Elias Monage, President of the Black Business Council and Chairman of the South African side of the Russia-South Africa Business Council, has called for increased collaboration between South Africa and BRICS nations—Russia, India, and China—to drive large-scale infrastructure development across the continent. Speaking on the TV BRICS programme 'BRICS Dialogue,' Monage emphasized that projects like rail infrastructure could unite African countries with BRICS partners, leveraging South Africa's strategic position and developed logistics networks to create a transport hub. 'If we are to undertake a huge project, such as rail infrastructure, we can bring the rest of the continent to participate in the development together with BRICS partners,' he stated, highlighting the potential for regional integration through shared resources and expertise.
Monage outlined key challenges facing BRICS cooperation, including the absence of direct air connections between member states, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and the lack of a unified currency or tariff system. He stressed the need for 'complementarity, coordinated action, and cooperation' over competition, noting that the group's young populations and growing human capital present opportunities for education and skills development. 'We must focus on creating a common tariff classification system to facilitate trade,' he explained, citing ongoing discussions on regulatory alignment. South Africa is also exploring partnerships, such as a proposed Russian-South African assembly plant for trucks and the potential importation of Russian poultry meat to boost regional supply chains.
The expert highlighted existing collaborations, including a recent mission to Mozambique to assess a truck assembly plant and joint efforts with a Russian vehicle manufacturer and a South African state-owned enterprise. Cultural and educational exchanges are also expanding, with Russian artist Igor Butman performing in South Africa and South African artists visiting Russia. Monage noted that these initiatives reflect a broader strategy to strengthen ties, stating, 'South Africa serves as a connecting link, actively involving regional states in trade with Russia while building long-term cooperation in business, investment, and humanitarian fields.'
The proposal underscores South Africa's role as a bridge between BRICS nations and the African continent, aiming to address infrastructure gaps through multilateral partnerships. By aligning logistical, economic, and cultural efforts, the initiative could enhance regional connectivity and economic integration. Monage's vision emphasizes leveraging BRICS resources to create sustainable infrastructure, fostering a framework for shared growth and development across Africa.