Uganda Joins BRICS as Partner State in January 2025: See Benefits of This Partnership

In a significant development for East Africa, Uganda has officially become a Partner State of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) starting January 1, 2025. This marks Uganda as the first East African country to join the BRICS partnership, joining other new partner states such as Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Uzbekistan.

BRICS, originally founded in 2006 as a bloc of emerging economies, has steadily expanded its influence on the global stage. The inclusion of Uganda and other nations as Partner States reflects BRICS' commitment to inclusivity and its ambition to amplify the voices of developing nations. Partner States will engage in high-level meetings, including trade forums, security discussions, and ministerial events, and will have the opportunity to contribute to BRICS' outcome documents and collaborate on global initiatives.

For Uganda, joining BRICS as a Partner State presents a unique opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic ties, attract investment, and collaborate on shared global challenges. The partnership aligns with Uganda's aspirations for economic growth and active participation in international platforms. By aligning with BRICS, Uganda aims to diversify its international alliances and reduce reliance on traditional Western partners.

The Partner State status is a pathway to becoming full members in the near future. Uganda's significant involvement in regional peacekeeping efforts within the East African region is believed to have influenced its appeal to the BRICS grouping over other applicants. The partnership offers Uganda access to financial alternatives, such as the New Development Bank, which supports public projects through equitable lending practices.

Uganda's move to align itself with BRICS comes at a pivotal moment in its international relations. The country's expulsion from the United States' African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade program in 2022 forced Uganda to seek alternative economic partnerships. Joining BRICS as a Partner State provides an opportunity to diversify export markets and reduce reliance on traditional Western partners.

The inclusion of Uganda in the BRICS partnership marks a significant milestone in international diplomacy and economic collaboration. As Uganda embarks on this new journey, the nation looks forward to leveraging the opportunities presented by this global grouping to bolster its economy and enhance its role on the world stage.