There is profound excitement in Ethiopia after the country was admitted into the Brics, a bloc of emerging global leaders.
The bloc that until Friday, included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, invited Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia to be part of the family.
While commenting on Ethiopia’s entry, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, described it as a “high point” for Africa’s second most populous country.
The nations were invited during the meeting at their summit in Johannesburg.
“An important moment for Ethiopia, the Brics leaders accepted our entry into the group today. Ethiopia stands ready to cooperate with all for an inclusive and prosperous world order,” wrote Abiy Ahmed on his X (ex-Twitter) account.
“Congratulations to all Ethiopians!” also read the X account of the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s office.
In Uganda, the Ethiopian Ambassador, Etsegenet Yimenu Bezabih, also took to X to express her joy at the country’s entry into the bloc.
Traditionally non-aligned, Ethiopia, which was never colonised, maintains close ties with Russia and China – its main trading partner.
Ethiopia was one of the world’s most dynamic economies during the 2010 decade.
The horn of Africa nation, famous for its coffee, fruits and meat products will be looking to widen its global market with the entry into BRICS.
