Story by Wellington Makonese
HARARE – ZIMBABWE has formally initiated the process to join the BRICS grouping of emerging economies following high-level diplomatic engagements held in the capital on Monday between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, and Brazil’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Vilmar Rogeiro Coutinho.
The meeting, which took place at the Ministry’s offices, focused on strengthening bilateral ties and multilateral cooperation, with Zimbabwe’s intention to become part of BRICS taking centre stage.
Brazil currently holds the rotating chair of the BRICS bloc, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Professor Murwira described the discussions as fruitful, noting that Zimbabwe had received valuable guidance from Brazil on the procedural steps for membership.
“We have had an excellent meeting this morning with his Excellency ambassador talking about our bilateral relationships, but we also touched on multilateral issues. On our bilateral relationship, Zimbabwe and Brazil have excellent relations. We have also discussed about Zimbabwe’s formal application to be associated with BRICS in the categories that are deemed fit within BRICS, but we associated with BRICS because Brazil is the current chair of BRICS. We have had a lot of positive exchanges and good guidance from Brazil as chair of BRICS on steps that we must take, which we are already taking,” he said.
Ambassador Coutinho reaffirmed Brazil’s support for Zimbabwe’s ambitions and its broader desire to deepen ties in key sectors.
“I am very honoured to have had this opportunity to engage with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. As the Minister highlighted, Zimbabwe has expressed a clear interest in joining BRICS, and we are working together towards a successful conclusion,” the Ambassador said.
Zimbabwe’s application is consistent with its foreign policy doctrine of “A Friend to All and Enemy to None,” which underscores non-alignment, constructive engagement, and pursuit of mutually beneficial partnerships.
The BRICS group was established in 2006 and aims to promote multi polarity in global governance, strengthen south-south cooperation, and foster development through shared initiatives.
South Africa joined the original four members in 2010.
The bloc advocates for reforms at global institutions, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs of member states.
Zimbabwe’s overtures to join the bloc mark a strategic pivot in its international relations, aimed at reinforcing its economic and geopolitical leverage amid a shifting global order.
