Institute for African Studies Researchers at the International Conference “Broadening BRICS Cooperation”
As part of the international academic conference “Broadening BRICS Cooperation,” held at MGIMO University (MFA of Russia) on 11 November 2025, two events focused on the African dimension of the grouping’s development took place. Researchers from the BRICS African Strategy Studies Center at the Institute for African Studies (RAS) spoke at the panel “BRICS and Global Governance: An African Perspective on Growth and Development” (moderated by D.A. Degterev) and at the roundtable “What Opportunities Does BRICS Offer African Countries?”, which brought together invited experts from African states.
At the plenary session, Denis A. Degterev, Chief Researcher at the Center for the Study of Transition Economies of the Institute for African Studies (RAS), delivered a presentation titled “BRICS in the Global Economy and Global Economic Governance: A View from Africa.”
During the roundtable, Daria A. Zelenova, PhD (Political Science) and Head of the Center, highlighted several key areas of cooperation between Russia and African countries within BRICS. She stressed the importance of science and technology as well as education, noting that these tracks are essential for advancing stated development goals and strengthening the strategic sovereignty of African states.
Tamara A. Andreeva, Junior Research Fellow, delivered a presentation titled “Member or Partner? Understanding the New Hierarchies within BRICS,” which examines BRICS’ new “partner country” status, along with its potential benefits and possible drawbacks for African states seeking to deepen engagement with the grouping.
Andrei A. Ufimtsev, Junior Research Fellow, presented findings from a joint study conducted by the Institute for African Studies (RAS) and MGIMO University (MFA of Russia). According to a survey of international relations experts from South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Algeria, respondents view BRICS as a moderately effective organization. They identify economic and financial cooperation as the bloc’s top priority, support further expansion, and also endorse the creation of a free trade area and a permanent BRICS secretariat.
