Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has once again reaffirmed his country’s position as an open, strategic destination for global investors. Speaking at the inauguration of Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor’s (GWM) new factory in São Paulo, Lula stressed that Brazil welcomes international companies with open arms. The factory, which is set to produce 50,000 vehicles annually and create over 2,000 jobs, underscores a renewed wave of South-South cooperation, particularly between emerging economies like Brazil and China.

For Africa, this development is more than just a Brazilian story it is a window into the shifting global trade and investment landscape, where emerging markets are increasingly looking to each other rather than relying solely on the West.

Key Implications for Africa

1. South-South Partnerships Are Accelerating
   Lula’s speech highlighted Brazil’s willingness to pivot toward non-Western partners amid tariff tensions with the United States. For African countries and companies, this is an opportunity to deepen trade, technology, and industrial linkages with Brazil and China under the umbrella of BRICS cooperation. African nations can align themselves with these partnerships to secure better access to markets and capital.

2. Opportunities in Automotive Supply Chains
   With GWM using Brazil as a manufacturing and export hub for Latin America, there is room for African suppliers particularly in raw materials, battery minerals, and auto components to integrate into these new supply chains. Africa is already rich in lithium, cobalt, and manganese, all critical for electric vehicles (EVs). African founders in logistics, mining tech, and advanced manufacturing could position themselves as suppliers to both Brazil’s growing auto industry and Chinese automakers expanding globally.

3. Technology Transfer and Industrial Learning
   The factory investment demonstrates how strategic foreign direct investment (FDI) can build capacity, generate jobs, and create export hubs. African governments and entrepreneurs should study how Brazil structured this partnership with GWM. It provides a playbook for negotiating similar deals where local industries benefit not just from job creation but also from skills transfer and integration into global markets.

4. Boost for Intra-BRICS Trade
   Brazil’s commitment to raising auto exports by nearly 40% in 2025 signals the bloc’s potential for internal demand. For African founders, especially those in fintech, logistics, and agribusiness, BRICS trade could provide new markets. Startups should explore cross-border trade platforms, digital payment systems, and logistics solutions that facilitate easier flow of goods between Africa, Brazil, India, China, and beyond.

5. Policy Alignment for Africa’s Advantage
   Lula criticized U.S. trade tariffs, framing Brazil’s shift as a response to global “unnecessary turbulence.” African leaders can learn from this positioning: by aligning with Brazil and China, Africa can strengthen its negotiating power in global trade discussions. Founders working in policy, advocacy, or sustainability consulting should anticipate an uptick in demand for guidance on navigating these new trade relationships.

Where African Founders Should Look

• EV & Green Tech: Tap into partnerships around electric vehicles, renewable energy, and sustainable manufacturing.

• Logistics & Infrastructure: Develop solutions that connect African producers with Latin America’s growing markets.

• Agro-Industry: Brazil remains a leader in agribusiness African agritech companies can collaborate on technology, seeds, and farming models.

• Fintech & Cross-Border Payments: With more trade between Africa and BRICS members, seamless digital transactions will be critical.

• Consulting & Advisory: There will be growing demand for firms that can help African governments and startups structure deals similar to Brazil’s with GWM.

Bottom Line:
Brazil’s renewed openness to global business anchored by Chinese investment is a reminder that the Global South is increasingly charting its own economic course. For Africa’s founders and companies, the moment calls for strategic positioning: not just as resource providers, but as active partners in innovation, manufacturing, and trade.

If Africa seizes this wave, its entrepreneurs can ride the same current that is propelling Brazil forward turning geopolitical shifts into opportunities for growth, collaboration, and global competitiveness.