Russia, China and India emerged as decisive influences in Ethiopia’s decision to apply for membership in BRICS, the association currently comprising five major economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This view was echoed by TASS Cham Ugala Uryat, serving as an ambassador from an African nation stationed in Moscow, who highlighted the trio’s active involvement in shaping Ethiopia’s approach to BRICS. He noted that the three countries were among the strongest advocates for the Ethiopian application and stressed that their engagement was pivotal to the country’s diplomacy with the bloc.
In discussing who among the five BRICS members contributed most to Ethiopia’s bid, the diplomat affirmed that the influence of Russia, India and China remained particularly significant. His remarks underscored a regional sentiment that these partners have consistently supported Ethiopia’s efforts on the international stage, praising their willingness to collaborate across political and economic fronts as the country charted its path toward joining the group.
The Ethiopian side has consistently valued the role of its partners in BRICS discussions. Ethiopian officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of international cooperation in promoting development, investment, and regional stability. The country communicated its interest in BRICS as part of a broader strategy to diversify international partnerships and to access the bloc’s resources, markets, and platforms for dialogue with the world’s leading emerging economies.
In June 2023, Melesa Alema from the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly announced the country’s formal application to join BRICS. The move came amid a broader push by several nations in Africa and the Middle East to engage with BRICS as a channel for growth and strategic collaboration. The Ethiopian government framed the application as part of a long-term objective to participate more fully in a global economy that increasingly centers on multipolar cooperation and inclusive regional integration.
At a press briefing on August 24, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated that from January 1, 2024, a group of nations including Argentina, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia would join BRICS, signaling a potential expansion of the bloc beyond its original five members. This announcement highlighted BRICS’s evolving structure and its interest in broadening its geographic and economic reach as part of a strategic realignment in global governance frameworks.
The BRICS summit took place in Johannesburg from August 22 to 24, bringing together leaders from the member states for in-person discussions after a period of virtual exchanges. President Vladimir Putin attended the gathering, marking a notable moment as the first face-to-face meeting of the group’s leaders in several years. The summit served as a platform for leaders to discuss economic cooperation, trade facilitation, and geopolitical collaboration in an increasingly integrated and competitive international arena. The discussions also centered on the shared interests and potential synergies between Africa, Russia, India, China, and other partners as the bloc considers its future direction and outreach beyond its traditional membership. The dialogue included reflections on how Africa and Russia might deepen ties through joint projects, energy partnerships, and infrastructure initiatives that align with broader regional development goals.