On January 1, 2025, Uganda officially became a BRICS Partner State, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Uzbekistan.
This development follows the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, where the bloc introduced the Partner State status to foster deeper collaboration with emerging economies.
Established in 2009, BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. The bloc has since expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and amplifying the voices of developing nations on the global stage.
For Uganda, becoming a BRICS Partner State offers opportunities to strengthen diplomatic ties, attract investment, and collaborate on shared global challenges. This aligns with the country’s aspirations for economic growth and active participation in international platforms.
The inclusion of Uganda and other nations further cements BRICS’ role in shaping a multipolar world order, providing a counterweight to traditional Western economic and political dominance. With its current membership and new partnerships, BRICS represents over 40% of the global population and a substantial share of the world economy.
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.
