Another African country may shortly join BRICS. Zimbabwe's abroad minister, Amon Murwira, made an authoritative application for membership of this organization during last week's visit to Moscow. If accepted, Zimbabwe will become the 5th African country in this block, alongside Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Africa (RPA).
Why does Zimbabwe want to join BRICS?
Zimbabwe, although not having a strong economy like South Africa or Egypt, sees a chance in BRICS to support the restoration of its economical system. The country faces immense debt, 90% unemployment and outdated infrastructure. president Emerson Mnangagwa admitted that Zimbabwe needs as much as $10 billion to modernise and fight the economical crisis.
As part of the “Look to the East” policy Zimbabwe has already strengthened trade relations with China and India, while losing relations with the West. Joining BRICS could strengthen these links and supply additional backing and investment.
BRICS expansion in Africa and the world
BRICS, initially an association of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is developing dynamically. In 2024 Egypt and Ethiopia joined the organization at the Kazan summit, and Nigeria was declared a partner country. South Africa, as the first African member, joined BRICS in December 2010 and remains the largest economy of the continent. Egypt ranks second, Nigeria has the largest population, and Ethiopia is Africa's fastest increasing economy.
However, BRICS is not limited to Africa alone. Brazil, now president of the group, invited Mexico, Uruguay and Colombia to participate in the July summit in Rio de Janeiro. president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stressed that BRICS represents almost half the world's population and plays a key function in the global economy.
The common currency BRICS – a dream or a real perspective?
In August 2023, at the Johannesburg summit, Lula proposed to make a single currency for the BRICS countries, which would make their economy independent of the dollar. However, this thought did not receive the support of another members. In December 2023, U.S. President-elect, Donald Trump, warned that if BRICS decided to take specified a step, the United States would impose 100 percent work on products from these countries.
Does Zimbabwe have a chance to join?
Although Zimbabwe does not have a strong economy like another BRICS members, its efforts to join the group can be seen as an effort to diversify alliances and find fresh trading partners. Support from China and India may be crucial to obtaining acceptance from another members.
Summary
Zimbabwe, applying for BRICS membership, is committed to working with the largest emerging economies. For this African country it is an chance to rebuild the economy and find fresh allies in the face of the crisis. BRICS expansion, both in Africa and South America, shows that this organization is becoming an increasingly influential player internationally.
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Zimbabwe is officially applying for BRICS membership
