South African Ambassador to Brazil participates in strategic meetings in Fortaleza in partnership with IBRAF

South Africa Ambassador to Brazil, Joseph Mashimbye, accompanied by the president of the Brazil Africa Institute, João Bosco Monte, was in Fortaleza on December 10th, participating in strategic meetings. The ambassador met with local private sector representatives and discussed business opportunities that may arise between Ceará and the African country.

Mashimbye highlighted that in 2020 will be celebrated the 10th anniversary of the bilateral strategic partnership agreement signed between Brazil and South Africa, but points out that there is still room for business between the two countries, especially in the agricultural, energy, infrastructure and technology sectors.

“There are many companies that are hungry to grow beyond Brazil. My job is to make sure I expose them to South Africa, present the opportunities. Besides that, they can use my country as a gateway to Africa in general,” said the Ambassador.

In Fortaleza, the ambassador is participating in meetings with companies that have concrete projects that can be implemented in South Africa. According to him, African countries have been looking for initiatives like that in Brazil and Ceará companies are on the radar.

“Agriculture is key because food security is essential and Brazil managed to transform its sector so we must work together to share this knowledge. But we are also looking for infrastructure, energy and science and technology. Nowadays we talk not only about agriculture but about a science-driven agriculture,” highlighted Mashimbye.

The ambassador also emphasized the work that the Brazil Africa Institute has been doing over the last years regarding the rapprochement between the two regions. “I believe that IBRAF has achieved a lot and has outdone itself over the last few years,” said Joseph Mashimbye.