Ethiopia, celebrated as one of Africa’s rapidly advancing economies, has cast its ambitions toward the BRICS alliance of emerging markets. In a bold strategic move, the African nation has officially requested to become part of this potent bloc that is making its mark on the global economic stage.
Ethiopia’s appeal to BRICS: A strategic move
The acronym BRICS was introduced to the world by economist Jim O’Neill of Goldman Sachs in 2001. It represented the accelerated economic ascendancy of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa becoming a member in 2010. Now, Ethiopia has its eyes set on joining this exclusive group.
“BRICS is expected to respond favorably to our application,” affirmed Ethiopia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Meles Alem, as reported by the country’s state-run news agency ENA.
Ethiopia’s intent to align with BRICS represents its drive to associate with international institutions that mirror its interests and provide a platform to bolster its economic standing.
Situated in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia holds the distinction of having Africa’s second-largest populace. However, its economy, according to the International Monetary Fund, is ranked 59th globally, less than half the size of the smallest BRICS member, South Africa.
The BRICS influence: An emerging power bloc
Joining BRICS isn’t a first for nations outside the initial composition. In a previous instance, Argentina, the world’s 23rd-largest economy, declared it had secured China’s formal endorsement to join the alliance, demonstrating BRICS’s growing influence as a strong alternative to Western economic powers.
The BRICS countries collectively account for over 40% of the global population and approximately 26% of the world’s economy, making this bloc a formidable force in international economic arenas.
The potential inclusion of Ethiopia, therefore, would be a significant development for the African nation.
South Africa confirmed that it would be hosting the upcoming BRICS summit in August. This announcement was crucial to quash rumors about a potential shift in the summit’s location to accommodate the presence of Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, amidst a swirl of war crimes allegations.
Bottomline is that Ethiopia’s move to join the BRICS alliance underscores the country’s ambitions to enhance its international profile and economic prospects.
While the country’s economy may not currently match that of the current BRICS members, its rapid growth and large population make it a noteworthy contender.
The coming months will reveal how BRICS responds to Ethiopia’s request and whether this coalition of emerging economies is ready to open its doors to a new member.
If Ethiopia’s application is successful, it will mark a significant milestone for the nation, potentially bolstering its economic prospects and increasing its influence on the global stage.
It also could represent a shift in BRICS’s focus towards other rapidly developing economies, redefining the composition and character of this influential bloc.
