South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was set to chair BRICS in 2023, indicated that the upcoming BRICS summit would focus on whether to expand the group’s members. This topic has been reported by SABC. He noted that many governments have shown strong interest in joining, with eleven or twelve expressing a desire to become members. The leadership will consider these requests, Ramaphosa said, emphasizing that BRICS decisions are reached by consensus rather than via a simple majority. In his view, the summit will also address the global geopolitical landscape and evolving trends shaping international relations.
Earlier, Ramaphosa remarked on social media that the BRICS summit planned for August in Johannesburg would run on a full-time basis, signaling a heightened pace for discussions and decision-making. On June 29, Melesa Alema, spokesperson for the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed that Addis Ababa was awaiting a positive decision from BRICS member states regarding its application to join the association. The diplomat stressed that the outcome would hinge on the collective will of the current BRICS members and the principles of consensus that guide the bloc.
As the dialogue develops, observers are paying attention to how BRICS might redefine its membership and influence in global affairs. Questions about regional representation, economic partnerships, and strategic cooperation are likely to surface as the group weighs invitations and assesses potential benefits for both applicants and existing members. The discourse around expansion reflects broader debates about multipolar diplomacy and the quest for a more balanced global order. The leadership in Pretoria and BRICS partners around the world are watching closely as the process unfolds, with timelines and formalities shaping the path forward. In the mix of official statements and diplomatic signals, the core message remains clear: any admission would require broad consensus and meticulous consideration of strategic alignment, economic prospects, and regional stability. The outcome will depend on shared interests and the ability of BRICS to harmonize diverse perspectives within a cooperative framework. This ongoing conversation underscores BRICS’s role in shaping contemporary international governance and regional partnerships across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. [Source attribution: SABC, Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs communications]
Meanwhile, questions persist about the practical implications of expansion for trade, investment, and geopolitical alignments. Analysts suggest that inviting new members could broaden BRICS’s geopolitical footprint and bring new development finance opportunities, while also posing challenges in maintaining consensus among a larger and more diverse group. The discussions are expected to cover governance mechanisms, decision-making processes, and potential adjustments to the group’s charter to accommodate a broader membership. Observers also note the importance of transparent criteria and clear expectations for new entrants to ensure that expansion strengthens collective bargaining power without diluting BRICS’s core principles. The next steps involve formal applications, regional consultations, and eventual voting among current BRICS members to determine admissibility and timing for any new entrants. [Source attribution: international affairs briefings]