BRICS Offers ‘Collective Resilience’ to West, Strategic Autonomy for Africa: Assistant Professor

BRICS is more than just a counterweight to Western dominance, Assistant Professor Abobakr Mohamed Abbakar Khussein told Sputnik Africa.

“Its member nations control a significant portion of the global population, not only global population, but also global economy and resources that allow them to challenge Western dominance.”

🏦 He noted that through initiatives like the New Development Bank and efforts to diversify trade away from the US dollar, BRICS is pushing for institutional reforms in bodies such as the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank—making them more representative and fair for developing nations.

🌍 For Africa, Khussein highlighted that BRICS offers more than alignment with a rising bloc—it provides opportunity.

“It’s a source of foreign investment, especially in mining and clean energy, which creates jobs and boosts economies.”

He stressed that the platform enhances Africa’s “strategic autonomy” by fostering South-South cooperation, strengthening institutions, and amplifying calls for global governance reforms.

🤍 In his view, BRICS is not just reshaping power balances; it’s giving African nations leverage to chart their own development paths with greater independence and influence.

Subscribe to @sputnik_africa

🔸 Sputnik Africa | X 🔸

Putin stated that he is convinced "we will witness" a renaissance of diplomatic art.

It is precisely in the spirit of 21st-century diplomacy that BRICS and other regional associations are expanding, the president added.

🤩Subscribe to International Reporters in English

DFA adoption across BRICS nations may yield up to $50 billion in investments by 2030

The adoption of digital financial assets (DFA) across the BRICS nations is projected to attract up to $50 billion in investments by 2030. This assessment was shared by the Yakov and Partners consulting company, which collaborated with experts from the Central University to evaluate the current state and future potential of DFA in shaping a new global financial architecture.

According to their study, implementing DFA for both domestic and international use within BRICS could generate a cumulative economic impact of up to $50 billion by 2030, averaging roughly $12.5 billion per year.

The most significant potential of these digital financial tools lies in transforming international infrastructure. Establishing a new mechanism for cross-border investment among the #BRICS countries, independent of traditional systems, is expected to boost investment volumes and lower financing costs.

#NEWS #finance

🕊🕊🕊

Lecture "Russia and India: Partnership and International Strategies" at Inostranka

🔥 October 9, 2025 | 7 PM (UTC +3)

The BRICS Expert Council-Russia, together with the BRICS+ Information and Cultural Media Centre, invites you to attend a lecture titled "Russia and India: Partnership and International Strategies."

The lecture will explore India's contemporary foreign policy, its strategic priorities and position in the global system, as well as its bilateral partnership with Russia. It will also address India's role in the evolution of #BRICS and how its initiatives contribute to shaping a more just and fair multipolar world order.

Speaker: Alexey Kupriyanov, Candidate of Sciences (PhD) in History, Head of the Centre of the Indo-Pacific Region at Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO), Russian Academy of Sciences

@nemus_sacrum @imemo_ran

📎 More information on the website

@generationbrics
@hse_official
@libfl
@mediacenter_brics
@tvbrics

#ANNOUNCEMENT #inostranka

🕊🕊🕊

India begins shaping its 2026 BRICS Chairship agenda

India hosted the 4th BRICS RI International Conference, outlining key focus areas for the group during its 2026 Chairship. The conference theme, "BRICS Multilateralism: Peace & Security, Economic Development & Cultural Exchanges," guided the discussions.

Indian and international experts highlighted that the event served to align India's national priorities with the collective objectives of the BRICS nations. This alignment will help shape a balanced agenda for the upcoming summit.

Dammu Ravi, India’s BRICS Sherpa, stressed the importance of developing a unified stance on shared priorities ahead of the 2026 BRICS Summit. Participants examined the New Development Bank's operations and prospects for expanding trade within BRICS, evaluating their potential impact on the global economy.

The BRICS nations plan to continue advocating for reforms of international institutions like the #UN, #IMF, and #World Bank to ensure better representation of developing countries. This position was previously affirmed by #BRICS leaders at the XVI Summit in Kazan, where they called for strengthening multilateralism to build a more equitable global order.

The conference will contribute to shaping policy recommendations designed to guide further discussions in the run-up to the BRICS Summit in India.

#NEWS #India

🕊🕊🕊

Congratulations on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Brazil

The BRICS Expert Council-Russia extends warm congratulations on a landmark historical occasion: the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Federative Republic of Brazil, which started on October 3, 1828. This day marks nearly two centuries of friendship, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue, forming a lasting foundation for cooperation across political, economic, scientific, technological, and humanitarian fields.

Over the decades, our nations have steadily deepened their partnership by expanding trade and economic ties, advancing joint investment projects, and expanding scientific, cultural, and educational exchanges.

Cooperation within #BRICS holds particular significance, with Brazil as a full member playing a vital role in enhancing dialogue among the largest developing economies and coordinating efforts on pressing global challenges.

On this memorable day, we express our hope for the continued strengthening of relations between Russia and Brazil, the deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation, and the successful implementation of joint initiatives. May respect, trust, and a shared commitment to progress remain the enduring foundation of our partnership.

🕊🕊🕊

🗣️ Enhancing Cross-Border Settlement Mechanisms Among BRICS Member States

Following its recent expansion, BRICS has significantly strengthened its economic potential. In 2024, the share of 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 nations’ GDP based on purchasing power parity (according to the IMF) reached 40.2%, surpassing that of the G7 (28.8%). Trade turnover between the BRICS nations came to USD 1 trillion.

Under these conditions, establishing an effective cross-border settlement system remains one of the group’s most complex and urgent challenges. Its importance is only growing amid ongoing geopolitical tensions as well as the use of financial infrastructure as a tool of pressure.

Read more in our new article by Roman Prokhorov, expert at the working group "Financial Cooperation and the International Monetary and Financial System at BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

📎 More #BRICS analytics is available on the official website of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

#ANALYTICS #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #BRICSExpertCouncil

🕊🕊🕊

Ethiopia and China strengthen industrial cooperation in BRICS

An event dedicated to establishing business contacts between China and Ethiopia was held in Addis Ababa. The event in the Ethiopian capital aimed to strengthen industrial cooperation and policy coordination between the two countries and other #BRICS member states.

Today, China and Ethiopia cooperate extensively in the fields of agriculture, mining, digitalisation and environmentally friendly production.

#NEWS #China #Ethiopia

🕊🕊🕊

India to Host National Aviation Olympiad to Cultivate a Generation of Aviation Leaders for One of the Most Influential BRICS Countries

The Centre for Science Outreach (CSO) has announced the launch of the National Aviation Olympiad (NAO) 2026 in India, designed to develop talent in the aviation and aerospace sectors among students across the country.

The Olympiad will include several zonal rounds and will culminate in a National Final in December 2026, where the top 5 students from each state and union territory will compete. This large-scale initiative aims to instill a spirit of innovation, competitiveness, and scientific thinking in young minds, as well as to strengthen India's long-term potential in the aviation and aerospace sectors.

As commented to IR by Sammy Manoj Kotwani, President of the Indian Business Alliance, the Olympiad will shed light on hidden talents across the country, creating a truly inclusive platform.

Read more - https://www.ir-press.ru/2025/10/03/india-to-host-national-aviation-olympiad-to-cultivate-a-generation-of-aviation-leaders-for-one-of-the-most-influential-brics-countries/

🤩Subscribe to International Reporters in English

In touch with BRICS: news digest

Most essential BRICS news and headlines at a glance

⚪New Development Bank plans to issue its first Indian rupee bond

⚪Expert explained why multipolar world concept resonates with BRICS and SCO

⚪South Africa sees BRICS as catalyst for Africa's digital economy

⚪Russian Deputy Foreign Minister: Latin America shows rising interest in BRICS

⚪BRICS banks strengthen ties: cutting international payment costs in 2025

⚪China broadens cooperation across all BRICS nations

⚪DFA adoption across BRICS nations may yield up to $50 billion in investments by 2030

⚪Vladimir Putin on macroeconomic trends: why the future belongs to BRICS and the Global South

⚪India begins shaping its 2026 BRICS Chairship agenda

⚪Ethiopia and China strengthen industrial cooperation in #BRICS

#BRICSExpertCouncilDIGEST

🕊🕊🕊

📖 Word of the Week: South African BRICS Think Tank (SABTT)

The South African BRICS Think Tank (SABTT) serves as the national coordinator for South Africa’s participation in the BRICS expert track. Operating under the National Institute of the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS), it functions as a platform for generating ideas, conducting research, and facilitating academic exchange to support 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 initiatives.

⭐ Key objectives of SABTT include:
✔Conducting analytical research on BRICS priority areas—from sustainable development and food security to science, education, politics, and economics
✔Preparing policy recommendations for the South African government and BRICS national leaders
✔Forming a platform for the exchange of ideas among researchers, academia and think tanks

Through its work, SABTT plays a vital role in advancing #BRICS values and bringing an African agenda to the group.

#wordoftheweek

🕊🕊🕊

The BRICS Expert Council-Russia extends warm birthday wishes to Russian President Vladimir Putin! 

Your dedication to the nation, strategic vision, and steadfast commitment to Russia's interests embody the essence of true leadership and national responsibility. Under your guidance, our country continues to strengthen its global standing, deepen partnerships with friendly nations, and make significant contributions to shaping a more just and multipolar world order. 

Your consistent support for cultural and spiritual heritage, alongside your commitment to advancing science, education, and innovation, inspires millions and unites society around a shared vision of a strong, sovereign Russia. 

We wish you good health, resilience, boundless energy, and the unwavering support of like-minded allies as you pursue new ambitious plans for the peace, stability, and prosperity of our country! 

🕊🕊🕊

African Union and BRICS: mutual interests and shared values

In 2024, two new African nations—Ethiopia and Egypt—joined BRICS, opening a new chapter in the group's engagement with Africa. This expansion of African representation not only reinforces BRICS' dedication to South-South dialogue but also signals a broader shift toward a polycentric world, where Africa is increasingly emerging as an independent force in global affairs.

This article delves into the evolution of the African track in BRICS, tracing its journey from outreach efforts and BRICS+ formats to the continent's evolving representation at the subregional level following the 2024 expansion.

The authors, Daria Zelenova, Head of the Centre for African Strategy in BRICS at the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Tamara Andreeva, Junior Researcher at the same centre, explore the challenges related to Africa’s deeper integration with #BRICS. They pay special attention to whether further expansion might jeopardise the established dialogue format and the institutional flexibility that have been key to BRICS' success.

📎 Follow this link to read full-text article

#ANALYTICS #Africa

🕊🕊🕊

Belarus seeks full BRICS membership

Belarus is working toward becoming a full member of BRICS, the country's Foreign Ministry stated.

"The Republic of Belarus sees full membership in #BRICS as a long-term objective. We are, however, grateful for the partner status we've been granted and are already actively engaging in all the group's mechanisms, building cooperation with member states and structures, and strengthening ties across the economic, political, and humanitarian spheres," the ministry noted.

The diplomatic office also emphasised that this new level of engagement is expected to take place once the group is ready welcome new members.

#NEWS #Belarus

🕊🕊🕊

Lecture "Unraveling the Mysteries of Bharat" at Inostranka

🔥 October 11, 2025 | 5 PM (UTC +3)

The BRICS Expert Council-Russia and the BRICS+ Information and Cultural Media Centre invite you to attend a lecture titled "Unraveling the Mysteries of Bharat."

Led by a leading specialist, the lecture will explore 20th-century India—a core #BRICS nation—its rise as a regional power, and its movement toward reclaiming its historical name, Bharat. Participants will gain deeper insight into India’s history and the pivotal events and processes that shaped its contemporary identity.

Speaker: Tatiana Shaumyan, Candidate of Sciences (PhD) in History, Head of the Centre for Indian Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences

📎 More information on the website

@generationbrics
@hse_official
@libfl
@mediacenter_brics
@tvbrics

#ANNOUNCEMENT #inostranka

🕊🕊🕊

Congratulations on the Independence Day and National Flag Day of the Republic of Uganda

The BRICS Expert Council-Russia warmly congratulates the people and government of the Republic of Uganda on its Independence Day and National Flag Day!

These celebrations honour Uganda's freedom, national unity, and dedication to sustainable development. The country is steadfastly advancing its economic growth, investing in human potential, and deepening regional cooperation.

Russia and Uganda share a friendly relationship and a mutual commitment to enhancing their partnership, particularly in education, agriculture, energy, and science.

We wish the Republic of Uganda lasting peace, prosperity, and well-being for all its people, along with continued success in its national development and strengthening of its global partnerships!

🕊🕊🕊

Daria Zelenova, Head of the Centre for African Strategy in BRICS at the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, on the national security priorities of African BRICS members and partners:

"The outcomes of the Kazan BRICS Summit showed an expansion not only in the group's geography but also in its agenda, where comprehensive security issues now stand alongside development as a central theme. African states see #BRICS as an international platform for advancing their national security interests. It is no coincidence that the Johannesburg and Kazan Declarations both referenced the well-known principle of 'African solutions to African problems,'" the expert noted.

The authors of the article focus on the role of African participants as active shapers of the security agenda:

"The authors—Ekaterina Abramova, Junior Research Fellow at the

Centre for African Strategy in BRICS at the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences,

and Daria Zelenova, Head of the same centre—examine African BRICS members and partners from the perspective of their active, rather than passive, role in shaping the security agenda. This aligns with both the practical objectives of Russian foreign policy and contemporary academic trends in understanding non-Western security approaches."

Daria Zelenova points out that despite differing national priorities, a shared view of security as a broad, cross-border concern unites the African agenda within BRICS.

"National approaches to security vary significantly, even at the stage of identifying and ranking threats. For instance, Ethiopia focuses on internal threats, while Uganda's policy documents promote preventive diplomacy to counter external risks. Nevertheless, a broad and comprehensive understanding of security and the transnational nature of challenges serves as a unifying principle for the diverse African agenda within the BRICS platform and beyond," she concluded.

#EXPERT #OPINION #BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #summit

🕊🕊🕊