Conclusion: Brazil’s Africa Engagement as Status-Seeking Policy

Over the past decade Brazil has become an important player on the African continent. Along with other emerging powers like China and India, Brazil has established itself as a new trade partner and emerging donor in Africa. Having doubled the number of its embassies in less than ten years, Brazil now figures among the countries with the strongest diplomatic presence in Africa. Trade with the continent has increased sixfold in the period between 2000 and 2011 and political relations with African countries have flourished, as reflected by the numerous policy forums, government meetings, and periodical summits that link Brazil and Africa. In sum, ties with the continent have multiplied and have created a multilayered network of political, social, cultural, and economic relations between Brazil and its neighboring continent.