South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken over the chairmanship of the BRICS group of leading emerging economies and will host the group's annual summit this year. He promises to use the opportunity to advance African interests and invite more African countries to attend. He also plans to harness the collective strength of the BRICS economy and the technological capability, market size, and other qualities that make BRICS a solid development partner for Africa. Elizabeth Sidiropoulos of the South African Institute of International Affairs said that trade would be a priority, and there would be a focus on unlocking the potential of the recently formed African Continental Free Trade Area. She noted that China, the world's second-largest economy, is the continent's largest trade partner.
The BRICS, which includes three democracies but also communist China and authoritarian Russia, is increasing a political force that positions itself as an alternative to the U.S.-led liberal world order. At the last BRICS summit, hosted virtually by Beijing, President Ramaphosa aimed at the West, saying that rich nations did not adhere to the principles of solidarity and cooperation regarding equitable access to vaccines. As well as an economic force, BRICS is also increasing political power that positions itself as an alternative to the U.S.-led liberal world order. Saudi Arabia is reportedly interested in joining the bloc, as are Iran, Algeria and Argentina.
