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BRICS+ Series: Egypt's Closed Rafah Crossing
Egypt faces a humanitarian crisis as Israel's military actions close the Rafah border crossing, Gaza's only lifeline. Egypt's role has shifted since its 1979 peace treaty with Israel, and as a BRICS nation, it faces pressure to act amidst a humanitarian crisis. With over a million Palestinians trapped, displaced and international courts demanding action, Egypt's decisions will impact regional dynamics and its global standing.
The Decline of the Dollar, the Rise of BRICS, and the Future of African Development Financing
The shifting global financial landscape, marked by the decline of the US dollar and the ascent of BRICS nations, presents Africa with unprecedented opportunities for development financing and economic partnerships, says the writer.
‘No winner in tariff wars’: Chinese Consul-General Pan Qingjiang addresses Wits students
Chinese Consul-General Pan Qingjiang welcomed Wits University students back from an enlightening tour of China,.
BRICS+ Series: Saudi Arabia’s First Sovereign Green Bond A Milestone in Sustainable Finance
Saudi Arabia has taken a major step toward sustainable finance with the issuance of its first sovereign green bond in February 2025. The bond received an overwhelming response from global investors, being oversubscribed six times. This strong demand underscores growing confidence in Saudi Arabia’s economic outlook and its commitment to environmentally responsible investment opportunities.
BRICS+ Series: China’s Expanding Digital & E-commerce Economy
China is investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen its economy and global influence, with a strong focus on sectors like healthcare, finance, and public security. By implementing AI in areas such as diagnostics and autonomous vehicles. China aims to drive significant advancements. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai are becoming key hubs for AI innovation, supported by government initiatives, research zones, and financial incentives.
Architect of harmony: Kerolin Govender's journey through music and design
Discover the inspiring journey of Kerolin Govender, a Durban-based architect and musician, as he blends Indo-African artistry to uplift communities through his innovative platform, Jivanmukta
BRICS+ Series: How the BRICS Reserve Arrangement is Challenging Western Financial Dominance
As BRICS expands with new members in 2025, its Contingent Reserve Arrangement is evolving from a simple financial safety net into a powerful instrument of economic sovereignty. This analysis examines how the CRA is challenging IMF dominance, supporting Global South economies, and reshaping international finance without Western-imposed austerity measures.
Editor's Note: April's economic dilemma: South Africa's Budget vote and Trump's tariffs
April brings critical economic challenges for South Africa in 2025, highlighted by a pivotal Budget vote and looming tariffs from the US. As the nation grapples with financial strain and political discord, the stakes have never been higher.
From BRICS to Burkina Faso: Rethinking South Africa’s Captured Energy Future
Explore how South Africa's energy transition, framed as a moral imperative, is entangled in geopolitical control and donor dependency, contrasting sharply with Burkina Faso's path towards sovereignty and self-determination.
The Changing US-Russia Relationship Under Trump: A Catalyst for Multipolarity?
President Trump's dramatic shift in US-Russia relations is sending shockwaves through Europe and beyond. By suspending military aid to Ukraine and seeking rapprochement with Moscow, Trump may be inadvertently accelerating the emergence of a multipolar world order, forcing European powers to reconsider their strategic alliances and security frameworks. This analysis explores the far-reaching implications of this geopolitical realignment.
BRICS+ Series: Cannabis in South Africa: Policy Reversals and R28 Billion Economic Opportunity
South Africa's cannabis industry has the potential to generate substantial revenue and jobs, but faces regulatory uncertainty. Despite a 2018 court ruling legalising private use and cultivation, recent policy changes highlight the challenges of balancing economic opportunity with public health concerns. South Africa's experience offers valuable lessons for other countries considering cannabis legalisation.
MK Party's Floyd Shivambu criticises US foreign policy, advocates for ties with BRICS+
Floyd Shivambu, secretary general of the Umkhonto weSizwe Party, challenges South Africa’s reliance on the West and advocates for bolstering ties with the Global South, including countries like Russia, China, India, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates.
BRICS+ Series: The Economic Implications of BRICS+ in the MENA Region
The expansion of BRICS+ into the MENA region, with the inclusion of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, is reshaping global economic dynamics and investment flows.
BRICS+ Series: India’s Evolving Presence in Africa: Reflecting on TEAM-9 and Beyond
This analysis examines how India's engagement with Africa has evolved from the focused TEAM-9 initiative of 2004 to today's comprehensive partnerships spanning trade, technology, infrastructure, and education. As India-Africa bilateral trade surpasses $90 billion and BRICS expands to include African nations, India positions itself as a crucial bridge between Africa and Asia in the emerging multipolar world order.
Editor's Note: The case for rethinking South Africa's strategic reserves in a digital age
Amid a global financial revolution led by stablecoins and digital currencies, South Africa's Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago advocates for traditional monetary policies. As BRICS partners innovate, can South Africa afford to remain cautious in the face of digital transformation?
BRICS+ Series: China’s Green Energy Plan, Embarking on the Global Renewable Revolution
China's unprecedented surge in renewable energy development is reshaping the global energy landscape. With record-breaking investments in solar, wind, and battery technology, China has not only become the world's largest clean energy producer but is actively driving down costs worldwide. China's strategic vision and ambitious targets are accelerating the global transition to sustainable energy, despite ongoing challenges with grid infrastructure and coal dependency.
BRICS+ Series: South Africa's E-commerce Boom: How Digital Shopping is Reshaping BRICS Markets
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.
BRICS+ Series: The Rise of a Global Grain Powerhouse
BRICS+ is emerging as a global grain powerhouse, controlling over 50% of production and reshaping agricultural trade. With the 2024 launch of the BRICS+ Grain Exchange, the bloc is reducing reliance on Western markets, stabilisng prices, and enhancing food security. Much like OPEC with oil, BRICS+ could soon dictate global grain supply and pricing, redefining economic sovereignty.
BRICS+ Series: Political Persecution or Justice? Bolsonaro's Case Strains US-Brazil Relations
As former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro faces potential imprisonment, his son's appeal to the Trump administration highlights the complex web of US-Brazil relations. This analysis explores the historical US influence in Latin America, current economic tensions, and the shifting global alliances reshaping international politics.
Brics+ Series: BRICS bloc Quantum Computing Race: Breaking the Western Tech Monopoly
In the fields of cybersecurity and quantum computing, BRICS has become a powerful influence. These countries are upending the Western powers' long-standing technical domination by utilizing their combined strengths and encouraging cooperation, opening the door to a more safe and multipolar digital future.
BRICS+ Series: How Egypt is Revolutionising Africa's Pharmaceutical Industry
Egypt is transforming into Africa's pharmaceutical powerhouse, with 90% of drugs now produced locally. Through strategic BRICS partnerships, billion-dollar investments, and cutting-edge technology, Egypt is revolutionising healthcare access across Africa while building a $3 billion export industry by 2030. From vaccine manufacturing to Egyptian medical tourism, Cairo's ambitious vision is reshaping the continent's healthcare landscape.
AGDA Trainee Diplomats Visit South Africa to Strengthen Diplomatic Ties
The UAE Embassy in South Africa hosted a delegation of trainee diplomats from the UAE’s Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (ADGA) from February 14 to 19 2025.
BRICS+ Series: Brazil's Healthcare System, Challenges and Opportunities
Brazil's $161 billion healthcare market represents Latin America's largest medical ecosystem, where innovative public-private partnerships are reshaping care delivery for 214 million citizens. Despite ranking 125th globally in healthcare efficiency, Brazil's unique dual system has achieved remarkable success in reducing mortality rates and expanding access to underserved communities. This analysis explores how investment opportunities and systematic reforms are transforming the nation's healthcare landscape.
The change from Taipei Liaison Office to Taipei Commercial Office
Discover how South Africa's renaming of the Taipei Liaison Office to Taipei Commercial Office reflects its commitment to independent foreign policy and the One-China Principle.
Beyond numbers: South Africa’s budget as a blueprint for aspiration, equity and renewal
South Africa's national budget stands at a crucial crossroads between social welfare and economic growth. This analysis explores how strategic fiscal planning could transform the nation's future, balancing social responsibilities with competitive advantage in the global market.