Ramaphosa pushes for global reform at BRICS summit

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa used the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi to advocate for a reformed global order, value-added economic growth for the Global South, and accountability for international law violations. The summit, which concluded on September 12, 2026, produced a declaration reflecting some of these positions. At the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue, Ramaphosa urged member states to shift from exporting raw materials to value-added production and manufacturing. "As BRICS, we find ourselves at an inflection point," he stated, emphasizing the need for developing economies to participate equally in global value chains. He argued that Africa's minerals should not be extracted without commensurate returns in value addition. In a session on global governance, Ramaphosa called for accountability for atrocities in Palestine, Sudan, and Iran, and for the consistent application of international law. "International law cannot be applied selectively," he said. He linked this position to South Africa's ongoing genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.