Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, expressed his elation on Thursday as he celebrated his country’s admission into BRICS—a collective of emerging nations that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone for Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country.

During the Johannesburg summit, BRICS announced that it would expand its membership in January to include six new countries: Iran, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Abiy Ahmed took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to declare, “An important moment for Ethiopia, the Brics leaders accepted our entry into the group today. Ethiopia stands ready to cooperate with all for an inclusive and prosperous world order.”

The Office of the Ethiopian Prime Minister also shared the news on their X account, extending congratulations to all Ethiopians for this achievement.

Traditionally non-aligned, Ethiopia maintains robust relationships with Russia and China—its primary trading partner. It also has ties with the United States, despite strained relations during the two-year conflict in the Tigray region, which concluded in November 2022.

During the 2010s, Ethiopia witnessed remarkable economic growth, positioning itself as one of the world’s most dynamic economies. However, this progress was impeded by the Covid-19 pandemic, climatic disasters, the Tigray conflict, and the global repercussions of the war in Ukraine.

As Ethiopia embraces its new role within BRICS, the country stands poised to strengthen its global influence and forge partnerships that will foster an inclusive and prosperous world order.

By Africanews/Hauwa M.