Africa being transformed with help from BRICS

Many people across the globe had their eyes on the 15th BRICS Summit, which was held from Aug 22 to 24 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The summit, during which Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were invited to join BRICS as full members effective Jan 1, demonstrated an opportunity for African countries to strengthen their ties with the world's major emerging economies.

In an era of global interconnectivity, the expansion of BRICS — whose current members are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — has assumed a significant role in molding international dynamics.

President Xi Jinping described the group's expansion as a "historic" move that "shows the determination of BRICS countries for unity and cooperation with other developing nations".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the summit that "India has always believed that the addition of new members will further strengthen BRICS as an organization and give our shared effort a new impetus".

This strategic alignment is not merely a one-sided endeavor. Rather, it marks a mutual exchange of expertise, resources and development strategies. As the BRICS countries pool their strengths and resources, they empower African nations to harness their own capabilities, fostering a sense of self-reliance and sustainable progress.

For almost eight decades, the conventional road for influencing change and development in the international system has been through the multilateral institutions themselves. This is changing. With BRICS, we are seeing a style of diplomatic engagement that gives prominence to all types of coalitions of like-minded states. This trend is likely to be amplified by the expansion of BRICS.

BRICS has gained significant traction since its inception in 2009 as BRIC(South Africa joined in 2010). Initially formed as a grouping of major emerging economies, BRICS has evolved into a formidable economic organization with the potential to reshape global dynamics.

One area in which BRICS expansion has garnered attention is its expected impact on the African continent.

By offering an alternative approach to engagement and development, BRICS nations have already contributed to Africa's economic growth, political influence and social development. While challenges remain, the potential benefits of this engagement are vast.

Economic cooperation forms the cornerstone of this burgeoning partnership. The BRICS-launched New Development Bank, which was established to fund infrastructure and development projects, has channeled billions of dollars into African economies, bolstering critical sectors such as energy, transportation and telecommunications. Such investments lay the groundwork for modernization and connectivity, enabling African nations to bridge gaps in their development trajectories.

Equally significant is the emphasis on knowledge transfer and innovation. Collaborative efforts in technology, agriculture and healthcare have allowed African nations to tap into the expertise of BRICS countries. Exchange programs, scholarships and joint research initiatives are empowering young Africans to become drivers of change in their respective societies. By nurturing a culture of innovation, the BRICS expansion is sowing seeds for sustainable development that transcends traditional boundaries.

The diplomatic ramifications of this partnership are equally noteworthy. The BRICS-Africa Dialogue Forum, serving as a platform for discourse, highlights shared concerns and aspirations. This forum amplifies the voices of African nations on the global stage, addressing issues such as climate change, peacekeeping and international trade. The collaboration underlines the commitment to a multipolar world order, in which diverse voices converge to shape policies that resonate with the aspirations of the developing Global South.

Looking ahead, BRICS engagement in Africa will likely continue to evolve. Strengthening economic ties, expanding people-to-people exchanges and fostering innovation and technology transfer will be key areas of focus. Collaboration in fields such as renewable energy, agriculture and healthcare can drive sustainable development on the continent.

As the BRICS nations invest in Africa's progress, the continent is evolving into a dynamic force shaping its destiny on the global stage. It is a journey that warrants careful consideration, for the transformation is not just a story of nations, but a tale of shared aspirations and interconnected destinies.

The author is a lecturer on the faculty of international relations of Riara University in Kenya.