Africa’s presence within BRICS has expanded significantly. South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia are now full members, while Nigeria and Uganda participate as partner countries. Yet despite this growing representation, there is no mechanism for African states to coordinate their positions within the grouping, raising questions about whether a larger footprint has translated into greater collective influence.
This issue brief examines how African states are engaging BRICS as part of broader strategies of diversification rather than alignment. It explores the distinct priorities driving South Africa’s, Egypt’s and Ethiopia’s participation; the relationship between BRICS and other multilateral forums such as the AU and G20; and the opportunities and constraints for developing a more coordinated African voice within the bloc.
The brief argues that while African states share an interest in advancing reforms to global governance and international finance, coordination within BRICS remains limited by differing national priorities and the absence of institutional mechanisms. Rather than viewing BRICS as a standalone platform, it suggests that African governments may derive greater value by integrating BRICS into a broader multilateral strategy while strengthening cooperation where interests converge.
This issue brief was first published on the International Peace Institute’s website.
