The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and the COVID-19 pandemic have profoundly influenced global trade dynamics and e-commerce activities. This study examines the impact of the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 alongside the opportunities created by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies under 4IR in the economies of the BRICS nations, with a specific focus on South Africa (SA). A performance assessment is conducted using non-positivist multi-criteria decision-making methods. South Africa’s performance is compared with data from the public and private sectors in BRICS countries, considering factors such as rising unemployment and the growth of e-commerce, through a purposeful criterion selection framework. The integration of AI has not only maintained commercial flow but also enhanced sustainability and competitiveness during the pandemic. As economic activity slowed due to COVID-19, the pandemic simultaneously accelerated the adoption of e-commerce platforms as countries moved towards digital solutions. The South African analysis emphasizes the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as trade relations in the context of the 4IR. South African businesses are advised to invest in developing effective e-commerce strategies. The study also highlights issues such as inadequate infrastructure and limited access to digital resources, which have hindered the e-commerce sector during the pandemic.
