Brazilian South–South Development Cooperation: The Case of the Ministry of Social Development in Africa

The article analyses domestic and external drivers of the rise of South–South development cooperation to a foreign policy priority under the Lula administrations. It argues that the rise was a consequence of presidential leadership, growing domestic mobilisation, shifts in the global political economy and the prioritisation of South–South development cooperation by traditional donors. It explores the case of the Ministry of Social Development cooperation with Africa, focusing on two experiences—the Bolsa Familia and the Purchase from Africans for Africa Programme. Although the ministry's partnership with traditional donors remained constant, there was increased domestic leadership in the food purchase programme. © 2015 UNU-WIDER. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.