President Calls for Domestic Processing of Rare Earths, AI in Portuguese and Expansion of High-Tech Manufacturing
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is placing technology and industrial independence at the centre of his campaign for a fourth presidential term, calling for Brazil to move beyond exporting raw materials and build a stronger domestic technology industry.
Lula has called for Brazil to process its own rare earth elements and critical minerals, while developing artificial intelligence in Portuguese and expanding domestic production of batteries, computer chips and mobile phones.
The strategy reflects a broader push to strengthen Brazil’s technological sovereignty and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.
Brazil possesses significant rare-earth resources, but much of the country’s potential remains underdeveloped. The global competition for these minerals has intensified because they are essential to technologies ranging from electronics and electric vehicles to advanced defence systems.
From Raw Materials to Advanced Manufacturing
Lula’s proposal is aimed at ensuring that Brazil captures more of the economic value generated by its natural resources.
Rather than simply exporting minerals for processing overseas, the president wants Brazil to develop the industrial capacity to mine, process and manufacture products domestically.
That would include strengthening production of batteries, semiconductors and mobile phones while expanding the country’s capabilities in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
The approach fits into Brazil’s broader industrial policy, which seeks to reverse decades of deindustrialisation and encourage investment in higher-value manufacturing and technology.
AI in Portuguese
A central part of Lula’s technology vision is the development of artificial intelligence in Portuguese, giving Brazilian researchers and companies greater control over technology designed for the country’s language, culture and economy.
The president has also called for greater investment in mathematics, engineering and digital skills, arguing that Brazil’s young people need the education and training required to participate in the technological economy.
His message is that Brazil should not simply consume technologies developed elsewhere but should have the expertise and industrial capacity to create its own.
Staying Independent of U.S.-China Rivalry
Lula has also stressed that Brazil should avoid becoming dependent on either the United States or China as the two economic powers compete for dominance in critical technologies and mineral supply chains.
That position is particularly significant as rare earths and other critical minerals become increasingly important in the global strategic competition between Washington and Beijing.
Brazil is already attracting international attention because of its mineral resources, including rare earths. Recent developments have highlighted the country’s potential to become an important alternative source outside China’s dominant supply chains.
Technology Becomes an Election Issue
Lula’s technology agenda comes as Brazil’s presidential election approaches, with the vote scheduled for October 4, 2026.
The president is presenting technological development not simply as an economic programme, but as part of a broader vision of national sovereignty and opportunity for younger Brazilians.
His argument is that young people should have greater opportunities to study, work and build their futures inside Brazil rather than feeling compelled to leave the country in search of advanced education and technology careers.
Whether Brazil can turn this vision into a competitive domestic technology industry will depend on investment, education, infrastructure, research and the ability to attract and retain skilled workers.
But Lula’s message is clear: Brazil wants to move higher up the global technology chain processing its own resources, developing its own capabilities and maintaining strategic independence in an increasingly competitive world.
