In a move aimed at expanding its global influence, the BRICS alliance has announced the inclusion of Nigeria, alongside 12 other nations, as new partners. The announcement was made through a post on the alliance’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, listing Nigeria, Algeria, and Uganda as the three African nations invited to join the group as partners. The other newly added countries are Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
This development marks a strategic step for BRICS as it seeks to broaden its engagement with emerging economies across multiple regions. However, it is important to clarify the distinction between BRICS members and BRICS partners. While full members have voting rights in the bloc’s decisions and participate fully in its annual summits, partners are involved in a more limited capacity. Partners can engage in certain initiatives spearheaded by BRICS but without the obligations or full decision-making privileges that come with membership. Nonetheless, these new partners could be considered potential future members, depending on their evolving relationship with the bloc.
The announcement of the new partners came during the three-day BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. At this summit, BRICS nations issued a joint communique, addressing key global challenges and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable international order. The declaration underscored the alliance’s commitment to a multipolar world, where power is distributed more evenly, and emerging and developing nations are granted greater representation in global decision-making institutions.
In the communique, the BRICS bloc acknowledged the rise of new centers of economic power, signaling a shift toward a more balanced global landscape. The statement emphasized the need to move away from the Western-dominated order and called for reforms in global governance that would benefit developing nations.
Additionally, the bloc recognized the growing importance of regional organizations such as the African Union (AU) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). These organizations are seen as vital platforms for fostering economic collaboration and cultural exchange across regions. BRICS leaders also urged for a stronger World Trade Organization (WTO) capable of addressing trade disputes more effectively, and reiterated their call for the expansion of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to better reflect the interests of the Global South.
BRICS, originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been gradually expanding its reach. In recent months, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates were welcomed as full members. With the addition of its new partners, BRICS is poised to further challenge the existing global order by creating a broader coalition of countries that advocate for more equitable development and stronger representation in international institutions.
This growing alliance of nations signifies an increasing shift in global power dynamics, with more countries looking to reduce reliance on Western-led economic and political structures, and instead seeking partnerships that reflect a more diverse and multipolar world.
