Reasons Why Africa Should Join Brics

There are several reasons why African countries might consider joining the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) group of emerging economies. Here are some potential benefits that African countries could experience by joining the BRICS alliance:

1. Economic growth and development: The BRICS countries represent a significant portion of the global economy, with a combined GDP of 24% and a 16% share of global trade. By joining the BRICS group, African countries could potentially access new markets and trade opportunities, leading to economic growth and development.
2. Investment and financing: The BRICS countries have established the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral development bank that is open to membership from all countries. The NDB is focused on providing financing for infrastructure and sustainable development projects, which could be particularly beneficial for African countries that are seeking to improve their infrastructure and economic development.
3. Access to technology and knowledge: The BRICS countries are home to some of the world's leading technology companies and research institutions. By joining the BRICS group, African countries could potentially gain access to new technologies, knowledge, and expertise that could help them to advance their economies and improve living standards.
4. Cooperation and collaboration: The BRICS countries have a shared commitment to cooperation and collaboration on a range of global issues, including climate change, pandemics, and economic development. By joining the BRICS group, African countries could potentially benefit from increased cooperation and collaboration on these and other issues.
5. Political influence: The BRICS countries are major players on the global stage and have the potential to shape the direction of international relations and the global economy. By joining the BRICS group, African countries could potentially increase their political influence and have a greater say in global decision-making processes.
6. Alternatives to traditional sources of funding: The NDB and the $100 billion reserve currency provide alternative international payment options for BRICS countries and others that join the group. This could potentially decrease the dominance of the US and EU in the financial market and lead to a decline in the popularity of the US dollar as the world's reserve currency. For African countries that are seeking alternatives to traditional sources of funding, the NDB and other BRICS financial initiatives could be attractive options.
7. Cooperation and development platform: The "BRICS Plus" cooperation platform, which China has mentioned as a possibility for expanding the BRICS group, is specifically designed for cooperation and development among emerging markets and developing countries. This could be a useful platform for African countries seeking to collaborate and develop their economies.
8. Multilateralism and the rules-based international system: The BRICS countries have a shared commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international system, which could be beneficial for African countries that are seeking to promote stability and cooperation on the global stage.
9. Global governance: The BRICS countries have shown a willingness to work with each other and with other countries to address global issues such as climate change and pandemics. The "BRICS Plus" cooperation platform could potentially serve as a model for global governance, and African countries could potentially benefit from this approach to international cooperation.
10. Relations with other emerging economies: As a member of the BRICS group, African countries could potentially strengthen their relations with other emerging economies and tap into new trade and investment opportunities.
11. Access to new markets: The BRICS countries represent a diverse group of economies with a wide range of products and services, and by joining the BRICS group, African countries could potentially access new markets and trade opportunities.
12. Opportunities for small and medium enterprises: The BRICS countries have a strong focus on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and this could be beneficial for African countries that join the group. For example, the BRICS Business Council has established a range of initiatives to support SMEs, including the BRICS SME Innovation Challenge and the BRICS SME Cooperation Network.
13. Cultural exchange and cooperation: The BRICS countries represent a diverse range of cultures and traditions, and by joining the BRICS group, African countries could potentially benefit from increased cultural exchange and cooperation. This could include opportunities for cultural exchange programs, tourism, and other forms of cultural collaboration.
14. Improved security: The BRICS countries have a shared commitment to regional and global security, and by joining the group, African countries could potentially benefit from increased security cooperation and assistance. This could include assistance with peacekeeping operations, conflict resolution, and other security-related efforts.
15. Opportunities for youth: The BRICS countries have a strong focus on promoting opportunities for youth, and this could be beneficial for African countries that join the group. For example, the BRICS countries have established a range of initiatives to support youth, including the BRICS Youth Summit and the BRICS Young Scientists Forum.
16. Environmental cooperation: The BRICS countries have a shared commitment to environmental protection and cooperation, and this could be beneficial for African countries that join the group. For example, the BRICS countries have established a range of initiatives to address environmental issues, such as the BRICS Climate Change Research Network and the BRICS Energy Research Cooperative.
17. Improved access to healthcare: The BRICS countries have strong healthcare systems and a focus on improving access to healthcare, and this could be beneficial for African countries that join the group. For example, the BRICS countries have established a range of initiatives to improve healthcare, including the BRICS Health Cooperation Mechanism and the BRICS Telemedicine Working Group.
18. Education and skills development: The BRICS countries have a strong focus on education and skills development, and this could be beneficial for African countries that join the group. For example, the BRICS countries have established a range of initiatives to improve education and skills development, such as the BRICS Education Cooperation Working Group and the BRICS Network University.
19. Cooperation on global challenges: The BRICS countries have a shared commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and inequality, and this could be beneficial for African countries that join the group. By working together with the BRICS countries, African countries could potentially contribute to global efforts to address these and other challenges.
20. Improved regional cooperation: The BRICS countries have a strong focus on regional cooperation, and this could be beneficial for African countries that join the group. For example, the BRICS countries have established a range of initiatives to promote regional cooperation, such as the BRICS Regional Aviation Cooperation Working Group and the BRICS Water Cooperation Initiative.