Nigeria, 12 Other Nations Join BRICS As Partner Countries

During the ongoing BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, Nigeria and twelve other countries have been officially included as partner nations, expanding the group’s reach but not adding full members.

The announcement highlights BRICS’ aim to foster closer ties with emerging economies globally.

The new partner countries are Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. 

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This development comes after four countries—Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates—joined BRICS as full members in January 2024.

Originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC), the organization was formed in 2009 to promote trade, investment, peace, and development. South Africa joined in 2010, with its first summit appearance in 2011, leading to the group’s rebranding as BRICS.

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The ongoing 2024 summit, themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security,” marks the sixteenth annual meeting and runs from October 22-24 in Kazan. 

Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE are attending their first summit as full BRICS members.