Look ahead to 2018 Durban BRICS meeting

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The BRICS meeting in 2018 will take place in Durban, South Africa. It will provide an opportunity for African leaders to network with the alliance's leaders. What can South Africa expect at next year's summit?

The last time the BRICS heads of state meeting was on the continent was in 2013. With many of the BRICS countries already trading with African countries individually, the theme was explicitly about Africa. That theme is likely to continue.

VCG Photo

Lullu Krugel, chief economist of KPMG South Africa, said that there is pressure on South Africa to use their position in the BRICS to bring some benefits back to the African continent.

“There is a possibility that the continued involvement of other BRICS countries in Africa could potentially take away some economic opportunities from South Africa. So it is very important how we position ourselves around it,” said Krugel.

The nature of trade between African countries and BRICS nations also remained a bone of contention. It's hoped that the Durban summit next year will change the situation.

Durban Cityscape. / VCG Photo

"Mostly what we see is the export of raw commodities, and the import of manufactured goods, into African countries. We would like to have a more equitable trading relationship, where we actually export some of our manufactured goods as well,” said Cyril Prinsloo, researcher of South Africa Institute of International Affairs.

Besides, according to Prinsloo, BRICS is expected to address some of infrastructure challenges not only in South Africa but also in the rest of the continent. And it is important for the African regional centre to tie in with the plans of the African Union.

"They'll have their own infrastructure development master plans or development plans, and it will be important for the African Regional Center specifically to tie in and collaborate with these regional organizations," said Prinsloo.