BRICS Summit: Deepening Ties with Africa and the Global South

Russia is hosting a pivotal BRICS summit this week, marking a major step in its quest to foster stronger ties with its geopolitical allies and challenge Western dominance in global affairs. The BRICS bloc, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, has become a central platform for economically developing nations seeking greater influence on the world stage. With the inclusion of South Africa in 2010, and more recently, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, BRICS has evolved into a powerful forum that amplifies the voices of the Global South.

A New Global Order

At the core of Russia’s hosting of the BRICS summit is the push to establish a “new world order.” Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently championed this vision, advocating for a multipolar world that counters the economic and political dominance of the U.S.-led West. By aligning with nations from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, Russia aims to unite countries that share concerns over Western hegemony and seek alternative pathways for development and cooperation.

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BRICS has emerged as a platform where these nations, often referred to collectively as the “Global South,” can assert their geopolitical and economic interests. The bloc’s recent expansion signifies a growing desire among developing nations to collaborate on economic growth, trade, and investment without over-reliance on Western institutions.

Africa’s Role in BRICS Expansion

The addition of Egypt and Ethiopia to the BRICS coalition underscores Africa’s growing influence in global geopolitical dynamics. The continent, rich in resources and potential, is becoming a crucial partner in the formation of a new global order. Africa’s increasing involvement in BRICS reflects the continent’s desire to harness partnerships that prioritise equitable development, respect for sovereignty, and self-determination.

African nations, including South Africa, have played a vital role in shaping BRICS’ agenda, particularly in areas such as sustainable development, access to financing, and tackling global inequality. As BRICS expands its membership and influence, Africa’s role within the organisation is set to strengthen further, making the continent a key player in global decision-making processes.

Strengthening Economic Sovereignty

One of the key themes of the 16th BRICS summit is the drive toward economic sovereignty. As Russia faces sanctions from the West due to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, it seeks to use BRICS as a platform to promote economic systems that operate independently from Western-dominated institutions. This includes discussions on expanding the use of national currencies in trade between BRICS countries, reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar, and exploring alternative payment systems.

For Africa, this vision aligns with the continent’s aspirations for economic independence and self-sufficiency. By leveraging partnerships within BRICS, African nations can explore new avenues for financing, infrastructure development, and trade that are not tied to Western financial constraints or conditionalities.

Addressing Global Conflicts

Although the war in Ukraine looms large over Russia’s geopolitical landscape, the BRICS summit is also focusing on broader global conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called on BRICS nations to unite their efforts to address the wars in Gaza and Lebanon. Similarly, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised the need for a ceasefire and a lasting solution to the Palestinian crisis, while urging caution against escalating tensions in Ukraine.

The summit’s focus on mediation and peace-building highlights the role BRICS aspires to play in resolving global conflicts through dialogue rather than intervention—a stark contrast to the militarized approaches often favored by the West. African leaders, such as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, have also voiced support for peaceful solutions, particularly in addressing poverty, hunger, and the digital divide that disproportionately affect developing nations.

Egypt’s First Participation as a BRICS Member

Egypt, which officially became a BRICS member in January, is participating in the summit for the first time as a full member. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi used his address to underscore Egypt’s commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation within BRICS. He emphasised the need for sustainable debt management for developing countries and called for advancing the use of local currencies in financial transactions to bolster economic resilience.

Egypt’s inclusion in BRICS highlights the country’s strategic importance in both African and global affairs. As a key player in the Middle East and North Africa region, Egypt’s participation in BRICS is expected to open new opportunities for trade, investment, and development projects, not just for Egypt but for the entire African continent.

Moving Toward a Multipolar World

The expansion and deepening of BRICS partnerships signal a shift in global power dynamics. As Western-led institutions such as the G7 face growing challenges from the Global South, BRICS is positioning itself as a formidable force advocating for a fairer, more inclusive world order. African nations, with their immense resources and youthful populations, are poised to benefit from this shift, as they seek partnerships that respect their sovereignty and prioritise mutual growth.

The 16th BRICS summit, held under the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” is more than just a diplomatic gathering. It represents a movement toward a multipolar world where the voices and aspirations of developing nations, particularly from Africa, are no longer marginalised but take center stage in shaping the future of global governance.