BRICS is a group of countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, that was formed to build mainly an economic bloc that would present an alternative to the existing system. Already BRICS has become a huge economic reality with more than forty percent of the world population now living within this group and the economic production has reached about 37 %. Given such importance of the group about forty countries had shown interest to join this bloc among which is Ethiopia. At the fifteenth summit of the BRICS held in Johannesburg, South Africa, six countries were endorsed for membership including Ethiopia and Egypt from Africa, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Iran from Asia and Argentina from Latin America.
It seems that the expansion of BRICS is strategic as it has included countries from multiple continents. The criteria for the endorsement of these countries were set by the bloc and there are various reasons why these countries have been chosen for the moment while the intention of the bloc is to continue to grow and have significant influence in world affairs. Ethiopia was admitted to this group due to various reasons.
According to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) who conducted a series of discussions and talks with the leaders of the founding members of the bloc Ethiopia’s admission to BRICS is a result of the long history of Ethiopia on world affairs beginning from its active participation in international organizations such as the UN and AU, its track record of good relations with various countries in the world both bilaterally and multilaterally and the size of its population and its upward economic growth trajectory that is bound to be a huge economic reality in Africa and then in the world as it continues to grow its economy fast.
Ethiopia is considered as one of the most important countries in Africa and particularly in the Horn of Africa which is a geopolitically dynamic and sensitive area where the interests of the world seem to mingle given the Red Sea route and the origin of the Nile River. The premier said Ethiopia was admitted to BRICS because it is ready to cooperate with all for an inclusive and prosperous world order. He continued it is a great moment for Ethiopia. As Ethiopia has been a member and founder of many international institutions it will continue to work with international institutions that can protect its interests. The endorsement is a great moment for Ethiopia that could open new markets and opportunities for trade and investment in the emerging market bloc of BRICS.
There is no doubt that the endorsement of Ethiopia to the economic bloc of BRICS is a huge diplomatic success for the country and a result of the various diplomatic outreaches that the government of FDRE has been conducting for quite a while. It is clear that Ethiopia enjoys very good relations with each of the members of the bloc and it has been carrying out a flurry of diplomatic and trade and investment relations with each one of the BRICS members and no wonder that when Ethiopia applied to join it, they could not dismiss its request. But it was not an easy success as it had to be considered under several criteria and needed perseverance on the part of Ethiopia with its diplomatic team headed by the efforts of Prime Minster Abiy Ahmed who has had good relations with the leaders of all these nations.
Many may wonder how Ethiopia’s economy could be allowed to join such huge economic realities such as the members of BRICS but it is not only the actual economic strength that has been considered but also the potential with more than 120 million people the majority of which are youths. Furthermore, in considering Ethiopia for admission the BRICS members have seen the stature that it enjoys among African countries, its diplomatic history and its history in general as well.
The premier has said that Ethiopia was seen with good light also in its Green Legacy Initiative programs and the endeavors it has embarked upon to develop and use clean energy thus contributing to the fight against climate change and the ongoing agricultural activities to become food self-sufficient as well as the overall GDP growth. Even though forty countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS only six have met the criteria and became members which will start in January 2024.
The premier also noted that, Ethiopia was selected also due to its development prospects and as a future African powerhouse. The premier also revealed that in his conversations with leaders of the BRICS countries, they have acknowledged that Ethiopia’s membership of the BRICS family is crucial for Africa’s diplomatic influence at the international stage and to empower the South-South cooperation.
Many observers have said that Ethiopia’s joining of BRICS will bring many economic advantages. Besides increasing its influence at the international level, it will open the doors for various infrastructure projects to receive financing through the economic bloc’s development bank. This is very important in terms of mitigating the shortage of foreign currency in a sustainable manner with the prospects of commercial, cultural and political ties between the BRICS member countries at an advanced stage.
Moreover, Ethiopia’s admission to the bloc will further increase its diplomatic influence. In terms of investment the cooperation of BRICS countries will be a source for additional economic strength for Ethiopia. The membership will have its own role in protecting Ethiopia’s national interests in the Horn of Africa.
According to the Ethiopian Government’s Communications Service, Ethiopia will continue to carry out multifaceted diplomatic activities to defend its national interests and will continue to strengthen and implement viable strategies by evaluating the dynamics of global phenomenon.
In the words of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, “BRICS has been an important bloc where many are looking to join. Our current membership is a victory achieved through many struggles, we are very grateful to China, India, Russia, Brazil and South Africa. They have helped us a lot.” The premier underlined that, the success of Ethiopia in joining BRICS can be considered as one of the most important diplomatic victories of the country recorded in the last few decades.
At the end of this last summit of BRICS which decided to endorse Ethiopia’s interest to join the bloc Prime Minister Abiy said the BRICS summit is being held at a time when often unheard voices in the global arena are striving to be heard. He said a reformed multilateralism entails inclusiveness, cooperation and diversity of voices and interests by amplifying the voices of various corners of the globe. We can collaboratively work for an equitable and peaceful world. In an interdependent world collectivity is essential to adequately solve global challenges.
The many crises we have faced as a global community, particularly after the COVID pandemic, have further exposed how cooperation is a key for our collective survival. Hence a growing and inclusive multilateralism is essential to overcome common challenges and Ethiopia is committed to further enhancing multilateralism towards inclusiveness.
Abiy further said that in this crucial time, promoting dialogue in harmony is highly critical for overall peace and prosperity. Ethiopia has always been a champion and defender of multilateralism the premier noted adding that BRICS is indeed one key initiative responding to the repeated calls for a new and inclusive multilateralism.
Ethiopia’s history as the founding member of the UN and the AU and its repeated engagement in the international arena has been quite meaningful and had remarkable impact, according to the premier’s note. Ethiopia’s efforts in making infrastructure development within and across the whole region of the Horn are tantamount to its endeavors towards regional integration. Ethiopia’s strategic position could prove BRICS with enhanced connectivity opportunities across these regions.
The premier went on to say that Ethiopia’s substantial investment in roads, airlines, clean energy and telecom infrastructure not only demonstrates its ambition but also its potential to be a hub of connectivity for the African continent. Ethiopia’s position offers a vital link to cast Africa’s market and has a potential to foster a richer and more inclusive integration of the global economy. He then went on to explain that Ethiopia has recorded one of the highest economic growths in Africa and has showcased its potential to become one of the continent’s largest economies. The growth is backed by a mix of agriculture, manufacturing and services demonstrating a diversified and resilient economy.
Ethiopia has also been in the driver’s seat to practical solutions to address climate change through its massive Green Legacy Initiative tree planting program. The initiative launched in 2019 will be the largest forestation program in the world when by 2026 we will have planted 50 billion trees in a total of 8 years. And over the past two years the Green Legacy Initiative has spread to neighboring countries in the Horn region and Ethiopia will collaboratively work on green diplomacy.
Ethiopia’s joining BRICS is crucial to diversify economic opportunities that foster development and exert global impact. It will enhance Ethiopia’s access to market, commerce and trade and technology of the BRICS members. Academics have said that Ethiopia will benefit from the New Development Bank and it will have diversified economic opportunities such as having a source of finance for development projects.
Ethiopia’s membership of the BRICS will also enhance foreign direct investment flow to it especially from the members of BRICS. Ethiopia will have enhanced ties with the members of the BRICS and will have more capital and knowledge access. In the end Ethiopia’s membership will elevate its diplomatic standing in global politics.
BY FITSUM GETACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 29 AUGUST 2023
