“The BRICS Business Council ensures regular dialogue between business communities and governments of BRICS countries. The council discusses ways to ensure greater economic, trade, and investment ties among the BRICS countries, providing recommendations and solutions accordingly” (BRICS India 2021: BRICS Business Council and BRICS Business Forum). Through the council, there is consistent communication between business communities from the different BRICS countries as well as with their respective governments. The organisation highlights the importance of creating greater ties economically through trade and investments among the BRICS countries. To facilitate this, the council introduces recommendations, such as removing trade barriers like tariffs and addressing mutual challenges.
The BRICS Business Council was established in 2013 at the BRICS Summit. It comprises 25 council members, prominent entrepreneurs representing different sectors in their respective countries. The council convenes twice a year—at a mid-term meeting and again before the BRICS Business Forum and the BRICS Summit. During the summit, the council presents a final report, the BRICS Business Council Annual Report, which includes its recommendations to BRICS leaders.
The council is divided into five chapters, each led by a council member who is an industry leader, and supported by experts in relevant fields. The chapters are further divided into nine Business Working Groups, covering areas such as financial services, manufacturing, agri-business, energy and green economy, aviation, infrastructure, digital economy, deregulation, and manufacturing.
Through the Forum, a platform for members of the BRICS Business Community are able to “discuss and deliberate on key economic cooperation areas and make recommendations on intra-BRICS trade and industry issues” (BRICS Business Council Delivers 2023 Annual Report ). In recent years, the council has focused on digital transformation, innovation, and sustainable development, aligning its goals with global trends such as green energy, digital trade, and industrial modernization. Acting as a vital bridge between governments and business communities, the BRICS Business Council pushes for inclusive economic growth while addressing shared global challenges.
Highlighted priorities from the council include “the establishment of the BRICS Centre of Excellence in Africa, which will evolve into a BRICS Energy Agency to foster collaboration, research, innovation in energy, and capacity building. It will also serve as a policy formulation centre for the BRICS energy community” (BRICS Business Council Delivers 2023 Annual Report). The council also aims to intensify knowledge and skills exchange programs among BRICS partners to unlock the potential of developing nations.
The BRICS Media Forum was founded in 2015 by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to create a platform for sharing their stories, cultures, and perspectives on the global stage, challenging the dominance of Western media narratives. This forum aims to reshape the global media landscape and foster a balanced representation of BRICS countries.
The forum has launched several initiatives, including the BRICS Media Summit, joint training programs, and photo exhibitions, promoting cultural exchange and showcasing the achievements of BRICS countries. These events highlight key issues like poverty, environmental challenges, and social inequality while fostering collaboration among media outlets.
The BRICS Media Forum continues to be a platform for advancing media cooperation, promoting fairness, and amplifying the voices of BRICS nations in global narratives.
The South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA) is a key organisation that fosters the engagement and empowerment of South Africa’s youth within the BRICS framework, an alliance that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. SABYA operates as a platform that gives young South Africans the opportunity to actively participate in dialogues that address economic, social, and political issues not just affecting South Africa, but the entire BRICS bloc. By doing so, SABYA ensures that youth are a vital part of the discussions that shape the future of the Global South.
At the heart of SABYA’s mission is the empowerment of young people through access to meaningful platforms where they can engage with global issues like economic development, education, technology, and international relations. These engagements are essential, as they allow the youth to contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to challenges facing the BRICS nations. By facilitating exchange programs and dialogues between young South Africans and their peers from other BRICS countries, SABYA promotes collaboration and understanding across borders. This exchange of ideas and experiences helps build strong relationships between BRICS youth, enabling them to learn from one another and work together on solutions that benefit all member states. For South Africa, this engagement strengthens the country’s position within BRICS and ensures its youth are connected to broader international developments.
SABYA also addresses some of the pressing challenges faced by South African youth, such as high unemployment, limited skills, and inadequate access to global networks. The organisation focuses on promoting youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development, aligning with BRICS’ broader goals of fostering inclusive economic growth and ensuring that development opportunities reach the Global South. SABYA’s initiatives encourage young people to become active contributors to the economy, helping them build businesses, develop marketable skills, and access new job opportunities. This focus on economic empowerment is critical for addressing the structural challenges that many young people in South Africa face, providing them with the tools to succeed both locally and globally.
In addition to promoting economic empowerment, SABYA ensures that young South Africans are represented in key international forums, such as the BRICS Youth Summit and other major BRICS-related conferences. These events provide a platform for young leaders to voice their opinions and contribute to global discussions on issues like climate change, international trade, education reform, and digital innovation. By having a seat at these global tables, South African youth can influence the direction of international policies that directly impact their lives. Moreover, their participation in these forums highlights the importance of youth perspectives in shaping sustainable and inclusive global solutions.
SABYA’s efforts go beyond just connecting South African youth to international opportunities. The organisation also seeks to strengthen the role of youth in national governance and development. By encouraging active participation in both national and international policy discussions, SABYA helps build a generation of young leaders who are not only aware of South Africa’s strategic position within BRICS but are also capable of advocating for the country’s interests on the global stage. These young leaders will be instrumental in ensuring that South Africa remains a proactive and influential member of BRICS, especially as the bloc continues to grow in geopolitical and economic significance.
In summary, SABYA plays a critical role in linking South African youth with the broader BRICS agenda, ensuring that they are part of the decision-making processes that will shape the future of the BRICS countries and the Global South. By offering opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and leadership development, SABYA equips young South Africans with the skills and platforms necessary to address national challenges and engage with global issues. The organisation not only promotes economic and social empowerment but also strengthens South Africa’s role within BRICS, ensuring that its youth are prepared to lead in an increasingly interconnected and multipolar world.
The BRICS Academic Forum is a key platform that facilitates dialogue and collaboration among academics and researchers from BRICS countries. The forum plays a significant role in supporting the group’s objectives of enhancing cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and addressing global challenges. It was initiated as a parallel academic initiative to support the annual BRICS Summits and was designed to leverage the intellectual resources of the member states to promote mutual understanding and develop policy proposals that can influence BRICS’ broader agendas. The forum brings together experts in economics, politics, environment, social issues, and international relations to discuss pressing issues facing the BRICS nations. It serves as a platform for academic exchanges, joint research projects, and the publication of collaborative work. Insights and recommendations from the forum feed directly into the BRICS leaders’ summits, providing an academic perspective on socio-economic and geopolitical issues.
The forum examines strategies to strengthen trade, investment, and financial cooperation within the BRICS framework. Research presented at the forum has looked into how BRICS nations can collaborate on sustainable economic development, reduce income inequalities, and address trade imbalances.
In 2023, the BRICS Academic Forum continued to align with the group’s evolving priorities, particularly in the context of global uncertainty and geopolitical shifts. Key topics discussed included:
The BRICS Academic Forum is an essential platform within the BRICS framework, providing intellectual and academic insights that shape the group’s strategies and decisions. Its importance has only grown as BRICS nations seek to navigate global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and geopolitical realignments. By promoting research, innovation, and policy dialogue, the forum strengthens cooperation among member states and reinforces BRICS’ role as a key player in the global order.
The BRICS Think Tank Council was proposed during a meeting in March 2013, where think tanks from the five BRICS countries gathered. Later confirmed in Durban, South Africa, by the BRICS leaders at the Annual BRICS Summit, the main agenda of the BTTC was articulated in the Declaration of the Establishment of the BRICS Think Tank Council. The council provides a platform for researchers to exchange ideas and present policy recommendations at the BRICS Academic Forum. These recommendations guide BRICS leaders on policy-making for addressing challenges faced by all member states and for promoting cooperation in line with BRICS’ pillars of cooperation and economic development.
The BTTC promotes collaboration among academic and research institutions within the BRICS countries, focusing on areas such as development economics, global governance, and international relations. To achieve this high level of collaboration, an extensive level of coordination among national think tanks in each BRICS country is required, ensuring synergy and collaboration. The BRICS Think Tank Council consists of representatives from key national institutions: Brazil’s Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA), Russia’s National Committee for BRICS Research (NRC/BRICS), India’s Observer Research Foundation (ORF), China’s China Council for BRICS Think Tank Cooperation (CCBTC), and South Africa’s National Institute for the Humanities and the South African BRICS Think Tank (SABTT). The respective member representatives are Dr Fabio Soares, IPEA; Dr Victoria Panova, HSE University; Dr Samir Saran, ORF; Dr Jin Xin, CCBTC and Prof Sarah Mosoetsa, SABTT.
For 2023, the BTTC identified five key areas of research: BRICS currencies, BRICS expansion, new technologies, BRICS declarations, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The council is researching the possibility of using BRICS currencies in global trade to reduce dependence on the US dollar. This research is driven by the need for the Global South to reduce its reliance on foreign currencies, which often weigh heavily on domestic economic strength and stability.
The expansion of BRICS has also attracted interest from emerging market countries that see the alliance as a favourable alternative to the Western-dominated global system. Scholars are studying the modalities, guiding principles, and implications of BRICS expansion to develop frameworks for collaboration with new partners. The BTTC also highlights the importance of studying advancements in “artificial intelligence and language processing advancements should be studied, and these studies must analyse the dynamics of technology transfer and knowledge sharing, elevate the capacity for digital governance and close digical and technological gaps”. Moreover, the BTTC has recommended creating a centralised repository of BRICS declarations to track the progress and outcomes of BRICS initiatives. Finally, BRICS researchers are focusing on evaluating the performance of BRICS countries in achieving the SDGs and developing creative strategies to accelerate progress toward these goals.
The BRICS+ trade and investment cooperation framework is an evolving platform designed to expand economic ties among BRICS+ members, core and new. This framework emphasises collaboration in infrastructure development, industrial capacity, financial integration, and the facilitation of trade. In 2023, BRICS+ took significant strides to strengthen intra-bloc trade, reduce dependence on the US dollar, and explore innovative mechanisms to enhance trade and investment flows.
One of the notable features of BRICS+ cooperation is the focus on expanding global trade corridors. As of 2023, China and India emerged as the most influential bloc members in spearheading trade cooperation, with China leading infrastructure development initiatives through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This provides critical links between Asia, Africa, and Europe, with potential beneficiaries being BRICS+ partners. India’s “Act East” policy, alongside its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partnerships, has strengthened its role in facilitating trade within the BRICS+ context.
BRICS+ has grown into a key global economic player since its inception in 2001, now accounting for 37% of the world’s GDP. BRICS+ has notably become a more important force in global commerce, investment, and economic growth during the last few decades, paving the way for the Global-South to take on a bigger role in international trade and investment cooperation. By 2040 BRICS+ is projected to account for 40% of global GDP purchasing power parity.
In 2023, the nominal export share of BRICS nations had risen to 21% of global exports, with the bloc’s largest economy being China, accounting for 60% of this figure. China’s trade with other BRICS members grew by 14.6% in the first quarter of 2023.
BRICS+ countries have leveraged regional investment agreements and expanded cross-border financial flows. FDI flows between BRICS countries have been increasing, with cumulative BRICS FDI reaching around $350 billion in 2023. China and India are the primary recipients and investors within the bloc, while South Africa and Brazil also play critical roles in resource-based investments. Brazil saw increased investments in agriculture and renewable energy from both China and India, while Russia deepened energy and defence collaborations with countries such as India and South Africa. South Africa has further positioned itself as a financial hub, facilitating trade with emerging African economies as part of BRICS+.
The BRICS+ trade and investment framework is reshaping global trade and investment by fostering deeper ties among its members and extending opportunities to other emerging economies. As the bloc continues to evolve, its emphasis on financial independence and strategic infrastructure investments will play a crucial role in positioning BRICS+ as a significant force in global economic governance.
The BRICS Cooperation Framework for Science, Technology, and Innovation is a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering collaboration among its member countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—by promoting joint research, innovation, and technological development. Established to address contemporary global challenges, the framework emphasises sustainable development, enhanced competitiveness, and collaborative initiatives that leverage the unique strengths of each nation.
At the core of this framework is the commitment to engage in joint research projects across diverse fields such as health, agriculture, energy, and environmental science. These collaborative efforts allow BRICS nations to harness their respective expertise, driving innovation tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by each member. This approach not only accelerates progress in critical sectors but also enhances the overall resilience of the member states.
To further facilitate collaboration, BRICS countries are establishing robust innovation networks that connect research institutions, universities, and businesses. These networks serve as vital platforms for knowledge exchange, fostering an environment conducive to the sharing of ideas, resources, and best practices. By promoting collaborative research and development, these networks aim to create a synergistic ecosystem where innovation can thrive.
Capacity building remains a cornerstone of the BRICS framework, with a strong focus on strengthening human resources in science and technology. Initiatives such as training programs, workshops, and researcher exchanges are being implemented to ensure that all member countries benefit from enhanced skills and knowledge. This investment in human capital is crucial for fostering a culture of innovation and ensuring that the workforce is equipped to meet future challenges.
Moreover, the framework incorporates mechanisms for technology transfer among member countries, facilitating access to cutting-edge innovations and promoting the local adaptation of technologies. By enabling the exchange of technological know-how, the BRICS nations can better address their individual developmental needs and foster economic growth.Policy coordination plays a significant role in aligning national policies with BRICS priorities, promoting investment in research and development, and creating an enabling environment for innovation. Regular dialogues among member states are essential for ensuring that their collective efforts are harmonised, maximising the impact of their initiatives.
To sustain momentum, BRICS organises regular meetings and forums where member countries can discuss progress, share experiences, and strategize for future cooperation. These gatherings not only strengthen relationships among member states but also enhance the overall effectiveness of the framework.Additionally, the BRICS Cooperation Framework encourages partnerships with international organisations and initiatives, aiming to leverage additional resources and expertise in science and technology. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of collective action in addressing common challenges, facilitating resource sharing, and capitalising on the strengths of each member nation.
As of 2024, the BRICS Cooperation Framework for Science, Technology, and Innovation stands as a testament to the commitment of its member states to work together in pursuit of shared goals. Through collaborative research, capacity building, and strategic partnerships, BRICS is poised to make significant contributions to global advancements in science and technology while promoting sustainable development across its diverse member nations
The BRICS Agricultural Research Platform (ARP) is an initiative designed to strengthen agricultural cooperation among BRICS nations. The BRICS ARP was first conceptualised during the 6th BRICS Summit in 2014, when member countries recognized the need for enhanced collaboration in agriculture, given the significance of this sector to their economies and food security. Agriculture contributes significantly to the economies of BRICS countries, with over 40% of the global population living within these nations. The sector plays a crucial role in both domestic food supply and global food security.
In 2017, during the BRICS Xiamen Summit in China, member countries agreed to operationalize this platform as a central entity to coordinate agricultural research among the BRICS nations. The platform was formally launched in 2019 and aimed to pool resources, research expertise, and innovative technologies to address common challenges such as climate change, water management, pest control, and sustainable farming. BRICS nations are collectively responsible for over 40% of the world’s agricultural production. In 2023, the BRICS countries collectively exported agricultural goods worth over $400 billion, driven by the robust demand for commodities such as soybeans (Brazil), wheat (Russia), and rice (India). The ARP aids in facilitating research to support this vast trade network. South Africa plays a pivotal role in the platform with its advanced agricultural research institutions, focusing on agro-processing and value chains. The country has contributed to research on sustainable practices for emerging economies and semi-arid climates.
A crucial element of the ARP is enhancing the productivity of smallholder farmers. These farmers constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce in BRICS countries. Recent efforts have included knowledge-sharing programs on pest control and crop diversification, aimed at improving their economic resilience. The BRICS ARP holds the potential to become a global leader in agricultural innovation. By combining the resources and expertise of these large economies, the platform can create scalable solutions for global agricultural challenges. Additionally, the growing focus on sustainable development goals (SDGs) by international organisations presents an opportunity for the BRICS ARP to position itself as a model for sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices.
The BRICS Agricultural Research Platform is a significant initiative aimed at addressing common agricultural challenges faced by BRICS nations, particularly in terms of food security, sustainable development, and climate resilience. The platform’s continued success lies in its ability to foster greater collaboration between research institutions, promote technological innovation, and create tangible benefits for smallholder farmers and rural communities across these diverse economies. By leveraging their collective strengths, BRICS nations can position themselves as global leaders in agriculture, setting an example for sustainable and resilient agricultural development in the face of growing global challenges.