BRICS News Digest for the previous week
We will tell you what has happened in economics, politics, culture, science and education in the BRICS countries
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Photo source: metamorworks / iStock
SCO Foreign Ministers’ Council Meeting takes place in Kyrgyzstan
Participants discussed preparations for the summit in Bishkek and agreed on a package of documents for heads of state
A meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states was held in Cholpon-Ata under the chairmanship of Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev.
Zimbabwe joins New Development Bank to support industrialisation and infrastructure growth
The country’s membership opens new opportunities for long-term financing to advance economic transformation and development projects
Zimbabwe has officially joined the New Development Bank (NDB), expanding access to long-term financing for infrastructure development, industrialisation and economic growth.
Egyptian and Russian foreign ministers discuss development of strategic partnership during ASEAN Ministerial Meeting
The two sides reaffirmed their intention to expand cooperation in various fields
Egypt and Russia explored the possibility of developing joint projects and launching seasonal flights during a meeting between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, which took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Manila.
Brazil launches astronomy plan 2025–2035 to advance space research
The strategy sets priorities for scientific research, advanced technologies and public engagement in astronomy over the next decade
Brazil has released the National Astronomy Plan 2025–2035, a strategic document outlining priorities for the development of astronomy over the next decade.
South Africa expands special economic zones to drive industrial growth and investment
Government strengthens SEZ strategy with new zones, infrastructure investment and export ambitions to boost manufacturing, attract capital and create jobs
South Africa is accelerating the expansion of its Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as part of a broader strategy to revitalise industrial production, increase exports and attract long-term investment.
India hosts BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting to strengthen cooperation in global healthcare
The event in Chandigarh brought together representatives of the BRICS countries to advance cooperation in health security, digital technologies and sustainable healthcare systems
India hosts the 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting in Chandigarh as part of its 2026 BRICS Сhairship.
Addis Ababa becomes leading African tourism destination with record growth in international conferences
Urban renewal projects transform Ethiopia's capital from a transit hub into a growing leisure and business travel destination, hosting more than 221 global events
Addis Ababa is rapidly establishing itself as one of Africa's fastest-growing tourism destinations, with large-scale urban regeneration projects and a sharp increase in international conferences boosting the Ethiopian capital's global profile.
UAE non-oil foreign trade reaches record US$527.4 billion in first half of 2026
Historic trade performance reinforces the UAE's position as a global commerce and logistics hub
The United Arab Emirates recorded its strongest-ever non-oil foreign trade performance in the first half of 2026, with total trade reaching AED1.937 trillion (approximately US$527.4 billion).
Egypt’s agricultural exports surpass 5.8 million tonnes as citrus, potatoes and grapes lead record growth
Strong global demand and expanded market access drive Egypt’s agricultural export performance in 2026
Egypt’s agricultural exports have reached a historic milestone in 2026, with total shipments exceeding 5.8 million tonnes of agricultural products.
Indonesia aims to become Asian hydrogen hub
The country is strengthening its low-carbon energy strategy by developing an integrated hydrogen ecosystem to support industry, transport and economic growth
Indonesia has the potential to become a leading centre for hydrogen production, trade and development in Asia as demand for low-carbon energy grows across the region.
China creates nearly 7 million urban jobs in first half of 2026
Vocational training, skills certification and stronger labour protections support steady employment growth
China's labour market maintained steady momentum in the first half of 2026, with 6.95 million new urban jobs created and the average surveyed urban unemployment rate holding at 5.2 per cent.
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Society27.09.26BRICS News Digest for the previous week -
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Society24.09.26Brazil creates national biobank network -
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Society22.09.26Kazakhstani citizens plant more than 38,000 trees and shrubs during environmental campaign -
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Society21.09.26Iran ranks among global leaders in vaccination and infertility treatment -
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Society21.09.26Admasu Damtew, Ethiopia’s Media Manager: "Future of journalism lies in partnerships that transcend national borders" -
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Society20.09.26BRICS News Digest for the previous week
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![Evgeny Solntsev]()
Evgeny SolntsevGovernor of Orenburg Region (Russia)"We see growth year after year. Last year, the figure increased by 11.6 per cent. The total share of our products on the sales market is around 24.7 per cent. BRICS countries account for a quarter of all our products. Good-neighbourly relations with Kazakhstan are very important for us. Then come China and India. We primarily focus on these countries because they are our closest neighbours" -
![Elias Monage]()
Elias MonageChairman of the South African side of the Russia-South Africa Business Council"If we are then to do a huge project, for example, on rail infrastructure, we can then bring the rest of the continent to participate in the rail development and infrastructure for the continent together with the partners within the BRICS countries. Whether we then bring, for example, Russia rail, we then bring India, we then bring China" -
![Maksim Reshetnikov]()
Maksim ReshetnikovRussian Minister of Economic Development"Plan 2030 has created a strong foundation for the qualitative expansion of trade and economic ties. There are all grounds to believe that by the end of the decade, Russia–China trade will reach US$300 billion"
