BRICS Co-opt Two African Countries. Two African Countries have been accepted into the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) group in addition to the existing four.

The announcement was made at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, by the host, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Egypt and Ethiopia were accepted alongside United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Argentina.

Speaking during the announcement, Ramaphosa said the aim of the grouping is to promote economic growth and sustainable development for countries in the Global South.

The new members are set to officially join on January 1, 2024.

President Lazarus Chakwera is attending the meeting by invitation from President Ramaphosa and is expected to engage in bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.