The 16th BRICS Summit, held under Russia's chairmanship in Kazan from October 22 to 24, marked a historic milestone for the bloc. Five new members — Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Ethiopia — were welcomed, with African countries now representing one-third of BRICS' membership.
With Egypt and Ethiopia joining South Africa, Africa's presence within BRICS has been significantly strengthened, providing a robust platform for the continent's voices on the global stage. This inclusive expansion offers African nations a critical opportunity to advocate for economic development, global governance reform, and enhanced South-South cooperation.
During the summit, South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia are expected to collaborate on a concerted action plan to better represent Africa in the upcoming 2024 BRICS Summit. Ethiopia, in particular, aims to pursue comprehensive development through BRICS' mechanisms, while BRICS is anticipated to assist Egypt in leveraging its strategic geographical advantages.
Moreover, BRICS is taking a measured approach to expanding its membership, ensuring that the growth of the bloc remains sustainable and impactful for all members involved.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
