
The Summit commences today with BRICS leaders attending the BRICS Business Forum. President Ramaphosa will also host the leaders in a welcome dinner and entertainment programme at Monte casino, Fourways, Johannesburg.
Tomorrow, Thursday 26 July 2018, President Ramaphosa will chair two meetings of BRICS leaders who will then embark on a special retreat.
The last day of the Summit will see President Ramaphosa chairing the BRICS Outreach programme with African leaders in attendance. The President will also chair the BRICS Plus interaction and engage in a number of bilateral meetings with BRICS leaders.
NB: Only accredited media are allowed to cover the Summit. Pooling arrangements will apply in some sessions.
Enquiries:
Khusela Diko
Cell: 072 854 5707
