Zimbabwe Begins Formal Bid to Join BRICS Bloc
Zimbabwe has officially begun the process of joining BRICS, the influential group of emerging economies, following a diplomatic meeting in Harare with Brazil, the bloc’s current chair.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Amon Murwira met with Brazil’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Vilmar Rogeiro Coutinho Jr., on Monday to discuss the steps Zimbabwe must take to be considered for membership.
After the meeting, Minister Murwira said Zimbabwe had received guidance on how to align with the BRICS bloc, and that the country had already started working on the outlined steps.
He emphasised that Brazil, as the current chair of BRICS, had helped explain the procedures involved in the application.
“We have had a lot of positive exchanges and good guidance from Brazil as chair of BRICS on steps that we must take, which we are already taking,” he said.
Brazil currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the BRICS bloc, which comprises original members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.
“Zimbabwe has received valuable guidance from Brazil on the procedural steps for membership,” Murwira added.
Ambassador Coutinho confirmed Zimbabwe’s interest and noted that both countries were now working together to see the process through.
He didn’t offer timelines, but made it clear that Brazil views Zimbabwe as a serious applicant.
“As the minister highlighted, Zimbabwe has expressed a clear interest in joining BRICS, and we are working together towards a successful conclusion,” he added.
BRICS — originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2006 — expanded in 2010 to include South Africa, the first African member. The bloc now also includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
The group was created to promote cooperation between developing countries and to offer alternatives to Western-dominated global systems, especially in trade and finance.
Zimbabwe’s move to join the bloc signals a shift in its international strategy, as it looks to deepen ties with non-Western powers after years of sanctions and economic isolation.
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