Journal:⠀Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC)
URL: https://russiancouncil.ru/activity/policybriefs/gibkaya-integratsiya-v-briks-okno-vozmozhnostey-dlya-afriki/
Over the past 18 years, BRICS summits have evolved from a minilateral format involving five states into a multi-level system of forums with the gradually expanding participation of non-Western actors. The consistent consolidation of the “African agenda” in BRICS final documents, along with the growing involvement of representatives of African countries in the activities of the grouping’s specialized bodies, serves as a stable indicator of the continent’s increasing representation.
The introduction of the “partner country” category marked an important stage in the institutional evolution of BRICS. This new mechanism of “flexible integration” makes it possible both to expand cooperation with new countries and to minimize the risks arising from the inability to reach consensus. The examples of Nigeria and Uganda confirm its relevance.
The African track within BRICS is developing along a trajectory of gradually increasing representation: whereas South Africa was previously the continent’s only participant, Egypt and Ethiopia have now joined the grouping, while Nigeria and Uganda have obtained partner status. At the same time, the motives for participation differ, ranging from the desire to become involved in new mechanisms without taking on excessive obligations to the search for an alternative to Western institutions. While partner status proved acceptable for Nigeria and Uganda, in Algeria’s case it came into conflict with its ambitions for full membership, which led to a reorientation exclusively toward economic cooperation within the NDB. At the same time, Indonesia’s experience shows that partnership can also serve as a transitional stage on the path toward full participation.
