Faith Nyasuguta
More African countries are showing interest in joining BRICS, a consortium of nations comprising a number of nations including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. On Thursday, Zimbabwe’s Foreign Minister Amon Murwira, during a visit to Moscow, announced that Harare is submitting an application to join the group.
BRICS has been actively seeking to expand its membership to deepen economic ties and enhance cooperation among emerging markets. Last year, at a BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan, Egypt and Ethiopia became part of the African states to be admitted into the group. The membership expansion also included Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reflecting BRICS’s growing influence and strategic partnerships.
Zimbabwe’s decision to apply for BRICS membership comes at a time when the country is looking to strengthen its economic and diplomatic ties with major global players. By joining BRICS, Zimbabwe aims to tap into the economic opportunities and collaborative projects that the consortium offers. The move is expected to boost Zimbabwe’s economy, attract foreign investment, and facilitate knowledge and technology transfer.
In January, Brazil, which holds the bloc’s presidency in 2025, announced the admission of Nigeria as a “partner country” in the multinational bloc. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry, known as Itamaraty, stated, “As the 6th largest population in the world and the 1st on the African continent, as well as one of the largest economies in Africa, Nigeria has converging interests with the other members of the group.”
This inclusion highlights the importance of Africa in the BRICS strategy and the continent’s potential for contributing to global economic growth.
Zimbabwe’s application to join BRICS signifies the country’s commitment to regional integration and collaboration with other emerging economies. The potential membership could provide Zimbabwe with access to new markets, increased trade opportunities, and strengthened diplomatic relations.
BRICS’s expansion efforts reflect its ambition to create a more balanced global economic landscape by including diverse economies from different regions. The consortium aims to provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation, addressing common challenges such as sustainable development, infrastructure, and technological innovation.
As Zimbabwe awaits the outcome of its application, the country’s leaders remain optimistic about the prospects of joining BRICS and the potential benefits it can bring. The move highlights Zimbabwe’s strategic vision of leveraging international partnerships to drive economic growth and development.
Zimbabwe’s application to join BRICS marks a significant step in its pursuit of economic and diplomatic advancement. The country’s integration into the BRICS framework holds the promise of fostering stronger economic ties, enhancing trade relations, and promoting sustainable development for Zimbabwe and the broader region.
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