BRICS Membership Would Help Ethiopia Boost its Global Influence and Acceptance, Says Researcher

Addis Ababa, March 5, 2025 (ENA)—Ethiopia’s BRICS membership is poised to significantly boost its global influence and acceptance, a senior researcher at the Institute of Foreign Affairs said.

Ethiopia officially joining the BRICS alliance of emerging economies with four other countries in 2024 has provided a glimmer of hope for the East African nation to engage in multilateral cooperation.

The alliance, which includes Russia, China, India, Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Ethiopia, is committed to strengthening cooperation across various sectors for mutual benefits.

 This historic achievement is set to unlock a myriad of advantages for Ethiopia particularly, in pushing the country to the forefront of the global arena and diversifying its economic cooperation.

 

Speaking to  ENA, the senior researcher, Himanot Eshetu emphasized that Ethiopia’s participation in BRICS will not only safeguard its national interests on the global stage but also provide a platform to advocate for the interests of developing nations.

Ethiopia has long been a key player in regional matters and that BRICS membership will offer an opportunity to further solidify this leadership role, according to  Himanot.

Since its membership, Ethiopia has been actively working to benefit from the BRICS, which is increasingly becoming a key platform for expressing multilateralism.

And the country exemplifies the practical relevance of its partnership embodying the hope and potential that BRICS represents.

According to the researcher, Ethiopia’s inclusion in the BRICS bloc will further amplify its voice in global discussions, particularly on issues of equality, justice, and development. She added it will also reinforce influence at the international institutions and advocate for a more inclusive global system.

Himanot is also confident that its membership will contribute to strengthening South-South cooperation and fostering collaborative development efforts among emerging economies.

Most importantly, the membership could be imperative to seek alternative financing solutions for sustainable development, she elaborated.

The researcher attributed the country’s successful bid for BRICS membership to its diplomatic efforts and macroeconomic policy reforms, positioning the country as an important partner for the group.

For her, Ethiopia is becoming a critical ally to BRICS with its numerous advantages in terms of conducive for foreign investment climate and its achievements in green development, agriculture, and domestic product growth.