Lula Champions Brazil's Global Ambition at Hannover Industrial Fair 2026
President Lula asserts Brazil's ambitions to shed its 'third world' stigma and lead sustainable energy and industrial innovation at Hannover Fair 2026.
- • Lula declares Brazil tired of being seen as 'small' or 'invisible' and aims to become a global economic power.
- • Brazil is the official partner at Hannover Industrial Fair 2026, showcasing 300 companies and 140 exhibitors.
- • Brazil’s energy matrix is 90% renewable, with significant biofuel innovations and sustainable technologies on display.
- • Lula stresses strengthening Brazil-Germany ties and international partnerships for technology and investment.
Key details
On April 20, 2026, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered a powerful message at the Hannover Industrial Fair in Germany, marking Brazil’s reemergence on the global industrial stage as the official partner country for the second time. Lula declared that Brazil is no longer willing to be perceived as a "small," "invisible," or "third world" nation, emphasizing the country’s ambition to become a leading global economic power. Accompanied by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Lula highlighted Brazil's strong industrial and technological capabilities, home to world-renowned companies like Petrobras and Embraer, the third-largest aircraft manufacturer worldwide.
Central to Lula’s address was Brazil's commitment to the global energy transition. He underscored that approximately 90% of Brazil's electricity matrix derives from renewable sources, positioning the nation favorably among industrialized countries. He spotlighted Brazil's advancements in biofuels, including blends of 30% ethanol in gasoline and 15% biodiesel in diesel, and invited an international comparison of emissions between Brazilian fuels and those used elsewhere. The president visited Brazilian exhibitors at the fair showcasing sustainable innovations such as WEG's sustainable motors, Mercedes-Benz trucks operating on 100% biofuel, and Embraer’s flying car prototype developed by subsidiary Eve soon to debut in São Paulo.
Lula also emphasized the importance of deepening Brazil-Germany and Brazil-European partnerships, viewing the fair as an opportunity for scientific exchange, investment, and collaboration in technology and industry. Chancellor Merz praised Brazil's leadership in energy transition and agricultural technology, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the countries.
Further, Lula condemned the impact of fake news on society, lamenting the fading era of truth amid digital upheaval. In defending Brazil’s agribusiness, he called for full approval of the Mercosur-European Union trade agreement. Lula’s remarks underscored a vision of Brazil transitioning from a developing to a developed country, eager to exert global influence while championing sustainable industrial growth and international cooperation.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
