As the New Year 2025, dawned, Uganda joined a select group of nations officially becoming BRICS Partner States, marking a significant milestone in international diplomacy and economic collaboration.
Uganda officially joined BRICS as a Partner State, alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, and Uzbekistan. This announcement follows a key decision made during the BRICS summit in Kazan and highlights the bloc’s expanding global influence.
The status of Partner State, introduced to foster deeper collaboration, allows these nations to actively engage with BRICS initiatives and contribute to its broader goals. Invitations have also been extended to four additional countries, with Brazil, which holds the BRICS presidency in 2025, expected to announce their inclusion upon acceptance.
Established in 2009, BRICS began as an informal platform uniting Brazil, Russia, India, and China to counterbalance the global dominance of Western nations, particularly the United States. South Africa joined in 2010, forming the current acronym. Subsequent expansions added Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, increasing full membership to nine.
The addition of Partner States marks a significant evolution in BRICS’ strategy, aiming to create a more inclusive platform for emerging economies. The bloc has emphasized its commitment to working closely with Partner States, ensuring their active participation in joint initiatives across trade, technology, education, and infrastructure.
With its current membership and new partnerships, BRICS represents over 40% of the global population and a substantial share of the world economy. The inclusion of Uganda and other nations further cements its role in shaping a multipolar world order, providing a counterweight to traditional Western economic and political dominance.
For Uganda, becoming a BRICS Partner State offers a unique opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic ties, attract investment, and collaborate on shared global challenges. This development aligns with the country’s aspirations for economic growth and active participation in international platforms.
The expansion reflects BRICS’ commitment to inclusivity and its ambition to amplify the voices of developing nations on the global stage. With plans to deepen collaboration with its new Partner States, the bloc is poised to play an even more influential role in the years to come.
