BRICS expansion to bolster Global South influence

BRICS is at a watershed in terms of global economic organizations, he said, with less-developed countries now having access to technology from more advanced ones, and having an opportunity to diversify their exports and gain access to new sources of funding.

"BRICS holds a very prime position for aspirations and development discourse, especially among poor countries.

"We are going to closely watch how it galvanizes, negotiates and delivers on the aspirations of the members that are joining in terms of development."

Member countries should discuss strengthening intergroup collaboration in a number of fields, including cultural exchanges, science and technology, he said.

Xn Iraki, an associate professor in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences of the University of Nairobi, said BRICS gives the Global South an opportunity to articulate its issues, set its priorities, join like-minded countries, gain a chance to engage in the transfer of technology, and gain a new identity.

BRICS should provide a forum where the Global South will discuss its interests, economic and political dreams, Iraki said, as well as be a venue where those of the Global South can be heard and treated as equals.

"BRICS should be a place where countries see economic prospect, economic growth, more trade and higher standards of living for their citizens."

The expansion of the grouping will gain more recognition because there must be something good that attracted the new members, he said.

"Let's sell BRICS by showing those who have joined as well as the new members the benefits they are going to get. Once that is publicized, then BRICS will grow faster."