Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima is in Johannesburg, South Africa, representing President Bola Tinubu at the 15th BRICS Summit.
This annual gathering brings together influential leaders from the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—as well as numerous other dignitaries eager to join the alliance.
The summit taking place from Tuesday August 22 to 24 at the Sandton Convention Centre, will address crucial global topics such as trade and investment facilitation, sustainable development, innovation, and reforming global governance.
This year’s discussions include a focus on de-dollarization, seeking to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and promote the use of national currencies in global trade.
With an agenda that extends beyond economic matters, the summit also aims to foster geopolitical dialogue and enhance trade and infrastructure development.
BRICS, representing over 42 per cent of the global population, 30 per cent of the world’s landmass, 23 per cent of the global economy, and 18 per cent of worldwide trade, is committed to reshaping the international political, economic, and financial landscape.
Notable attendees include South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, China’s President Xi Jinping, Brazil’s President Luiz Lula da Silva, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Additionally, seventy-three distinguished guests, including the United Nations Secretary-General, the African Union Commission Chairperson, and the President of the New Development Bank, have been invited.
Accompanied by senior government officials, Vice President Shettima is expected to return to the country at the weekend.