As the 17th BRICS summit concluded in Rio de Janeiro, African nations such as South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia cemented their roles within an increasingly influential economic bloc. Nigeria and Uganda, newly designated as “partner states”, signal Africa’s growing alignment with a group that now accounts for 31.5% of global GDP surpassing the G7 and nearly half the world’s population.
Founded in 2009, BRICS offers a counterweight to Western-dominated trade systems, a dynamic many analysts view as vital for rebalancing global commerce. Yet, as African nations deepen ties with the bloc, they face significant risks in a fracturing geopolitical landscape.
Geopolitical Flashpoints
The summit unfolded against a backdrop of heightened tensions. US President Donald Trump warned of a 10% tariff on countries aligning with BRICS’ “anti-American policies”. This follows his earlier threat of a 100% tariff should the bloc pursue de-dollarisation in global trade a move championed by members like Russia and China.
The inclusion of Iran in 2024 has further politicised BRICS, with the group increasingly perceived as a geopolitical rival to the West. While BRICS issued no collective statement on Israel’s recent 12-day military operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities, Russia and China condemned the strikes, urging restraint. The US, allied with Israel, supported the action.
For African nations, closer BRICS alignment risks economic reprisals, including tariffs or restricted access to Western markets. Such measures could derail growth for economies already grappling with debt and currency volatility.
Economic Opportunities
Despite the risks, BRICS offers African nations a pathway to economic diversification. Nigeria, for instance, seeks low-interest loans for infrastructure and energy projects, free from the stringent conditions often imposed by Western lenders. It also aims to expand trade in local currencies to mitigate dollar shortages a pressing issue amid naira volatility.
Egypt, burdened by over $160bn in foreign debt, views BRICS as a financial lifeline. Ethiopia, meanwhile, is eyeing the New Development Bank, which has disbursed over $30bn in development loans to members. South Africa has leveraged BRICS to amplify African interests globally, from securing vaccine access during Covid-19 to advocating for climate finance.
Navigating the Divide
To maximise benefits while minimising risks, African nations must adopt a pragmatic, issue-based approach to BRICS engagement. Prioritising trade, finance, and technology cooperation without endorsing the bloc’s more contentious political stances could shield them from becoming pawns in great-power rivalries.
As BRICS grows in clout, African members and partners face a delicate balancing act: harnessing the bloc’s economic potential while avoiding the fallout of an increasingly polarised world order.