BRICS, the Global South-led forum for economic cooperation, has officially expanded with the inclusion of nine new nations as partner countries.

The nations officially joined on January 1, 2025 with Uganda as the only African country among them.

Nine of thirteen nations accepted the invitation to be part of the Global South Bloc.

Uganda, the only African country, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan as well as Uzbekistan are now officially partner members from the first day of 2025.

The partner status is a pathway to becoming full members in the near future.

Uganda’s government officials say by aligning with the BRICS, the East African country is positioning itself to benefit from deeper economic ties with some of the world’s largest emerging markets.

Experts say Uganda’s significant involvement in regional peacekeeping efforts within the East African region could have influenced the country’s appeal to the BRICS grouping over other applicants.

The BRICS Bloc offers countries in the Global South opportunities to strengthen their role in global governance and economic alternatives.

Initially founded in 2009 as BRIC – by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, the organisation grew in 2010 with the addition of South Africa. Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE and Iran joining in January 2024.

During the BRICS Summit in Russia last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the expanded BRICS partnership.

He called it a source of hope for emerging economies in the Global South.