Themed “BRICS in Africa – Working towards the realization of the African Aspirations,” the session was an occasion for African and BRICS leaders to devise ways to pursue inclusive growth on the African continent.
Speaking at the session, President Kagame who is also the Chairperson of the African Union pointed out that strengthening cooperation with BRICS contributes to medium and long-term human security and wider benefits, especially employment, for Africa’s young population.
“We want to collaborate on key sectors, including industrialization, infrastructure, as well as peace and security, which are at the heart of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. There is clearly a convergence of interests, between Africa and BRICS members. What is most needed is a mechanism for effective delivery on agreed areas,” President Kagame said.
The President also attended a Business Networking Lunch hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Leaders who attended the BRICS Africa Outreach dialogue include President Michel Temer of Brazil, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, President Xi Jinping of China and host President Cyril Ramaphosa amongst others.
Convened annually, the Summit discusses spheres of political and socio-economic matters in which member countries have identified viable business opportunities, economic complementarities, and areas of cooperation.