A Bigger BRICS Aims to Shake Up Geopolitics: Next Africa Special

An illuminated sign at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Aug. 22. 

Photographer: Leon Sadiki/Bloomberg

Welcome to Next Africa, a newsletter on where the continent stands now — and where it’s headed.

The BRICS group of emerging market powers has been considering adding new members for years, but could never agree.