Russia
Source: brics-plus-analytics.org

As Brazil gears up for the BRICS summit in July 2025, there is increasingly more newsflow on the modalities of the BRICS outreach activities this year. After earlier reports about the invitation of Brazil’s Latin American neighbors such as Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay to the BRICS+ summit, more recently it became known that Vietnam is also invited to the BRICS+ outreach meetings. This is an important sign that ASEAN as a region continues to be in the focus of BRICS outreach efforts, but also a signal about the continuity of the BRICS+ format. In this respect, while there may be mechanisms within BRICS that contribute to the succession of priorities of BRICS chairmanship from one year to the next, there may be reasons to believe that recent developments in BRICS evolution call for introducing new mechanisms that would contribute to the smoothness of year-to-year successions.

The main reason why additional mechanisms may be needed in ensuring a smoother succession in BRICS chairmanships is the expansion in the BRICS core from 5 to 10 economies. This further increases the heterogeneity among members and their priorities that henceforth will need to be coordinated and reconciled to a greater degree. The new members of the BRICS bloc will need to get involved in meetings related to the preparation of high-level discussions that form part of the BRICS chairmanship agenda. Such greater coordination in the succession of BRICS presidencies will need to be taken to a higher level also due to the possibility of further core expansion and the formation of the new BRICS “partnership belt”.

The difficulties and limitations associated with BRICS core expansion have already been voiced by Brazil as the BRICS chair this year. In the beginning of this year Brazil’s Foreign Ministry declared that BRICS expansion was not on the agenda during the country’s chairmanship. Similar concerns have been voiced in 2024 by Russia about the limitations associated with further BRICS core expansion. Nonetheless, in 2025 Indonesia became a new member of the BRICS core and there are reasons to believe that further expansion may not be excluded altogether. This is because there are two prominent emerging economies – Saudi Arabia and Argentina – that have pending invitations from the BRICS to join, but have not accepted these invitations as of yet. Like Indonesia, however, these economies may eventually opt to join BRICS in the coming years. Furthermore, the creation of the “partnership belt” raises the need for coordinating priorities not only within the expanding circle of the core but also with the BRICS partners that are likely to play an increasingly important role in the meetings organized by each successive BRICS presidency.

In terms of the possible modalities for ensuring a smoother succession between BRICS annual presidencies, one possibility could be the replication of the “troika format” used by the G20[1], whereby the priorities and preparations for chairmanships are coordinated by three members consisting of the preceding presidency, the current presidency and the next successive chair of the bloc. Incidentally, the number of BRICS core members together with partners is currently 19, with the possibility of reaching the number of G20 members in the next several years in case some of the pending invitations are accepted. In the case of this year the BRICS troika would include Russia (chair from 2024), Brazil (current chair) and India (chair in 2026). Among the potential benefits of the “troika” format is the closer coordination of priorities among the BRICS presidencies that are set to succeed each other as well as greater scope for member countries to continue to contribute to the implementation of their initiatives for several years after the completion of their chairmanship. This format is also conducive towards the formation of BRICS+ plurilateral agreements and discussions in a setting characterized by a significantly wider array of core members and partners of the BRICS+ circle.

Another possible modality for BRICS could involve a more rigorous use of the regional principle in the determination of further expansion, in the cooperation between core members and partners as well as in the succession among presidencies (the regional principle is also used within the G20 framework[2] as well as within United Nations (UN)[3]). The main regional constituencies in the determination of future expansion and presidency rotation could include: Latin America (provided there are more core members from the region), Africa and Asia (the Tricontinental Format). As in the case of the G20, the BRICS may also consider modalities for inviting some of the key regional organizations and regional integration blocs from the Global South into the BRICS core, the partnership circle or into a separate regional platform. The use of the regional principle in BRICS operations may also be instrumental in building the groundwork for greater cooperation among the regional integration blocs, including the sphere of trade liberalization.

In the end, some of the above adjustments to the BRICS mechanisms of international cooperation could provide greater scope for smoother succession of presidencies. Another potential benefit is that some of mechanisms “borrowed” from the G20 could improve the capabilities of BRICS and BRICS+ to build cooperative arrangements with the G20, the UN and other global forums. The “BRICS troika” format as well as the “BRICS regional principle” could also allow for more continuity and the scaling up of the BRICS+ format going forward. With BRICS expansion likely continuing, even if mostly outside of the core, the bloc will need to be able to adapt to the rapid and sizeable changes that it is experiencing.

South Africa
Source: www.iol.co.za

Former Brazilian President, Jair Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo Bolsonaro accused Inacio Lula Da Silva and his government of actively using state resources to persecute his father. Eduardo had provided this information to the Trump administration, which has been in support of Jair Bolsonaro before and during Bolsonaro’s tenure as president. The Brazilian body politic has become increasingly polarised–particularly on the left-right axis.

A history: Bolsonaro to convict

Bolsonaro is currently facing charges alleging his involvement in plotting and attempting a coup d'état. These charges include seven retired army generals If found guilty at the Supreme Court, Bolsonaro could face up to 43 years in prison. Those right spectrum supporters are using this possible conviction to their advantage citing a witch hunt to silence the right and those who oppose the “leftist” Workers’ Party (PT). This sentiment gains considerable traction in the Trump administration, as Trump positions himself as the saviour of the true right–which is a beacon of hope for Bolsonaro supporters in Brazil.

Historically, Brazil has had a consistent theme running through it politically. First, there are the actors, these are: the US; the right and its support; the left and its support. Second, the US almost always supports the right in Brazil and it is often owed largely to the lefts’ proximity to non-western actors like China & Russia. Third, a history of exile and imprisonment of political opponents remains. Lastly, the Brazilian political landscape is more sensitive regarding economic difficulties like recessions. This was seen with leaders throughout, irrespective of where they sit on the political spectrum.

Tariffs and Proxy wars

With rising tensions between Trump and the rest of the world, so too does its Global South neighbour–Brazil-experience these tensions. Trump has requested reciprocal tariffs on imports to the United States. With this Trump singled out Brazil signalling a 2.5% ethanol tariff, compared to an 18% rate levied by the Brazilian government. Additionally, Trump has also emphasised the roll-out of tariffs based on currency devaluation. With particular emphasis on Brazil, its proximity to China and its de-dollarisation efforts, the US has hardened its stance against the country stating that any country trying to move from the dollar dominant system will face economic and diplomatic repercussions.

A new age

Global shifts are being felt the world over, dividing nations and countries in categories: for Trump and the rest. Trump is the poster child for things many people, groups, and incumbent leaders think but fail to vocalise. Trump rallies the support he receives on this basis both domestically and internationally. Old friends seemingly become foes. This is demonstrated by the alternate directions between the European Union (EU) and the US. Similarly, the latest disagreements between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky. Conversations are now struck between old foes, seen by Trump and his meetings with the Russians regarding the war in Ukraine among other things. Tensions between Iran and the US are increasing, strong US backing for Israel remains, yet Ukrainian backing dwindles.

The lifespan of BRICS has been misunderstood and to a large extent misjudged. The grouping have become increasingly important in the international arena, with BRICS+ expanding beyond traditional borders, utilising each others’ strengths in trade, diplomacy, technology, and many other facets. Emphasising mutuality, and culture to culture cooperation the grouping has been a great support for those nations that may feel marginalised within the global economic system.

Brazil has played a fundamental role in BRICS+ and has become one of the central targets of the US, largely due to its geographical proximity to the US. With the perpetual involvement of the US in Brazilian politics, the country’s national interest will often be misdirected to the interests of the US and the right.

South Africa
Source: www.iol.co.za

A labourer cleans rice paddy at a grain market in Jalandhar on October 14, 2024. Picture: AFP
Published Mar 18, 2025

In the past year, BRICS+ has quietly positioned itself as a dominant force in global agricultural trade, a shift that could have profound implications for food security, trade, and economic sovereignty. While much attention has been paid to the bloc’s push toward de-dollarisation and energy independence, its growing hold over the world’s grain supply is emerging as an equally significant development.
With the introduction of the BRICS+ Grain Exchange in 2024, the bloc has taken a decisive step toward controlling grain exports, stabilising prices, and reducing reliance on Western-controlled agricultural markets. BRICS+ nations now account for over 50% of global grain production, positioning them as the primary suppliers of wheat, corn, and other essential food staples.

At a time when food security is increasingly weaponised in international politics–the ability of BRICS+ to control who eats and at what price for themselves–could redefine the global economic order.

A Record-Breaking Agricultural Boom

Despite concerns over climate volatility and economic disruptions, global grain production in 2025 is projected to reach 2.31 billion tons, even after a downward revision of 10 million tons. Much of this resilience can be attributed to BRICS+ nations, which continue to break records in agricultural output.
China remains the world’s largest producer, with an estimated 706.5 million tons of grain, while Brazil is expected to reach 322.3 million tons, cementing its role as a leading supplier of soybeans and corn. Russia, a major wheat exporter, has recorded 125 million tons of grain production, with India following closely behind at over 110 million tons. South Africa, though smaller in scale at 15.2 million tons, remains a crucial maize exporter for the African continent.

Beyond the founding BRICS members, new entrants and partner countries have strengthened the bloc’s agricultural dominance. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are key wheat producers, while Indonesia and Malaysia bring rice and palm oil into the equation. Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have been investing in grain storage and production, ensuring long-term food security for the Middle East. Meanwhile, Nigeria and Uganda are expanding grain production to meet Africa’s growing demand.
This consolidation of food production and trade under BRICS+ has raised questions about whether the bloc will use its newfound leverage to dictate global grain markets, much like OPEC has done with oil.

The BRICS+ Grain Exchange: A Direct Challenge to Western Agricultural Markets

The BRICS+ Grain Exchange, launched in 2024, represents a fundamental shift in global agricultural trade. Designed to facilitate intra-bloc grain transactions in local currencies, the exchange bypasses Western-controlled grain markets and pricing mechanisms, reducing dependence on US and EU-based agricultural systems.

For decades, Western nations have used grain as an economic and political tool, imposing export bans, trade sanctions, and price manipulations that disproportionately affect developing economies. The BRICS+ Grain Exchange directly challenges this model by creating an independent trade platform that allows Global South nations to secure stable grain supplies at fair prices.

By moving away from dollar-based pricing and prioritising trade among BRICS+ nations, the exchange enhances food security for member states while also giving them the ability to influence global food prices on their own terms.

For example, the success of OPEC in controlling oil markets has demonstrated the power of commodity-based alliances in shaping global trade. Now, BRICS+ appears to be following a similar path with grain production.

By coordinating wheat exports, managing corn production, and establishing trade agreements outside Western frameworks, BRICS+ could create a structured agricultural supply mechanism capable of influencing global food security policies.

If BRICS+ successfully consolidates grain trade regulations and pricing strategies, it could redefine who gets access to affordable food, which countries depend on BRICS+ supply chains, and how agricultural markets function globally.

A New Era in Global Agriculture

The emergence of BRICS+ as the world’s leading grain producer and exporter signals a profound shift in global food security and trade. No longer dependent on Western pricing systems and trade networks, BRICS+ is creating an independent agricultural framework that prioritises food security, economic sovereignty, and South-South cooperation.

As global power continues to decentralise, the question is not whether BRICS+ will dominate food production, it already does. The real question is: How will the world adapt to this new reality, where the power to feed nations is increasingly shifting toward BRICS+?

This transformation is not just about economics, it is about the ability to shape global governance, trade relations, and the very foundation of food security in an increasingly multipolar world.

South Africa
Source: www.iol.co.za

Explore how the e-commerce industry is reshaping Africa's retail landscape, with projected revenues reaching $39.44 billion by 2025 and the driving forces behind this transformation.

The e-commerce industry has become an unexpected and significant contender to the African market challenging traditional retail industries. The continent’s revenue generation is projected to reach $39.44 billion in 2025 with an annual growth rate of 8.49%. Financial projections for 2025 indicate the following e-commerce market values within African BRICS nations: Ethiopia, $553.98 million; Egypt, $7.96 billion; and South Africa, $7.32 billion.

Driving Forces Behind E-Commerce Expansion

These results are a combination of improved infrastructure, creative innovation in retail, logistics, telecommunications and financial industries. With the increase of internet penetration and the rise of smartphone ownership, the opportunities for e-commerce and online shopping have grown. There are some major driving forces behind this massive expansion like the COVID-19 pandemic, technological advancements in payment systems as well as the changing consumer behaviour.

Impact of COVID-19 on E-Commerce

COVID-19 and the numerous restrictions and regulations accelerated the shift into e-commerce growth, but after the restrictions the convenience of shopping from home became extremely useful for students, the elderly, people working from home, or simply anyone not wishing to leave their premises. The service continues to be economically attractive to major retailers in South Africa by incorporating it into the portfolios of Woolworths, Checkers and Pick n Pay, for example.

E-Commerce in BRICS+ Nations

Prominent e-commerce BRICS+ countries include India and China, where digital mechanisms have been incorporated into many company business models. Brazil has one of the top e-commerce industries in South America with platforms such as MercadoLibre with one of the key factors for this is having a large digital engaged population, increased consumer trust in online shopping and growth in online payment solutions. Russia has also witnessed significant e-commerce development despite the ongoing conflict with Ukraine by focusing on domestic players.

In South Africa the technological advancements in terms of digital financial services have transformed the experience for customers and product producers. The improved dynamic is attributed to options like ‘Buy-Now-Pay-Later' and developments in biometric and digital wallets promoted by systems like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Zapper. The proliferation of these newer systems are protected by the Payment Association of South Africa which mandated the use of 3D Secure in 2014 to protect customers from fraud. There is no greater convenience than simply carrying your phone to pay for all daily expenses compared to looking for a spare R10 note to buy a bottle of water.

With the recent developments in South Africa, the industry is entering a new phase of evolution with the introduction of late-night delivery via a partnership with Uber Eats, Engen Quickshop and Woolworths, ‘After Dark’ will operate until midnight. This dynamic is innovative and would reach a wider clientele seeking to fulfil their late night sweet treats. However, it poses great concern for employees with extensive work hours potentially infringing on labour rights, as well as brings a psychological discussion of immediate gratification in acquiring 24/7 convenience. 

Changing Consumer Behaviour

The changing consumer behaviour plays a direct and central role in the dynamic of buying online and changing the South African market. For example, in an article from Mastercard, ‘GenZ is the biggest adopter of new payment methods with 98% of them being tech-savvy smartphone owners’, and that there are over 22 million smartphone users in South Africa. With statistics like these it is no surprise that this generation is so attached to their mobile devices.

Additionally, according to a Meltwater report, South Africa is the 3rd highest country globally to access the internet from their mobile phones, this means that retailers and e-commerce businesses main vehicle to customers is via mobile phones; hence the drastic growth in m-commerce (mobile commerce). Similar patterns are evident in other BRICS+ nations, where mobile-first strategies dominate e-commerce expansion.

Challenges in E-Commerce Development

Though the online developments are great, the sector faces significant challenges in developing countries due to inadequate logistics infrastructure. This not only hinders current progress but also poses a barrier to future development and innovation within the e-commerce sector.

The infrastructure available in urbanised areas makes for smoother operations for logistics/ courier service companies, but on the other hand high levels of urbanisation may cause delivery delays because of traffic interruptions. Across the developing world, particularly in Africa, the levels of development are extremely unequal. Rural areas have for decades received little-to-no maintenance attention, low levels of service delivery and when people in these areas do have work completed, it is of poor quality. An innovative solution for this is seen in the Chinese company Meituan where in 2021 it completed its first drone delivery in the tech hub of Shenzhen. This opens the discussion for other future-forward technologies to be implemented in logistics management while infrastructure undergoes overdue upgrades.

The Path Forward

To fully utilise e-commerce's potential in South Africa and BRICS+ nations, collaboration between governments, businesses, and consumers is essential. By addressing challenges and learning from BRICS+ partners, South Africa can lead Africa's digital transformation.

China
Source: www.scmp.com

What Trump threats against challenging the US dollar’s global primacy could mean for the future of Brics and its member nations

When Piyush Goyal, India’s minister of commerce and industry, visited Washington in October, he gleefully shared photos of his talks with his Biden administration counterparts, Gina Raimondo and Katherine Tai, on social media, while hailing the strength of “time-tested” US-India ties at public events.

When Goyal returned to Washington earlier this month, the contrast could not have been sharper. He left Washington without giving any updates on his meetings with the new US commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, and trade representative, Jamieson Greer.

A week later, he dropped a picture with Greer on social media, saying only that they had had a “forward looking” conversation, with New Delhi guided by an “India first” approach.

Goyal’s unexpected trip to the US, initially planned for April, was triggered by US President Donald Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners starting April 2.

But more alarming to India – as well as other members of the Brics economic alliance – was Trump’s declaration of a full-scale dispute with Brics over its efforts to reduce its reliance on the US dollar as its trade currency.

Claiming Brics was “dead”, Trump threatened additional tariffs of 100 per cent on imports from Brics nations for playing “games with the dollar”.

Far from playing games, though, a lack of structure within Brics means that the group struggles to achieve consensus over so bold a move as creating an alternative to the dollar.

India
Source: www.ndtv.com

New Delhi:

Meetings and discussions in the BRICS grouping are aimed at finding common ground and working together to shape the global order while their common thread is the "commitment to multi-polarity", the Centre told Parliament on Friday.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said this in a written response to a query on the current status of BRICS and whether it is true that the grouping has now "started disintegrating" post the "tariff threat by America".

In his response, Jaishankar outlined the history and evolution of the influential grouping of which India is a member.

"From time to time, regional political issues such as peaceful settlement in Afghanistan, the permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the situation in Lebanon, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and Haiti, situation in and around Ukraine, territorial integrity of Syria, have also been deliberated upon by BRICS members," he said.

BRICS, a platform founded in 2006, has been "progressing steadily" since its inception, he said, adding that it reflects the "common concern" of its members and seeks to make global debates and leadership more representative and inclusive.

While originally founded with four members (Brazil, Russia, India and China), it added South Africa in 2010. Thereafter, BRICS has expanded to currently comprise 11 members and nine partner countries.

"The expansion of membership and the interest displayed by many aspiring members is itself a statement of its status and importance.

"The current members are: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Indonesia. The partner countries are Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan," he added.

Issues discussed by BRICS include strengthening multilateralism, reforms of the UN Security Council, Bretton Woods institutions, WTO, counterterrorism, health, pandemic preparedness, finance and trade, climate change, improving the international monetary and financial system, biodiversity conservation and promotion and protection of human rights.

Land degradation, desertification and drought, global water scarcity challenge, the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms of vessels, non-proliferation and disarmament, outer space activities and prevention of an arms race in outer space were among other issues discussed by the grouping.
Jaishankar was also asked about the opinions of the BRICS member countries after the threat by the US, along with the likely role of India in this matter.

"Understandably, as nations at different levels of development and income, and bearing in mind their individual national interests, BRICS members have a range of positions on contemporary issues.
"Their meetings and discussions are aimed at finding common ground and working together to shape the global order. Their common thread is the commitment to multi-polarity," he said.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Russia
Source: russiancouncil.ru

To the esteemed cabinet executives of the BRICS nations, a clarion call resounds: humanity stands at the cusp of a transformative epoch, and your leadership can steer the course. The First Industrial Revolution of the Mind—an intellectual and entrepreneurial awakening—is unfolding, propelled by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and the irrepressible human spirit. For BRICS—representing 3.3 billion people and 37.3% of global GDP as of March 12, 2025—this is not merely an opportunity but a mandate. By mobilizing entrepreneurialism nationally, with small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), women, and youth at the vanguard, you can save your nations from economic stagnation and social unrest while forging advanced, mind-centric economies by 2030. This is your moment to harness AI, ignite SMEs, and lead a bloc poised to redefine global prosperity.

A New Dawn: The Mind Takes Center Stage

The industrial revolutions of centuries past—steam in the 18^th, electricity in the 19^th, digital in the 20^th—relied on physical power and mechanical might. Today, we transcend that paradigm. The First Industrial Revolution of the Mind pivots from muscle to mentality, from factories to ideas. Automation and AI have dismantled routine work—assembly lines, clerical tasks, basic services—freeing humanity for higher pursuits: creativity, strategy, and entrepreneurial daring. This is not the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s incremental digitization; it is a radical reorientation toward mental performance, where value springs from thought, not toil.

Evidence abounds. BRICS nations feel this shift acutely. In India, software engineers outpace factory workers; in China, 500 million entrepreneurs drive digital markets; in South Africa, youth tech hubs sprout amid unemployment woes. The physicality of labor fades, replaced by a mentality of creation. For BRICS, with its vast, youthful populations and diverse resources, this revolution offers a lifeline—if seized decisively.

The Crisis Facing BRICS: The 4B Factor and Beyond

Yet, peril looms. The 4B Factor—roughly 4 billion increasingly occupation-less or underemployed worldwide, a significant share within BRICS—threatens stability. Youth unemployment (e.g., 23% in South Africa, 19% in Brazil) and gender disparities (e.g., India’s 17% female labor participation) breed restlessness. Ethiopia’s median age of 19, Indonesia’s gig economy precarity, and Iran’s underutilized graduates signal a ticking clock. Automation exacerbates this, stripping jobs while traditional fixes—state employment, foreign loans—falter. Populist unrest simmers, as seen in South Africa’s 2021 riots or India’s farmer protests. Without intervention, BRICS risks economic decline and social fracture.

The opportunity lies in flipping this crisis into strength. BRICS’ 3.3 billion people—over 60% women and youth—are not a burden but a resource. SMEs, already 60% of global employment, are the vehicle. By mobilizing entrepreneurialism nationally, the 4B Factor can be absorbed, empower the overlooked, and build economies that rival the G7. This is not optional—it is existential.

The Strategy: National Mobilization of Entrepreneurialism

National Mobilization of Entrepreneurialism is your blueprint. It fuses the First Industrial Revolution of the Mind’s mental pivot with a pragmatic, AI-centric deployment. Here is how it works, tailored for BRICS cabinet executives:

Mandate a Mindset Shift: Declare a “Mind-First Economy” across BRICS. Launch a bloc-wide campaign— “BRICS Thinks, BRICS Thrives”—to redefine work as entrepreneurial creation. Target women and youth via schools, media, and town halls. Within 100 days, shift cultural norms from job-seeking to job-creating, inspiring millions to act.

Deploy AI-Powered SME Hubs: Establish 500 digital hubs across BRICS cities by 2026, offering free AI tools (e.g., generative platforms like xAI’s), internet, and training. Prioritize women (50% slots) and youth under 30 (40%), leveraging China’s tech scale and India’s digital literacy models. By 2030, upskill 50 million, birthing 10 million SMEs.

Finance the Alpha Dreamers: Create a $5 billion BRICS Micro-Finance Alliance, funded by the New Development Bank (NDB), offering $50-$2,000 loans to women and youth ventures. Repayment via revenue shares lowers risk. By 2030, fund 5 million micro-SMEs—think Egyptian women selling crafts globally or Russian youth coding apps—cutting unemployment by 15%.

Build a BRICS Digital Marketplaces: Launch a unified e-commerce platform by 2026, connecting SMEs to 3.3 billion consumers. Back it with BRICS PAY and the UAE’s logistics expertise. Women and youth lead 60% of transactions, quadrupling intra-bloc trade by 2030, adding $1 trillion to exports.

Foster Cross-Border Mobility: Introduce a BRICS Entrepreneurial Visa by 2027, allowing women and youth to innovate across nations—e.g., Brazilian youth in China’s tech sector and Iranian women in South Africa’s green markets. By 2030, spark 1 million cross-border SMEs, enhancing bloc cohesion.

Incentivize Green Innovation: Offer tax holidays and NDB grants for women and youth-led eco-SMEs (e.g., solar in Ethiopia, recycling in Brazil). By 2030, create 2 million green jobs, cutting BRICS’ carbon footprint by 10%, aligning with global sustainability demands.

Host Innovation Summits: Annual BRICS Women and Youth Summits, starting 2025, offer $100 million in prizes for solutions—health apps in India, climate tech in Russia. By 2030, yield 10,000 startups, drawing $10 billion in global investment.

Nationalize AI as a Public Asset: Treat AI as a utility, not a corporate monopoly. Subsidize access for SMEs via public-private partnerships (e.g., Huawei, Tata). By 2030, empower 20 million entrepreneurs, leveling the playing field.

Revamp Education for Entrepreneurialism: Mandate curricula for ages 10-18, emphasizing mental agility, AI literacy, and venture-building. By 2030, graduate 20 million thinkers, 30% starting SMEs by 25, ensuring long-term dynamism.

Lead Globally via Collaboration: Host a 2025 “BRICS Minds Summit,” inviting G20 leaders, tech CEOs, and NGOs to co-fund this revolution. Position BRICS as a partner, not a recipient, in an AI-centric world, sharing frameworks by 2030.

Saving BRICS: The Immediate Payoff: This mobilization saves BRICS nations by tackling their crises head-on. The 4B Factor finds purpose—10 million SMEs absorb millions, reducing youth unemployment from 23% to 10% in nations like South Africa. Inequality shrinks as women reinvest 70% locally (per 2024 studies), lifting millions from poverty—a $2-3 trillion GDP boost by 2030 narrows Gini gaps (e.g., Brazil’s 48.9 to 40). Populism wanes as restless citizens—India’s farmers, Russia’s urban youth—build ventures, not barricades. A bloc of “alpha dreamers” stabilizes societies, proving entrepreneurialism is the ultimate safety net.

Forging Advanced Economies: The 2030 Vision: Beyond salvation, BRICS becomes an advanced economic bloc. Exports soar—SME-driven trade rises 25%, adding $1 trillion, as women in Indonesia and youth in Egypt sell globally. Innovation explodes—10,000 startups from summits attract $10 billion, mirroring China’s tech rise. Resilience solidifies—unlike G7’s debt-heavy models, the $30 trillion BRICS GDP (up from $24 trillion) rests on real value: goods, services, ideas. Women lead 50% of SMEs, youth 40%, reshaping economic DNA. By 2030, BRICS rivals advanced economies, its mind-centric growth a global benchmark.

The AI-Centric Backbone: AI is the linchpin. It automates the mundane—accounting in Brazil, manufacturing in Russia—freeing minds for creation. Generative AI platforms empower SMEs to analyze markets, design products, and scale fast. Nationalized AI ensures equitable access, not corporate hoarding. By 2030, 20 million BRICS entrepreneurs wield AI, outpacing Western competitors stuck in bureaucratic quagmires.

Women and Youth – The Heartbeat: Women and youth are not add-ons—they are the core. Raising female participation from 17% to 30% in India adds $700 billion to the GDP (McKinsey, 2024). The youth, with the BRICS median age being under 30, bring with them tech-savviness and risk-taking. A woman in South Africa mentoring 10 others, or a youth in Iran scaling a green startup, multiplies impact. By 2030, they drive 90% of SME growth, proving demographic power trumps all.

Conclusion: Originality and Legacy of Expothon

Over a decade long trajectory providing the right triangulation of the Mind + Alpha Dreamers + National Mobilization of Entrepreneurialism finds the right global tactical battlefield of the BRICS nations and their huge potential on the global stage as a single great nations and a combined great power.

Why is Expothon Worldwide regarded as a global platform for entrepreneurial innovation and a leading authority on the national mobilization of SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) protocols, gaining worldwide attention after a decade of bold narratives?

What makes it uniquely focused on 100 countries, and how is it challenging the status quo by using new narratives and deployable methodologies to address all major SME sectors within the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation), European Union, African Union, Commonwealth, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) for the national mobilization of entrepreneurship with practical, immediately applicable solutions?

Why have these insights been shared weekly for the last 50-100 weeks, reaching approximately 2,000 selected VIP national cabinet-level senior government officials across 100 free economies? How does this track record of expertise and trust form the foundation of its proposed strategies?
For all the Cabinet executives, the tools are there—AI, 3.3 billion minds, SMEs. Turn-key pragmatism. By 2030, BRICS can lead a multipolar, advanced economy, saving nations and shaping history. Time to act now—mobilize entrepreneurialism, harness the mind, and let BRICS soar.

The rest is easy.

China
Source: www.ndb.int

On March 20, 2025, the Board of Directors (Board) of the New Development Bank (NDB) convened for its 46^th Meeting at the Bank’s Headquarters in Shanghai, China.

Pará Sanitation Development Project

The Board of Directors approved a loan of up to USD 50.0 million to Brazil’s State of Pará, guaranteed by the Federative Republic of Brazil, for the Pará Sanitation Development Project (Projeto de Desenvolvimento de Saneamento do Pará – Etapa Lagos – PRODESAN LAGOS). By implementing a sewage collection and treatment network in neighbourhoods surrounding the water bodies serving as the main water source in Belém Metropolitan Region (BMR) and carrying out preventive and corrective environmental control actions, the Project aims to restore the water sources providing supply to the BMR. The Project will be co-financed by the NDB and FONPLATA Development Bank (FONPLATA), strengthening ongoing collaboration between the two institutions. The Project contributes to achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 – Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Operations

The Board of Directors received a comprehensive update on the Bank’s robust and dynamic project pipeline. The Board was also briefed on project implementation, disbursement, ESG portfolio and project procurement in non-member countries.

Treasury and Finance

The Board of Directors was updated on the Bank’s funding activities, took note of the Annual Treasury Investment Portfolio Report for 2024, received a comprehensive analysis on the Bank’s loan book, and approved listing the Bank’s Euro Medium-Term Note Programme on the Nasdaq Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and the Bank’s Fourth RMB Bond Programme.

Membership Expansion

The Board of Directors took note of the progress of membership expansion and provided its guidance for the next steps.

Tenth Annual Meeting of the NDB Board of Governors

The Board of Directors recommended that the Tenth Annual Meeting of the NDB Board of Governors be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on July 4-5, 2025.

Committee Meetings

The 34^th Meeting of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and the 30^th Meeting of the Budget, Human Resources and Compensation Committee were held on March 18, 2025, and March 19, 2025, respectively.

Brazil
Source: cyberbrics.info

On 18 March, the Brazilian ministries of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services (Desenvolvimento, Indústria, Comércio e Serviços/MDIC) and Foreign Affairs (Relações Exteriores/MRE) hosted the webinar “Leveraging Data Economy in the BRICS Digital Economy Community”. The event was broadcasted live in English on the MDIC YouTube channel.

As part of Brasil’s 2025 BRICS Presidency, the online seminar aimed at discussing the impact of the data economy on the development of the group’s countries. Data economy refers to the use and strategic management of data as an important resource to boost economic growth, generate innovation, and improve the efficiency of processes and services.

During the event, participants shared political and practical experiences related to national data governance strategies.

The webinar, organized by MDIC and MRE as part of the work of the BRICS Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues (CGETI), featured two panels.

More details about the webinar

Targeted at policymakers, international organizations, and researchers from BRICS countries, as well as representatives from the private sector and civil society, the webinar aimed to engage an audience interested in understanding the transformative impact of data on national economies and the geopolitical role of these new “data commodities” for foreign trade and business.
The debate was led by representatives from the Brazilian Federal Government and agencies, as well as companies, social organizations, and international organizations.

→ Opening
Deputy Secretary of Industrial Development, Innovation, Trade, and Services at MDIC – Brasil: Luis Felipe Giesteira
Director of the Department of Financial Policy and Investments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) – Brasil: Ambassador Philip Fox-Drummond Gough.

→ Introductory lecture
Theme: The importance of data economy for the development of digital sovereignty
Speaker: Luca Belli, Director of FGV-Rio Technology and Society Center (Centro de Tecnologia e Sociedade /CTS) and coordinator of the CyberBRICS project – Brasil.

→ Panel 1

Theme: Digital economy policies based on data assets
Moderator – Brasil: Carolina van der Weid (MRE)
Panelists: Digital Rights Secretary at MJSP – Brasil: Lilian Melo
Head of the Electronic Trade and Digital Economy Division at UNCTAD – Switzerland: Torbjorn Fredriksson
Executive Director of the Satu Data Indonesia Secretariat – Indonesia: Dini Maghfirra
President of the National Data Development Institute – China: Hu Jianbo
National Institution of Transformation in India – NITI Aayog – India. (TBC): Yugal Joshi

→ Panel 2

Theme: Concrete proposals to generate value from data in BRICS countries
Moderator – Brasil: James Görgen (MDIC)
Panelists: Strategy Director, Gaia-X AISBL Project – Belgium: Alberto Palomo
Inrupt CEO, Solid Project USA: John Bruce
President of Dataprev National Data Infrastructure – Brasil: Rodrigo Assumpção
Access the link to the event’s official website to find more information:

https://brics.br/en/news/brics-promotes-webinar-on-data-economy-in-the-digital-economy-community-this-tuesday-march-18-at-8-am