Zimbabwe has formally applied to join the BRICS economic bloc and is now awaiting responses from existing members. The group counts 11 full members after Indonesia joined in January 2025, and many countries are seeking entry (Ed. note: 23 nations have submitted official applications).
Professor Amon Murwira, Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister, said he had contacted all BRICS members after being directed by Emmerson Mnangagwa. “Zimbabwe is ready to integrate more deeply into the global community, and joining blocs such as BRICS is very important for us in expanding our economic involvement and integrating Zimbabwe into the global economy.”
Murwira made the remarks during a March 2025 visit to Moscow and stressed BRICS’ strategic value. “BRICS is one of the most important platforms for economic cooperation that is based on principles of mutual respect and sovereign equality of nations.”
Current full members include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. Top candidates and interested states named include Bahrain, Malaysia, Turkey, and Vietnam, while Nigeria and Angola are discussed for future African expansion.
Russia, South Africa, and Brazil have voiced support for Zimbabwe’s bid. Political analyst Methuseli Moyo said “Joining BRICS would entrench Zimbabwe’s trade and business ties with some of the fastest-growing economies in the world on more mutually beneficial terms.” The country could gain access to concessional finance from the New Development Bank.
