According to African Economic Outlook (AEO), although front pages of print media and TV breaking news on Africa, continue to be about i) state capture and corruption; ii) endemic poverty and rising unemployment of despondent youth; iii) bad governance and election malpractices; iv) the rise of rebellions and the proliferation of small arms; and v) massive deaths resulting from terrorism and violent extremism; in 2017 Africa maintained steady advances in trade and regional integration.

South Africa has made concerted efforts in the past two decades to promote economic growth and address its triple domestic economic challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty. Facilitating greater trade, investment and industrialisation is a key part of this strategy. Over this period, South Africa’s economic relations with its BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) counterparts has featured prominently, particularly given the phenomenal trade growth experienced with these countries since 2000. The experience has not been solely positive for South Africa as significant structural challenges remain in the trading relationship. South Africa should look to build on the now well established political platform of the BRICS to promote better economic relations with its members, which could assist in addressing urgent domestic socioeconomic challenges.