The Brazilian government announced Friday, January 17, 2025, the formal admission of Nigeria as a partner country of the alliance.
The Brazilian government made the announcement in exercising its pro tempore presidency of BRICS.
Nigeria becomes the ninth partner country of BRICS, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the alliance began to expand after more countries began seeking to join the group of leading emerging economies.
This partner-country category was created at the 16th BRICS Summit, held in Kazan in October 2024.
As one of the continent’s major economies, Nigeria shares convergent interests with other members of BRICS.
Nigeria is also the world’s sixth-largest population, and Africa’s largest.
It plays an active role in strengthening South-South cooperation and in reforming global governance – issues that the current Brazilian presidency prioritises.
