Title: The challenges of the expansion of the BRICS: perspectives for Africa
Introduction :
Since its creation, the Brics group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) seeks to extend its influence in the world. In this dynamic, several African countries have expressed their interest in joining the group. Egypt and Algeria have notably announced their candidacy. But what are the stakes of a possible accession of African countries to the BRICS? What do they expect from these new partnerships? In this article, we will analyze these questions and examine the prospects for Africa.
China: a central player in the Brics but in full evolution
It is undeniable that China, as a member of the BRICS group, occupies a prominent place. However, the country is currently going through an economic crisis linked to a transition of its model, moving from an economy centered on exports to an economy centered on domestic consumption. This transition is creating difficulties, particularly in terms of financing and the opening of markets. African countries must therefore anticipate these changes and take into account the changes in the Chinese economic landscape in their aspirations to join the BRICS.
Different expectations vis-à-vis the other members of the Brics
While Russia struggles to materialize its policy due to internal difficulties, India is positioning itself as a rising power and showing a real interest in expanding into Africa. Indeed, India is already a major player in trade with the African continent. In contrast, Brazil, under Lula’s presidency, is looking to catch up, but faces considerable challenges. As for South Africa, as the host country of the BRICS summit, it aspires to play an intermediary role between the four giants and the rest of Africa. Each African country applying for the BRICS must therefore identify its own expectations and adjust them according to the specificities of each member country of the group.
Motivations of African countries to join the BRICS
The motivation of African countries to integrate the BRICS partly lies in a geopolitical context marked by polarization. These countries seek to distance themselves from the past experience of the Cold War, which brought suffering to the African continent. Moreover, they want to assert their independence and autonomy vis-à-vis influential countries, including within the South. By joining the Brics, they hope to show their resilience and their ability to overcome external pressures.
Perspectives for Africa within the BRICS
From the BRICS point of view, Africa is of strategic importance in the energy transition, given its strategic mineral resources and its young and dynamic population.. Indeed, youth is closely linked to creativity, and the BRICS recognize Africa’s potential in this area. Moreover, Africa is perceived as an easy ground for geopolitical appropriation, which is arousing growing interest on the part of the member countries of the group. The BRICS are thus seeking to strengthen their cooperation with the African continent, in a context where increasing international influence is a major challenge for all.
Conclusion :
The expansion of the Brics and the possible membership of African countries raise many issues. China, the central pivot of the group, is going through a period of economic transition which requires adaptation from the candidate African countries. Expectations also differ between BRICS member countries. For African countries, joining this group would allow them to stand out geopolitically and assert their independence from external influences. The Brics, for their part, see Africa as a strategic partner, both in terms of energy and geopolitics. In this dynamic, it is essential to find a balance between the interests and objectives of each party to ensure mutually beneficial cooperation