BRICS TOPICS

Focus areas

  • Global Governance
  • International Security & Stability
  • Trade & Economic Cooperation
  • Enhancement of International Financial and Monetary Systems
  • Business and Investment
  • Just Development
  • Environmental Protection
  • Science, High Technology and Innovation
  • Education
  • Healthcare Cooperation

“A Decade of Impact: AfDB President Adesina Reflects on Ten Transformative Years”

In an emotional and inspiring address at the President’s Media Welcome Breakfast, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), opened the 2025 Annual Meetings by reflecting on a decade of transformational leadership, strategic innovation, and people-centered development. Speaking to a packed room of international media and senior AfDB officials, Adesina recounted the milestones achieved since his election in 2015—from spearheading the largest capital increase in the Bank’s history to pioneering the High 5s agenda that has positively impacted the lives of over 565 million Africans. Under his leadership, the AfDB scaled up access to electricity, water, sanitation, healthcare, transportation, and food security across the continent. From the Senegambia Bridge to Kenya’s Last Mile Connectivity and Lesotho’s school sanitation upgrades, Adesina brought personal stories to life, reminding attendees that “These are not just figures. They are futures.” Looking ahead, he emphasized continuity and momentum: “Leadership may change, but our mission endures.” As he prepares to pass the baton to the next President, Dr. Adesina called on the media to continue amplifying Africa’s development journey: “You are not just observers. You are amplifiers of Africa’s voice.” This year's Annual Meetings, themed "Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development," promise robust dialogue on how Africa can leverage its own wealth to fuel a self-determined future. 🔗 Read the full address and explore key highlights below.

Soviet Union & South Africa – Allies in World War II

On May 9th, 2025, the world marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945), a pivotal chapter of World War II led by the Soviet Union's heroic resistance against Nazi Germany. In a commemorative article, Russian Ambassador to South Africa, Roman Ambarov, reflects on both the immense sacrifice of the Soviet people, who lost nearly 27 million lives, and the critical, yet often overlooked, role played by South Africa in the Allied war effort. South Africa's strategic ports, especially Cape Town, facilitated vital Lend-Lease supply routes to the USSR. Thousands of South African seamen served on perilous Arctic Convoys delivering aid to besieged Soviet cities. A secret South African air mission in 1945 coincided with the historic Yalta Conference in Crimea. Grassroots support in South Africa was profound. Pro-Soviet organizations raised over R1.2 billion in humanitarian aid, providing life-saving medical supplies. Cultural solidarity also flourished, including the African premiere of Shostakovich's "Leningrad" Symphony, whose proceeds supported the Soviet war effort. Ambassador Ambarov emphasizes the shared legacy between South Africa and the Soviet Union in defeating Nazism—a victory that underpinned the post-war global order, enabled decolonization, and inspired resistance to racial oppression, including apartheid. The article reminds us of the deep historical ties between the two nations and the lasting impact of their alliance on shaping a more just and equal world.

Sharing Development Opportunities

At the 2024 Beijing Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in September last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed that the overall characterisation of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. “This declaration affirms, whether faced with pandemic or geopolitical shifts, Africa and China will still remain each other's most trustworthy true partners,” said Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, South Africa’s minister of public service and administration. “In this light, we must therefore recognise and celebrate soft power and capacity building as equally important components and realms where China has made remarkable contributions to Africa's public service and educational spheres.” Buthelezi made the remarks at a seminar on “Governance of China: Forging an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future in the New Era” held in Pretoria on 25 April. The seminar, held by China International Communications Group (CICG) Centre for Europe and Africa, was attended by more than 50 participants, including government officials, professors and scholars, youth representatives, and journalists. Participants discussed topics like cooperation and exchanges in the area of governance, strengthening of China-Africa cooperation, youth exchanges and people-to-people exchanges. They believe that exchanges and cooperation in governance between China and African countries can help to promote development and transition of African countries. They applauded the fact that President Xi has put forward a series of public goods like the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative, which serve as important cooperation platforms for Global South countries.