The SA BRICS Business Council Manufacturing Working Group’s 5th annual project showcase was held on 22 October 2025. The hybrid event successfully brought together project owners and potential funders to advance manufacturing in South Africa and boost trade and investment among BRICS nations. This year saw a record attendance reflecting growing engagement. From numerous submissions, 9 projects were presented and an additional 4 were highlighted as projects of interest. Projects covered innovative areas such as hydration protection, localised water-blocking tape production, water purification, biodegradable sanitary products, API manufacturing for antiretrovirals, semiconductors, cultured fish protein, waste-to-energy solutions, and advanced foundry casting. In total, the 13 projects from 2025 require an investment of R22 billion. Since inception in 2019, the project showcase has created opportunities for 50 projects, with a combined investment requirement of over R83 billion. Notably, 12 projects have already attracted funder interest, half of which are from the 2025 cohort. The event underscored the value of collaboration within BRICS structures and identified opportunities to expand focus on mining and technical support streams. Moving forward, the Working Group aims to build on these insights to increase impact, foster greater funder participation, and further support South Africa’s manufacturing growth and integration within the BRICS economic bloc.
