Ethiopian News Agency (ENA)                      April 14 2025

   A pivotal policy dialogue, as part of the BRICS Think Tank Council, was convened at Jimma University, focusing on Ethiopia’s strategic engagement within the BRICS alliance.

   The two-day event, titled “Ethiopian Expert Institutions: BRICS Insights for National Aspirations,” aims to deepen collaboration among Ethiopian institutions and their BRICS counterparts, following Ethiopia’s accession to the bloc in January of last year.

   The dialogue, a follow-up to initial assessments conducted within the BRICS Think Tank Council, sought to highlight Ethiopia’s evolving role, identify growth opportunities, and strengthen research cooperation within the framework of the alliance.

   IFA Director Jafar Bediru underscored the critical importance of national engagement as Ethiopia looks toward 2024 and beyond. “Today, we convene to discuss our national engagement and identify the opportunities and challenges that will inform our active participation in 2025,” he stated.

   He further emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts among diverse institutions, highlighting that shared experiences and insights are crucial for enriching initiatives that serve Ethiopia’s national interests.

   The recommendations developed here will be submitted to the BRICS bloc, Jafar announced, indicating that the dialogue’s outcomes are expected to influence the bloc’s strategic direction over the coming years. “These ideas are aimed at securing Ethiopia’s national interest while also helping BRICS to achieve its long-term goals,” he elaborated.

   Experts highlighted the significance of intellectual engagement and cross-institutional collaboration as Ethiopia navigates its new role within the global alliance. They emphasized the potential benefits of participating in a bloc comprising nations with vast populations and consumer markets.

   According to the report, the BRICS policy dialogues are seen as crucial platforms for Ethiopia and other new member states to explore and develop strategies that enable emerging economies to overcome future challenges, fostering a more equitable and prosperous global landscape.