Latest news with #South-South
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
BRICS+ Series: China's Belt & Road Initiative is Advancing Ethiopia's Infrastructure
Ethiopia's strategic partnership with China under the Belt and Road Initiative exemplifies a new development model for the Global South, as it aligns with BRICS' vision of infrastructure-led growth and cooperative partnerships. A new narrative is unfolding in the Horn of Africa and it is one that defies the legacies of colonialism and reclaims Africa's right to development on its own terms. With its dynamic economy and rich history, Ethiopia has become a key player in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). As BRICS+ expands its footprint with the joining of Ethiopia in 2024, the alignment that is between BRICS development goals and Chinese infrastructure investments is both inspiring and critical. Reimagining Development Through BRICS The BRICS bloc has always championed alternative models of development. These models challenge the conditions and ideological strings of the institutions in the Global North and emphasise sovereignty, mutual respect and practical cooperation. The BRICS framework calls for infrastructure-led development, financial independence from traditionally dominant Western lenders such as the World Bank and the IMF and equitable partnerships. Ethiopia's collaboration with China, particularly within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), exemplifies the BRICS vision of fostering physical and digital infrastructure, strengthening South-South cooperation, and promoting industrial growth across the Global South. The BRI, therefore, extends beyond a singular Chinese endeavor, embodying the core principles of the BRICS economic partnership. The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway: Steel Tracks to Sovereignty One of the most symbolic projects under the BRI of China is the Addis Ababa– Djibouti railway. Completed in 2016 with Chinese engineering and financing, the 750-kilometre electrified railway that connects landlocked Ethiopia to Djibouti's Port– the lifeline for over 95% of Ethiopia's exports and imports. This railway has significantly reduced the transport time from three days to less than 12 hours, improving trade efficiency, cutting costs and reshaping the architecture of logistics within the region. Despite "debt trap" criticisms of Chinese infrastructure investments, Ethiopia's experience with the Belt and Road Initiative offers a counter-narrative. The operational Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway serves as a crucial element in Ethiopia's economic development. Instead of defaulting, Ethiopia successfully negotiated debt restructuring with China in 2023, demonstrating a cooperative and flexible partnership unlike the strict austerity measures often imposed by Western creditors. BRICS and Ethiopia: A Symbiotic Vision Ethiopia's 2024 entry into BRICS+ offers new opportunities for funding, technology exchange, and strategic partnerships. The New Development Bank (NDB), a BRICS initiative designed as an alternative to the World Bank, is now positioned to finance increased infrastructure development in East Africa. The NDB's lending approach is specifically designed for developing nations, prioritizing sustainability and local involvement—principles often overlooked by conventional financial institutions. For Ethiopia, this is a development model that is not only tailored to its unique challenges, but is also embedded in a bigger Global South coalition. The 10 year development plan of Ethiopia– centered on energy generation, industrial parks and digital transformation– emphasises BRICS' prioritisation of inclusive and high impact development. China financing Ethiopia's Industrial Parks in Adama and Hawassa, for example, has created thousands of jobs, especially for women, and it has also linked Ethiopia into global supply chains without the risk of compromising local control. Ethiopia as a BRICS Beacon in Africa Ethiopia's increasing symbolic and strategic importance within the expanding BRICS framework is evident. As one of Africa's most populous countries, a significant diplomatic center hosting the African Union, and a rising industrial force, Ethiopia's engagement with both the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and BRICS is a conscious decision. This reflects Ethiopia's strategic preference for infrastructure-driven development, South-South partnerships, and a multipolar world order, moving away from reliance on aid and traditional neoliberal approaches. Amidst global inequality, climate instability, and geopolitical changes, the Global South, exemplified by countries like Ethiopia, is moving beyond passively receiving development aid. It is actively shaping its own path, redefining progress, and building resilience. Platforms like BRICS and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are facilitating this shift, marking a new era of agency for Africa.A Future Built on CollaborationThe Ethiopia-China-BRICS alliance offers a compelling alternative to traditional development models in 2025. It demonstrates that development is a locally driven, negotiated process rooted in the needs of the people, rather than a uniform approach dictated by Western powers. Ethiopia's experience with the Belt and Road Initiative, especially as more Global South nations join BRICS and align with it, demonstrates that infrastructure development can be a source of liberation and that South-led development, fostered through empowering partnerships, ultimately benefits the global community. Ethiopia's experience exemplifies a BRICS-supported development model for the Global South, suggesting a broader renaissance across these nations. Written By: *Dr Iqbal Survé Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN *Sesona Mdlokovana Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group UAE & African Specialist **The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL. ** MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE ** Follow @brics_daily on X/Twitter for daily BRICS+ updates
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Surve's Urgent Call for Action : A South African Vision for Youth and Economic Renewal
In a world of uncertainty, true leadership is measured by the ability to confront pressing crises. In South Africa, the future of millions of young people depends on bold action and innovative solutions. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers In an age where nations teeter between promise and peril, the true measure of leadership is not in grand speeches but in the ability to confront the crises that define a generation. Nowhere is this more urgent than in South Africa, where the future of millions of young people hinges on bold action, not empty rhetoric. It is in this context that the recent awarding of the Global Trailblazer Award to South African entrepreneur Dr. Iqbal Survé by the T20/G20 Future of Jobs Summit feels less like a surprise and more like the natural outcome of a life lived with purpose. The Award, reserved for individuals who have shattered boundaries and sparked global movements, acknowledged Dr Survé's lifetime of work in business innovation, social transformation, and international cooperation. In the words of the citation, it celebrated his 'pioneering spirit, boundary-breaking leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence' — a fitting tribute to someone whose journey has consistently bridged commerce, conscience, and community. For decades, South Africa has struggled with one of the world's highest youth unemployment rates, now hovering at over 60%. The crisis extends beyond economics; it threatens the nation's social fabric and future stability. Addressing this challenge has been at the heart of Survé's broader mission, from his days as a medical doctor treating victims of apartheid, to building companies that have created thousands of jobs and sustainable enterprises across Africa. As a founding member and chairperson of the BRICS Business Council, Survé helped shape the architecture of South-South cooperation, advocating for emerging markets long before it became fashionable. His diplomatic engagements have earned him recognition from several nations, including the International Friendship award from Her Majesty, Queen Letizia of Spain, and fourteen other global awards, and he has been a member of the World Economic Forum since 2007. In these arenas, Survé has championed a future where emerging economies are not mere participants, but architects of a multipolar world order. During his recent address at the Future of Jobs Summit, Dr Survé didn't mince words about the scale of South Africa's challenges. In a moment that blended satire with sober reflection, he remarked on the conspicuous absence of key South African officials, a nod that underscored deeper concerns about leadership's reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths. True leadership, he argued, lies not in diplomatic courtesies but in the courage to advocate for bold, structural reforms, especially in the face of youth unemployment. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading In his keynote, Dr Survé proposed practical and visionary solutions: creating regional centres of excellence across Africa, each dedicated to building expertise in critical sectors such as technology and energy. 'Let's divide up the continent,' he said, 'not by colonial lines, but by language and capability, and build institutions that serve our future.' It was a call not just to action, but to rethink Africa's place in the world. The significance of the Trailblazer Award, then, lies not merely in the personal recognition of Dr Survé, but in what it represents — the validation of a worldview rooted in service, resilience, and transformation. At a time when the global order itself is being renegotiated, leaders like Survé offer a reminder that real progress is driven not by those who wait for change but by those who build it. The world is full of awards, but few are earned through the steady accumulation of deeds that shift the horizon of possibility for others. In that sense, Survé's recognition is less about personal acclaim and more a marker of what leadership, grounded in principle and action, can achieve. * Adri Senekal de Wet is the Editor-in-Chief of Independent Media.
India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
All-Party Delegation: India Pushes South-South Trade, Reiterates Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
During the Group 7 all-party delegation visit to South Africa under the government's diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, Indian MPs across party lines underlined India's commitment to countering terrorism and deepening cooperation under the BRICS framework. The delegation, led by NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, held a press conference highlighting the common resolve against terrorism. Additionally, AAP MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney highlighted India's focus on "South-South cooperation" and advocated for BRICS trade in local currencies, along with expanded investment through the New Development Bank to support Africa's agri-value chains and food security. Speaking at the press conference on Thursday (local time), Sahney said, "India has historic relations with South Africa and at that point of time, African National Congress (ANC) was the largest party but during this visit, our delegation had very fruitful discussions and interacted with all senior leaders of the ANC." He added, "We fully support the South-South cooperation and, as a member of the BRICS council, it was in Durban that the BRICS forum was launched in 2012. We are also looking at BRICS countries to conduct trade in local currencies. I think it is within our right to promote trade and investment, and promote, through the New Development Bank, of which India was a great supporter, to get the regional office opened in South Africa. We have laid emphasis that the BRICS Development Bank should also focus more on the agri-value chain for food security of Africa." BJP MP Anurag Thakur emphasised the global support India has received in light of repeated terror attacks. "We have been going places conveying the message of 1.4 billion Indians as we have been the victim of cross-border terrorism. The message is very loud and clear. Whatever we have been seeing from the reports that anywhere the other delegations have gone, the majority of the nations have come in favour because it is not only a threat to India but to the world," he said. BJP leader and delegation member V Muraleedharan also reiterated India's consistent and non-partisan foreign policy. He said, "India, whichever country we engage with, be it South Africa or any other country, we don't engage with a particular party in Government. We engage with the government irrespective of the party and with the people of that country." "India's relationship with South Africa is centuries old. We have been partners as people-to-people as well as in trade and economy and government-to-government. India continues to have its foreign policy which considers the interests of the international community, the global good and the rule of law. These two aspects have been kept of prime importance. We feel that the BRICS or the interests of the global south will be of paramount importance of India. We will continue to engage with South Africa as well as other partners in the same way that we have been doing." The members of the delegation comprise of MPs Supriya Sule, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, Manish Tewari, Anurag Singh Thakur, Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Anand Sharma, former Minister of Commerce & Industry, V Muraleedharan, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, and Syed Akbaruddin, Former Permanent Representative of India to the UN. They visited Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, paid tribute at the Gandhi Statue, and viewed the Mandela-Gandhi Exhibition inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit comes in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, launched by India in response to the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, in which 26 people, including a Nepalese national, were killed.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
All-party delegation: India pushes South-South trade, reiterates counter-terrorism cooperation
Johannesburg [South Africa], May 30 (ANI): During the Group 7 all-party delegation visit to South Africa under the government's diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, Indian MPs across party lines underlined India's commitment to countering terrorism and deepening cooperation under the BRICS framework. The delegation, led by NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, held a press conference highlighting the common resolve against terrorism. Additionally, AAP MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney highlighted India's focus on 'South-South cooperation' and advocated for BRICS trade in local currencies, along with expanded investment through the New Development Bank to support Africa's agri-value chains and food security. Speaking at the press conference on Thursday (local time), Sahney said, 'India has historic relations with South Africa and at that point of time, African National Congress (ANC) was the largest party but during this visit, our delegation had very fruitful discussions and interacted with all senior leaders of the ANC.' He added, 'We fully support the South-South cooperation and, as a member of the BRICS council, it was in Durban that the BRICS forum was launched in 2012. We are also looking at BRICS countries to conduct trade in local currencies. I think it is within our right to promote trade and investment, and promote, through the New Development Bank, of which India was a great supporter, to get the regional office opened in South Africa. We have laid emphasis that the BRICS Development Bank should also focus more on the agri-value chain for food security of Africa.' BJP MP Anurag Thakur emphasised the global support India has received in light of repeated terror attacks. 'We have been going places conveying the message of 1.4 billion Indians as we have been the victim of cross-border terrorism. The message is very loud and clear. Whatever we have been seeing from the reports that anywhere the other delegations have gone, the majority of the nations have come in favour because it is not only a threat to India but to the world,' he said. BJP leader and delegation member V Muraleedharan also reiterated India's consistent and non-partisan foreign policy. He said, 'India, whichever country we engage with, be it South Africa or any other country, we don't engage with a particular party in Government. We engage with the government irrespective of the party and with the people of that country.' 'India's relationship with South Africa is centuries old. We have been partners as people-to-people as well as in trade and economy and government-to-government. India continues to have its foreign policy which considers the interests of the international community, the global good and the rule of law. These two aspects have been kept of prime importance. We feel that the BRICS or the interests of the global south will be of paramount importance of India. We will continue to engage with South Africa as well as other partners in the same way that we have been doing.' The members of the delegation comprise of MPs Supriya Sule, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, Manish Tewari, Anurag Singh Thakur, Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Anand Sharma, former Minister of Commerce & Industry, V Muraleedharan, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, and Syed Akbaruddin, Former Permanent Representative of India to the UN. They visited Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, paid tribute at the Gandhi Statue, and viewed the Mandela-Gandhi Exhibition inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit comes in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, launched by India in response to the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, in which 26 people, including a Nepalese national, were killed. (ANI)
The Print
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
All-party delegation briefs Sierra Leone's Dy Defence Minister about India's strategic restraints in counter terrorism ops
'@DrSEShinde led All-party delegation met Sierra Leone's Dy Defence Minister Col.(Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi, & briefed him about India's strategic restraints in its counter terrorism ops & reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism,' the Indian High Commission in Freetown said in a post on X. The delegation reached Sierra Leone on Wednesday from Congo. It is one of the seven multi-party delegations India has tasked to visit 33 global capitals to reach out to the international community after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead. Freetown (Sierra Leone), May 29 (PTI) A high-level all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde met Sierra Leone's Deputy Defence Minister Muana Brima Massaquoi here on Thursday and briefed him about India's strategic restraints in its counter terrorism operations and reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism. The visit of the delegation reflects India's resolute commitment to countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and underscores its broader effort to engage the international community to ensure regional and global peace and stability, the High Commission said in a press release on Wednesday. India and Sierra Leone enjoy warm and friendly relations rooted in shared democratic values, South-South cooperation, and a common vision for a secure and prosperous future, it said, adding that the visit is expected to further consolidate bilateral relations and foster deeper strategic understanding between the two nations. Besides Shinde, the delegation comprises Bansuri Swaraj (BJP), ET Mohmd Basheer (Indian Union Muslim League), Atul Garg (BJP), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Manan Kumar Mishra (BJP), Surendrajeet Singh Ahluwalia (BJP), and former diplomat Sujan Chinoy. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives. India carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7, following which Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions. The on-ground hostilities ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10. PTI SCY SCY This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
