The 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi in 2026 spotlighted artificial intelligence and industrial transformation, with South Africa advocating for electric vehicle (EV) development as a catalyst for emerging economies. Russian Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized AI’s central role, while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted regional cooperation on EV policies and infrastructure.
AI and Industrial Cooperation Take Center Stage
South Africa Champions EV Transition as Industrial Strategy
South Africa positioned itself as a leader in industrial transformation, leveraging the summit to advance its agenda on electric vehicles. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the need for predictable, long-term industrial policy frameworks
to drive manufacturing growth, citing India’s success in EV adoption. Each country must develop their strategy on the transition towards zero emission vehicles,
said Hiten Parmar, executive director of The Electric Mission, highlighting the B20 Task Force’s advocacy for structured policy over subsidies alone.
Ethiopia’s progressive EV mandate, which ended new internal-combustion vehicle imports in 2024, served as a model for BRICS nations. With EV registrations surpassing 110,000 units—accounting for over 60% of new vehicle sales—Ethiopia’s approach aligned with South Africa’s vision of balancing industrial development with environmental goals. The Brics highlights on regional experiences such as India’s automotive manufacturing transition to EVs and Ethiopia’s progressive mandate show how countries can make this transition work for industrial development and economic growth,
Parmar added.
New Delhi Declaration Reinforces Multilateral Commitment
South African officials linked the summit’s priorities to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), arguing that BRICS-linked investments in EV manufacturing and battery production could bolster regional supply chains. This strategy echoes the B20 Task Force’s recommendation that developing economies position themselves as manufacturing hubs for the global EV market, rather than mere end markets for imported technology.
Investment and Policy Synergies for the Global South
President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of multilateral platforms in securing the capital needed for industrial growth.
Next Steps: China’s BRICS Chairmanship in 2027
As China prepares to take over BRICS chairmanship in 2027, the summit’s outcomes will likely influence the bloc’s trajectory. South Africa’s push to align industrial policy with BRICS goals, combined with Ethiopia’s EV leadership and India’s manufacturing success, sets a precedent for future collaboration. The focus on AI, EVs, and infrastructure signals a shift toward actionable partnerships that prioritize economic resilience and technological sovereignty for emerging economies.