BRICS Nations, Led by Russia and China, Position Africa as Emerging Trade Powerhouse
At the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the growing influence of BRICS nations, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, in global trade and economic growth. Putin noted that these countries now account for nearly half of global economic growth and have significantly increased their share of global merchandise trade. The forum emphasized the potential of Africa as a future economic leader, with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan pointing out Africa's demographic and economic trajectory. The African Continental Free Trade Area is expected to become the world's largest market by population, and Africa's middle class is projected to exceed one billion people.