The round table "Africa and BRICS: History and Prospects" was held in Moscow

On April 15, a round table "Africa and BRICS: History and Prospects" was held at the HSE in Moscow on the initiative of the BRICS Expert Council. The speakers of the event were Stephen Gruzd and Gustavo de Carvalho, leading experts of the South African Institute of International Relations (SAIIA). The event was moderated by Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council, Vice Rector of the Higher School of Economics.

The discussion focused on the impact of BRICS on the African region, as well as the prospects for the development of relations. Africa and BRICS have been working closely together: economic ties have been significantly strengthened since 2010, and BRICS is currently the continent's main trading partner. In this regard, there is a need to develop a strategy for further relations between the partners and discuss the results of this cooperation for both sides.

Representatives of the BRICS countries, as well as leading experts, discussed the history of the association, paying special attention to the African component. The participants of the round table stressed that in the rapidly emerging architecture of a multipolar world, it is critically important to find compromise solutions to complex issues of international relations, as well as to develop cultural, humanitarian and economic exchange within BRICS and beyond. To do this, it is necessary to develop a clear gradation of the association's partner countries and form a sovereign financial system in relation to African countries. Tension within the BRICS is unacceptable, it is important to increase diplomatic practice and extend it beyond the BRICS.

Stephen Gruzd, head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Program at the South African Institute of International Relations, mentioned the historical nature of relations between Russia and South Africa, and called the country's accession to the BRICS one of its main achievements. He noted the paradigm shift of South Africa's membership in the BRICS: If earlier the republic was perceived solely as a gateway to Africa, now it is one of the main ambassadors, one of the leaders in the international arena. He also assessed the possibilities for the future development of multilateral relations between BRICS and African countries.

In addition, the speaker stressed South Africa's desire for closer and more productive cooperation within the African continent, especially between countries that are members of the same international organizations.

Gustavo de Carvalho, Senior Researcher on Governance and Diplomacy in Africa at the South African Institute of International Relations, noted the increasing role of Africa in strengthening international relations within the framework of BRICS and called for continued work in this direction.

He also proposed to develop trade relations within the framework of the BRICS in order to strengthen the sovereignty of the association and improve economic conditions in the participating countries. At the same time, the accession of new countries has its advantages and difficulties, and Mr. de Carvalho separately noted the need to be patient with new participating countries that need time to adapt.

In her speech, the head of the BRICS Expert Council, Vice Rector of the Higher School of Economics Victoria Panova drew the attention of those present to the role of BRICS in ensuring international security and stability.

The scientific track of international relations is also of strategic importance. In this regard, Victoria Panova proposed the creation of an African scientific database, which scientists from the BRICS countries and the world majority could use in their work. Combining the potentials of national and regional databases will strengthen the scientific sovereignty of the association, as well as create conditions for the progressive development of national academic communities.

The discussion will continue at the national level in face-to-face and online formats for further discussion with representatives of the BRICS countries.