As South Africa prepares to host the upcoming BRICS Summit, which is taking place from 22nd to 24th August in Johannesburg, South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor said that “BRICS leaders are expected to discuss the issue of membership expansion of BRICS.
She said that “the current geopolitical context has driven renewed interest in BRICS membership as countries of the global South look for alternatives in a multi-polar world” and noted that Rabat has now submitted a formal membership application. Other African countries – Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Senegal – have reportedly expressed interest in joining, the African Business news website reported.
Morocco’s move to join BRICS – which currently consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – comes at a time when Moscow in particular has taken steps to further its influence in North Africa. Earlier in August, the Kremlin announced that negotiations have begun on drafting a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and four North African countries, including Morocco.