DWN - Uganda has officially joined the BRICS alliance, becoming one of nine new p

Uganda has officially joined the BRICS alliance, becoming one of nine new partner nations

Uganda officially joins BRICS, marking a pivotal shift in its trade and investment strategy. The partnership is predicted to boost Uganda’s economy and reshape Africa’s role in global alliances.

Digital Worldwide News

January 6, 2025

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni with BRICS leader Vladimir Putin

Uganda’s decision to join BRICS, an economic alliance initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a strategic pivot in its international relations. BRICS, now expanded to include countries like Belarus, Indonesia, and Algeria, seeks to counterbalance Western-dominated institutions by fostering a multilateral economic framework. Uganda's move comes amid growing tensions with the West, fueled by disagreements over governance and LGBTQ+ rights, notably marked by past clashes between Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and former U.S. President Donald Trump on these issues.

By aligning with BRICS, Uganda aims to diversify its economic partnerships and reduce reliance on Western markets. With an economy rooted in agriculture and natural resources, Uganda hopes to capitalize on BRICS' focus on alternative trade systems and financial mechanisms, such as the New Development Bank. This membership also symbolizes Africa’s increasing influence in global economic alliances.

AllAfrica: Uganda Joins BRICS As Partner Nation, Paving the Way for Increased Trade and Investment

According to AllAfrica, Uganda's inclusion in BRICS presents opportunities to diversify its trade relationships and tap into the vast markets within the alliance.

With a GDP that relies heavily on agriculture and natural resources, Uganda stands to gain from increased foreign investment and trade in sectors like oil, minerals, coffee, and tea.

The expansion of BRICS highlights the growing importance of African nations in shaping global economic alliances.

Nigeria, Africa's largest economy, has also joined as a BRICS partner, signifying the continent's increasing role in global trade discussions.

New Vision: What Uganda stands to gain from BRICS partnership

According to New Vision, Uganda's membership in BRICS aligns with its broader goal of building alliances outside traditional Western markets.

The partnership is expected to contribute to infrastructure development, particularly in energy and transportation, which are critical for improving Uganda's economic competitiveness.

President Yoweri Museveni has championed efforts to join BRICS, emphasizing that the alliance promises a fair-trade environment for African countries that have been oppressed over the years.

Uganda is the only East African Community partner state to join the bloc, highlighting its strategic move to diversify economic partnerships.

MENAFN: Uganda, 8 Other Countries Officially Join BRICS

According to MENAFN, with this expansion, BRICS and its partners will now represent 41% of the global economy.

Partner countries will engage in high-level meetings, including trade forums, security discussions, and ministerial events.

They will also be able to make their own proposals but will not take part in agreeing documents and voting.

Founded in 2009, BRICS originated as a bloc of emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, and China.

South Africa joined in 2011, followed by Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE in 2024.

Uganda's inclusion as a partner state reflects the bloc's ongoing efforts to expand its global influence and foster a more balanced, multilateral trade system.