BRICS: What the bloc means for Africa today

BRICS matters to many readers across Africa because it shapes trade, investment and big infrastructure deals. You’ll find coverage here that explains the headlines in plain language: who made a deal, why it matters, and what it could mean for jobs, prices and public projects.

This tag page brings together news, reaction and quick explainers. We focus on the practical side — policies, finance, trade flows and diplomatic moves that affect everyday people and businesses.

What we cover

We track summit outcomes, membership moves, and finance tools like the New Development Bank and new payment arrangements. Expect stories about trade agreements, energy deals, construction projects, and partnerships between BRICS countries and African governments. When a major BRICS policy could change imports, exports or lending, we explain the likely ripple effects for markets and households.

Coverage also includes politics tied to BRICS talks. Shifts in alliances, voting blocks at regional bodies, and diplomatic visits can change funding and project priorities. We aim to show the connection between those moves and local outcomes — for farmers, small businesses, and city planners.

How BRICS affects you

Wondering if BRICS decisions will touch your life? Yes — in a few clear ways. New infrastructure loans can mean roads, ports, and power plants that lower transport and electricity costs. Trade deals can open markets for exports or change the price of imported goods. Currency and reserve arrangements can also affect how easy and costly it is to move money across borders.

For entrepreneurs and investors, BRICS cooperation can mean new partners, funding sources, and buyers. For workers, it can mean new construction jobs or shifts in sectors that receive foreign investment. For consumers, it can affect the price and availability of fuel, food, and imported products.

We keep our explanations action-oriented. Want to track a BRICS summit? Look for our pre-summit primer and post-meeting breakdown that lists agreements, timelines and which projects will likely start first. Curious about a loan or trade deal? We highlight key terms and local partners so you know what to watch for.

Bookmark this tag and sign up for alerts if you follow BRICS developments closely. We publish quick updates and deeper explainers so you can react fast — whether you’re a business owner, policy watcher or just curious about how global politics affects your neighbourhood.

Questions about a specific BRICS move or project we covered? Send a tip or comment under the story. We read them and often use reader questions to shape follow-up pieces that answer the practical, local concerns people care about.

December 2, 2024

Trump's Tariff Proposal Over BRICS Currency: Potential Implications for US Dollar's Global Standing

Donald Trump, the US President-elect, has proposed a bold strategy of 100% tariffs against BRICS nations as a deterrent to their plans of creating a new currency to rival the US dollar's global dominance. This move aims to prevent a shift in global financial power, though its practicality and potential fallout remain in question. Despite Trump's aggressive tactics, the US dollar retains its stronghold as the world's leading reserve currency.