Photo Credit: Getty Images
Uganda has made history as the first East African nation to officially become a BRICS partner. Joining Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, Uganda is among 13 new countries to formally align with the bloc. This move signals a significant shift in Uganda's approach to international trade and investment.
By aligning with BRICS, Uganda aims to strengthen its economic ties with some of the world’s largest emerging markets and benefit from the alliance's focus on alternative trade and financial systems. This expansion aligns with BRICS’ long-term strategy of challenging the dominance of Western-centric institutions and creating a more balanced global economic order.
The move also comes following a tumultuous relationship between the Ugandan government and many Western governments over the East African country's stand on LGBTQ rights. Algeria, Indonesia, Turkey, Nigeria, and Vietnam are the other new members as the group expands its reach to promote multilateral economic cooperation.
Uganda’s entry into BRICS greatly opens up more opportunities to diversify its trade relationships and leverage the vast markets within the alliance. The country's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and natural resources and stands to gain from increased foreign investment and trade in key sectors such as oil, minerals, coffee, and tea.
The inclusion also aligns with Uganda’s goal of reducing dependence on traditional Western markets by exploring partnerships that offer mutual economic benefits. The partnership offers access to alternative funding mechanisms, such as the New Development Bank, and opportunities to collaborate on infrastructure projects, digital transformation, and energy development.
Uganda’s membership in BRICS underscores Africa’s rising influence in shaping global economic alliances. South Africa had been the only African member of BRICS; however, following the expansion in 2023, Egypt and Ethiopia joined, and now Algeria, Nigeria, and Uganda are part of the economic bloc.
