BRICS Expansion Gains Momentum with 32 Nations Seeking Membership, African Push Intensifies
The BRICS alliance is experiencing unprecedented growth, with thirty-two countries actively pursuing membership. The bloc has expanded from five founding members to eleven, including recent additions like Saudi Arabia in July 2025. African nations are accelerating efforts for greater representation, spearheaded by South African Minister Ronald Lamola at the Rio summit.
This expansion coincides with de-dollarization initiatives, challenging Western-dominated financial institutions. The alliance now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia alongside original members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The rapid institutional shift is occurring faster than many analysts predicted.