Zimbabwe is one of an increasing number of developing nations aiming to join the BRICS alliance to broaden economic partnerships and lessen dependence on the US dollar.

The BRICS group, which currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, has witnessed a growing interest from countries across Asia, Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe.

A total of 47 nations have expressed a desire to join the alliance, with 26 formally applying for membership and 21 others showing informal interest.

The upcoming 16th BRICS Summit, set to be held in Russia’s Kazan region this October, will focus on key issues including the de-dollarization of global trade, the bloc’s expansion, new trade agreements, and the use of local currencies in international transactions.

Back in May, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced that Zimbabwe is actively seeking to join BRICS as part of its broader strategy to enhance economic connections and boost its global influence, The Zimbabwe Mail reports.

During a visit to Russia, President Mnangagwa discussed Zimbabwe's ambitions to join BRICS with Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“On joining BRICS, I discussed the issue with my dear brother, President Putin, telling him that we desire to join the bloc. I also had earlier discussed it with my neighbour, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. The prospects are good because none of the BRICS members are anti-Zimbabwe. We also have excellent relations with China and Brazil,” stated President Mnangagwa.

Established in 2009 as an informal group, BRICS serves as a platform for its members to counter a global order largely dominated by the United States and its Western allies. Although the economic influence of BRICS nations has increased, global trade is still significantly controlled by the US dollar.

BRICS nations collectively account for over 40% of the global population and represent a quarter of the world’s economy. For Zimbabwe, joining BRICS could open up access to new markets, investment opportunities, and technological collaboration, greatly enhancing the country’s economic prospects.