The 16th BRICS Summit, which begins today in Kazan, Russia, is a milestone for Ethiopia as it marks the country’s first-ever participation in this powerful international forum. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Dr.) arrived in Kazan to represent Ethiopia, a nation recently invited to join BRICS—a group that includes major emerging economies and is recognized for its growing influence in global affairs. This first-time attendance reflects Ethiopia’s aspirations to strengthen its role on the world stage, particularly in economic cooperation and geopolitical decision-making.

BRICS, originally formed in 2006, consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and is viewed as a counterbalance to traditional Western-dominated alliances like the G7. The group’s strategic importance is growing, as it continues to expand its membership and develop a vision for greater cooperation among developing economies. Ethiopia, along with other new members, will be part of this evolving bloc, providing the country with a platform to enhance its economic partnerships and political standing.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is joined by other world leaders at the summit, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates; Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi; and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Additionally, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and other high-ranking officials from across the globe are traveling to Kazan to participate in the discussions. Their presence underscores the growing importance of BRICS as a forum for emerging markets to collaborate on global challenges.

As Ethiopia steps into this significant diplomatic and economic circle, the BRICS Summit is expected to cover a range of crucial topics that will directly impact Ethiopia’s economic trajectory. Key among these discussions will be the exploration of a BRICS digital payment system, designed to facilitate trade among member countries and reduce reliance on traditional global financial systems dominated by the West. This initiative could benefit Ethiopia by making cross-border trade more accessible and cost-effective, helping to stimulate economic growth and job creation.

Moreover, the summit will explore options for conducting business in national currencies, which aligns with Ethiopia’s broader economic goals of reducing foreign exchange pressures and improving the stability of its financial system. This could open new trade routes with BRICS members like China and India, Ethiopia’s major trade partners, and create opportunities for Ethiopian industries to expand their reach into new markets.

Beyond economics, the summit will also address governance issues and explore the potential for new “partner country” statuses within BRICS, which could provide Ethiopia with additional avenues for collaboration. Discussions on stimulating trade, enhancing investment, and addressing global geopolitical challenges will be front and center, giving Ethiopia the opportunity to engage with and learn from the experiences of other BRICS members.

For Ethiopia, the significance of joining BRICS extends beyond economic benefits—it represents an opportunity to diversify its international partnerships and assert its influence in shaping the future of the developing world. By aligning with BRICS, Ethiopia positions itself within a group of nations that advocate for a multipolar world, where global power is more evenly distributed, and developing economies have a stronger voice in international decision-making.

As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed takes part in his first BRICS Summit, Ethiopia’s participation signals a new chapter in the country’s foreign relations, marked by enhanced diplomacy, economic cooperation, and shared development goals. This summit is a critical moment for Ethiopia to build alliances, foster economic resilience, and strengthen its global influence within the BRICS framework.

How come Eritrea and Somalia were not invited? Eritrea has the highest GDP(PPP) in Africa and 2nd highest in the world just below Singapore. Somalia is the most powerful and industrialized country in Somalia itself. How dare you Putin? Eritrea was the one that emancipated Ethiopia from fascism in 1896 and 1941. Eritrea was the one that taught Ethiopia how to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Eritrea was the one that taught Ethiopia even how to talk and write by inventing the Amhara and Oromo languages. I’m gonna go there to Kazan and picket in front of the summit hall demanding the inclusion of Eritrea and Somalia and my homeboy el-Sisi will back me up on that one.