In a landmark move that signals a significant shift in the global landscape, Uganda officially became a BRICS Partner State on January 1, 2025. This development, announced during the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, showcases the bloc’s expanding influence and its commitment to fostering deeper collaboration with emerging economies.Uganda’s inclusion in this collaborative framework, which also encompasses Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Uzbekistan, allows the country to actively engage with BRICS initiatives, contributing to its overarching objectives. The introduction of the Partner State status underscores BRICS’ focus on inclusivity as it aims to strengthen ties with countries that share its vision of economic growth and development.Since its inception in 2009 as a counterbalance to Western dominance, BRICS has grown from a platform uniting Brazil, Russia, India, and China into a formidable coalition now including South Africa and several other nations, with the latest expansions seeing the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.The addition of Partner States marks a pivotal evolution in BRICS’ strategy. The bloc aims to create a diverse platform that enhances collaboration in key areas such as trade, technology, education, and infrastructure. With Uganda’s population and economic potential included in the mix, BRICS now represents over 40% of the global populace and a considerable portion of the world economy.Uganda’s ascendance as a Partner State is particularly significant against the backdrop of its strained relations with Western nations, particularly the United States, amid ongoing controversies over its domestic policies, notably its contentious anti-gay laws. Uganda sees in BRICS an opportunity not only to strengthen its diplomatic ties but also to attract much-needed investment. The country has recently faced economic challenges following its removal from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has limited trade opportunities with the U.S.As Brazil prepares to take on the BRICS presidency in 2025, invitations to four additional countries are also on the table, further expanding the bloc’s influence. This strategic move is expected to enhance BRICS’ ability to shape a multipolar world order, positioning it as a significant player in global economics and politics.As the geopolitical terrain evolves, Uganda’s partnership with BRICS could prove transformative, affording the nation a stronger platform from which to engage with other emerging economies and redefine its role on the global stage.
Uganda officially joins BRICS, signalling a shift in global partnerships
