The year 2024 marked a transformative phase for BRICS, the coalition of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as it expanded its membership to include four additional countries, notably Egypt and Ethiopia from Africa. This growing alliance offers fresh opportunities for African nations seeking equitable partnerships and alternatives to Western-dominated global systems.
Egypt, Africa’s largest economy, and Ethiopia, the second-most populous nation on the continent, joined South Africa as BRICS members, demonstrating Africa’s increasing alignment with the bloc’s vision. According to The Star, Kenya, BRICS provides a platform for nations with diverse political systems and economic realities to collaborate on creating a multipolar world order while rejecting exploitative partnerships.
Africa’s resource wealth, young population, and untapped markets position the continent as a key player in shaping this new global framework. Within BRICS, African countries find prospects for addressing challenges such as food insecurity, economic exploitation, and externally fueled conflicts that hinder development.
The BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) exemplifies these efforts, funding infrastructure and sustainable development projects across member states. In 2024 alone, NDB investments surpassed $200 billion, with approximately $30 billion approved for projects at the start of the year. Proposed initiatives like a BRICS grain exchange and digital currency frameworks further align with Africa’s need for food security, fair trade, and financial independence.
BRICS also addresses non-economic challenges, including climate change and insecurity. African nations view the bloc’s stance on equitable environmental responsibilities and shared agricultural technologies as vital for boosting local productivity and ensuring resilience against external disruptions.
As BRICS expands, its collective GDP is projected to exceed 50% of the global economy before 2030. For Africa, deeper integration with the alliance represents a chance to overcome historical dependencies, harness its resources, and achieve a leadership role in a multipolar world. With continued expansion, the question remains: Will Kenya and other nations join to complete the picture?