Africa and BRICS Partnership: Enhancement Prospects for the African Economic Development

Abstract

The birth of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in 2006 has given a new impetus and enthusiasm as to the stage to which economic development could be accelerated in underdeveloped Africa. Indeed, since its inception, China whose investment in Africa has gradually grown has continued to play a more influential role not only in the organization but also acting as a mobiliser for African countries. Accordingly, this raises some fundamental issues viz: Will Africa be able to leverage on its connection with China to maximize its potentials for economic development through its membership of the BRICS, since South Africa joined in 1010 and Egypt and Guinea attended as observers at the 9th conference of the Pleriary Session of the BR1CS summit in Xiamen, China, September 4th 2017. What will be the multilateral benefits to be derived by African countries especially with the formation of the bank for development and infrastructure in 2015? Also, will Africa benefit from the various cultural exchange programmes with members of the organization? It is against the background of these pertinent issues that this study critically discusses Africa China, and BRICS in a global context. The study adopts the methodology of multidisciplinary approach. The findings of the study evidently showed that Africa could benefit from the organisation if she is able to harness, her potentials with the cooperation of China. In conclusion, there is a brighter future for Africa with support of China that could assist African countries to mobilize her resources for developmental purposes.