As BRICS continues its expansion, African nations are increasingly positioning themselves to join the group, signaling a shift in global engagement and a departure from Western-dominated economic and geopolitical structures. The recently concluded 16th annual BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, held from October 22-24, 2024, under the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” highlighted the growing influence of BRICS-led multilateralism. Attended by 36 heads of state and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the summit reinforced the rising interest in a multipolar world where the Global South assumes a more central role.
For a long time, South Africa remained the only African member of BRICS. However, following the 2023 expansion, Egypt and Ethiopia participated in this year’s summit as full members. Additionally, BRICS announced the addition of 13 new nations as partner countries, including three more African nations: Algeria, Nigeria, and Uganda. The increasing African presence in BRICS signals a transformative moment for the continent, one that could redefine its global engagement, economic strategy, and geopolitical positioning.
For decades, African nations have been trapped in a cycle of economic dependency, beholden to Western-led financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. These institutions, often accused of enforcing neo-colonial economic policies, have placed stringent conditions on loans, further entrenching economic vulnerabilities across the continent. The frustrations of African leaders over these exploitative conditions have fueled a growing interest in alternative financial mechanisms, an area where BRICS offers a compelling alternative.
Countries led by military juntas, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have found themselves locked out of Western financial support due to their unconstitutional takeovers. In response, these nations are exploring financial alternatives such as the New Development Bank (NDB), which aims to reduce reliance on the US dollar and weaken the hold of Western financial institutions over developing economies. The NDB, which held its ninth annual board meeting in South Africa from August 29-31, 2024, reaffirmed its commitment to offering more flexible, concessional funding tailored to the long-term development goals of BRICS members and their allies.
Yet, Africa’s transition away from Western financial dominance remains a complex challenge. Despite their BRICS membership, Egypt and Ethiopia continue to rely on IMF funding, with Egypt securing an $8 billion bailout and Ethiopia receiving a $3.4 billion extended credit facility (ECF) to address financial pressures. This contradiction illustrates that while African nations may seek economic alternatives, their full detachment from Western financial systems remains a long-term struggle rather than an immediate reality.
Nevertheless, BRICS’ initiatives toward de-dollarization, such as promoting trade in local currencies, offer a significant pathway for African economies to hedge against dollar fluctuations and inflationary shocks. China and India have already initiated trade agreements in their local currencies, and if African nations follow suit, they could begin to break free from the dollar’s stranglehold, unlocking new economic possibilities.
Geopolitical realignments are reshaping Africa’s security architecture, and BRICS has emerged as a key player in this transition. While African nations have traditionally engaged in multi-alignment strategies, balancing relations with both Western and Eastern powers, the evolving geopolitical landscape has exposed the risks of over-reliance on the West. The African Union (AU) and regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have increasingly sought BRICS’ support in tackling regional security threats. BRICS has backed AU-led peace initiatives in South Sudan while also supporting SADC’s efforts in combating armed insurgencies in Mozambique and the Central African Republic (CAR). This collaboration reflects BRICS’ endorsement of homegrown African solutions, providing resources and diplomatic leverage to promote stability.
Furthermore, the Western approach to African security issues, often characterized by military interventions and economic sanctions, has left a trail of instability and weakened governance structures. BRICS, in contrast, offers a less interventionist model, favoring security assistance that prioritizes economic development and regional-led solutions. This shift in approach is an attractive prospect for many African leaders who view Western military engagement as a tool of geopolitical control rather than genuine peacebuilding.
Africa’s deepening engagement with BRICS is also driven by a quest for political and economic leadership models that align with the continent’s aspirations for sovereignty and self-reliance. Unlike the Western model, which often imposes governance structures and economic policies that serve foreign interests, BRICS nations, particularly China and India, have demonstrated an ability to navigate global affairs while maintaining independent economic policies. However, challenges remain in fostering unity among African BRICS members. The long-standing rivalry between Egypt and Ethiopia, especially concerning Nile water rights and UN Security Council reforms, has already sparked tensions. This division was evident on September 26, 2024, when a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New York was abruptly ended due to a dispute between these two nations. Such internal conflicts underscore the need for stronger diplomatic frameworks to ensure BRICS remains a cohesive and effective platform for African interests.
One of BRICS’ most promising initiatives for Africa is the BRICS Grain Exchange, a strategic effort aimed at stabilizing global food prices and reducing dependency on Western-controlled agricultural markets. With Africa suffering from climate-induced food shortages, fragmented markets, and volatile grain prices, a BRICS-backed grain exchange could revolutionize the continent’s agricultural sector. By creating a structured market, BRICS could help African farmers access fairer pricing mechanisms, secure long-term investments, and improve food security across the region. Additionally, the initiative could allow Africa to diversify its agricultural exports, increasing foreign exchange earnings and reducing dependence on Western agricultural supply chains.
For Africa, BRICS represents a historic opportunity to reshape its role in global governance and economic development. However, before fully embracing BRICS, African countries must address their internal stability challenges and define clear policy priorities. Corruption, poor governance, and intra-regional conflicts remain significant barriers to leveraging BRICS membership effectively. At the same time, BRICS itself must evolve beyond an expansionist mindset and strengthen its foundational structures. Rapid expansion without a clear governance framework could lead to inefficiencies and internal divisions, potentially undermining the group’s objectives.
Ultimately, the way the African Union collectively navigates its role within BRICS will determine the long-term success of this partnership. If managed strategically, BRICS could serve as a powerful vehicle for Africa’s economic liberation, geopolitical empowerment, and overall global relevance. However, if internal divisions and governance challenges persist, Africa risks becoming a fragmented bloc within a larger BRICS alliance, failing to fully capitalize on the opportunities this new global order presents.
By Hon. Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
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