The 2023 BRICS Academic Forum brought together leading scholars, researchers, and policymakers from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss pressing global challenges and opportunities for collaboration. In his opening address, on the 14th May 2023, South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, highlighted, “The 15th BRICS Academic Foru...

The BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have displayed a growing interest in Africa in recent years. This interest is driven by the continent’s potential for economic growth and investment prospects. As a result, the BRICS (collectively or individually) have established various forms of partnerships with African countries, aimed at stimulating economic development, tr...

In mid-May 2023 South Africa hosted the BRICS Academic Forum in Cape Town, where discussions focused on the most pressing issues on the BRICS agenda such as the modalities of BRICS-Africa cooperation, including through the advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Perhaps the key message that came from the Forum was the call for collective action and cooperation not only am...

The year 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa. Over the past quarter century, the bilateral relationship has withstood the test of time and international vicissitudes. Under the cooperation of both governments, China and South Africa have achieved a “triple jump” from a partnership to a strategic partnership, and then to a com...