In this week’s round-up: Russia to talk alternative to ICC with BRICS partners — Kremlin; Ethiopia seeks BRICS bank membership to boost key sectors; Kenya considering joining BRICS; India champions small farmers and climate resilience at 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meet; S-African politician says BRICS relations more robust following US assistance cuts; Iran seeks closer agricultural ties with BRICS members; Could BRICS Pay be ANC’s US sanctions lifeline?; Russia proposes to create BRICS centre for food diplomacy.
Ethiopia seeks BRICS bank membership to boost key sectors
Ethiopia has confirmed its ambition to become a member of the New Development Bank (NDB), with the country’s ambassador to Brazil, Leulseged Tadese Abebe, stating that this is among Ethiopia’s top priorities for the year.
India champions small farmers and climate resilience at 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meet
At the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, India reaffirmed its global leadership in sustainable agriculture, emphasizing inclusive growth, farmer welfare, and technological innovation.
Saudi Arabia and UAE officially join BRICS: What will it mean for the alliance?
The Arab world’s two largest economies will raise the influence of the group globally, analysts say.
Iran seeks closer agricultural ties with BRICS members
Iran’s Agriculture Minister said the country’s relations with BRICS members are set to deepen, following Tehran’s active participation in the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meeting, IRIB reported.
S-African politician says BRICS relations more robust following US assistance cuts
South African politician and youth activist Khalid Muhammad views the reduction of US foreign aid to South Africa as a “wake-up call” and an opportunity for the country to foster closer economic ties with its BRICS partners. In an interview with RT, Muhammad emphasised the need for South Africa to strengthen relationships with countries like Russia, China, Brazil, India, and Iran—markets that the US has traditionally sought to keep South Africa from engaging with.
Could BRICS Pay be ANC’s US sanctions lifeline?
While Brics Pay has been framed as a tool for fostering a “multipolar financial order” through local currency transactions and blockchain-based autonomy, its design and demonstrated use raise questions about its primary purpose.
Russia proposes to create BRICS centre for food diplomacy
A Centre for Food Diplomacy should be established based on the National Committee for BRICS Research to coordinate the implementation of decisions related to the development of food export and import supplies by BRICS countries.
Russia to talk alternative to ICC with BRICS partners — Kremlin
Russia will pursue a dialogue with its BRICS partners on the initiative to create an international legal alternative to the International Criminal Court (ICC), Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on the idea proposed by Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev in an article for the Pravovedenie journal of St. Petersburg State University.
BRICS labour meeting in Brasilia tackles AI impact, green transition
The 4th BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting concludes in Brasília on April 23, following three days of discussions focused on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and just transition in the world of work.
Kenya considering joining BRICS
Kenya is currently assessing the possibility of joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism, Kenyan President William Ruto said in an interview ahead of his state visit to China.
Rising tides, new horizons: How small islands can ride the BRICS-plus wave to prosperity
The world’s economic order is shifting beneath our feet. As BRICS plus nations expand their influence, small island states like St. Kitts and Nevis stand at a historic crossroads: adapt or risk being left behind. But with disruption comes opportunity—and for those willing to innovate, the rewards could be transformative. Here’s how these nations can turn global upheaval into a golden age of growth.
