Moscow: AfricUpdate – News Desk
African countries see BRICS as a tool for strengthening their international influence and expanding their representation on the world stage. This was stated in an exclusive interview with TV BRICS by Maya Nikolskaya, Acting Director of the Centre for African Studies at the MGIMO University.
According to her, the African labour market is of particular interest to the countries of the association, including Russia, as demographic growth in developed countries is slowing down, while Africa has significant labour resources. “The task of the BRICS countries is to help Africa develop this human capital,” the expert noted.
Nikolskaya believes that for the countries of the African continent, participation in the group has become a significant “statement of intent.” South Africa is the driving force behind Africa in BRICS, while also working with other rapidly developing markets in the Global South, she added.
In addition, the expert listed the key areas of the New Development Bank’s projects in Africa: transport infrastructure, water supply and energy. However, in her opinion, the priority will soon shift to digitalisation, including the introduction of modern technologies in medicine, public services and agriculture.
