By Felix Katyetye
President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to participate in the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues, taking place on August 24, 2023, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed his attendance and emphasized the significance of his role in advancing the integration agenda and fostering economic prosperity in the region.
The event, hosted by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, will coincide with the 15th BRICS Summit, marking a platform for discussions aimed at reinforcing mutually beneficial partnerships in growth, development, peace, and inclusive multilateralism within the context of a multi-polar world.
President Hichilema’s attendance carries additional weight as he serves as the Chairperson of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Notably, he is expected to join the BRICS roundtable discussions focusing on “Promoting African Integration and Jointly Building a High-Level Africa-China Community with a shared Future.” The roundtable will be co-chaired by President Ramaphosa and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China said Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr. Stanley Kakubo.
Mr. Kakubo added that in a remarkable show of inclusivity, invitations to participate in the roundtable discussions have been extended to all eight Chairs of the African Union’s Regional Economic Communities, the Chairperson of the African Union, the co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit has officially commenced today in South Africa, with leaders from the member nations converging to discuss vital global issues and strengthen collaboration.
The summit’s comprehensive agenda features significant topics such as dedollarisation, expansion of the BRICS partnership to include approximately 41 new countries, and bolstered economic cooperation.
