BRICS Summit in Johannesburg: Africa’s Leaders Invited as the Forum Expands
In a major outreach move, presidents from all African nations have been invited to the upcoming BRICS summit, which gathers the blocs of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The meeting is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, with officials confirming the participation of African heads of state as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties across the continent. The announcement was made by Anil Suklal, who serves as Ambassador to Asia and BRICS at the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a briefing that underscored this inclusive approach.
Officials clarified that the invitation came at the initiative of South Africa, which currently chairs BRICS. The leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, in coordination with the BRICS partners, has extended formal invitations to all African leaders. This inclusive outreach signals a deliberate strategy to deepen Africa’s role within BRICS and to explore new avenues for cooperation that reflect the region’s growing economic and geopolitical importance.
During the briefing, it was emphasized that Africa’s renewed engagement sits at the heart of South Africa’s presidency of BRICS in 2023. The hosts have consistently highlighted Africa as a pivotal focus area, aiming to forge partnerships that address development needs, trade diversification, infrastructure investment, and technology sharing across the continent. This approach aligns with broader goals to diversify BRICS partnerships and to foster practical collaborations with African nations on the ground.
There has also been talk about the potential membership of BRICS for other states in the region. A representative from the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs remarked positively on the possibility that BRICS member states will respond favorably to its application to join the group. This comment reflects ongoing discussions among regional actors about the benefits and responsibilities associated with BRICS membership, including access to markets, investment, and policy influence on global matters.
As observers look ahead to the agenda, questions have arisen about the participation of major world leaders, including the possibility of Russian President Vladimir Putin attending the August summit. South Africa’s foreign ministry has indicated that no final decision has been announced regarding his presence, and the matter remains under consideration. The uncertainty surrounding Putin’s attendance has prompted other BRICS partners to balance expectations with the diplomatic realities of scheduling, security, and bilateral dynamics that accompany high-profile summits.
Beyond diplomatic rituals, analysts say the Johannesburg gathering could mark a watershed moment for BRICS. The discussions are expected to cover a spectrum of priorities, from trade facilitation and investment to sustainable development and technological cooperation. Africa’s role in the BRICS narrative is likely to expand as nations explore joint ventures in energy transition, agriculture, manufacturing, and digital services. The event may also set the stage for practical memoranda of understanding, pilot projects, and new frameworks to advance shared objectives across continents.
In recent years, BRICS has positioned itself as a forum for multi-polar collaboration, offering a platform for emerging economies to shape economic governance and global policy discussions. The African invitation reflects a strategic effort to broaden participation and to foster concrete outcomes that benefit member and non-member countries alike. Observers note that such inclusive steps can help unlock new streams of investment, transfer of technology, and capacity-building initiatives that contribute to inclusive growth across the continent and beyond. This evolution signals an ongoing commitment to partnership, dialogue, and tangible results that can resonate in markets across Canada, the United States, and global trade corridors. [Citation: South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefing, 2024]