BRICS is emerging as a sandbox for experimentation with various non-USD instruments, including payment systems, cryptocurrencies, digitalized mechanisms for trade in national currencies or through barter, and hubs for commodities trading outside of dollar dominance.

Trade volumes between Russia and African nations have fallen since the last event in 2019, while the war in Ukraine and Wagner’s activities on the continent have strained political ties.

Africa is becoming a battlefield of artificial narratives. The Kremlin pretends it is creating a “second front” and challenging the rules-based order, while the West feigns concern over the Kremlin’s actions there, while knowing perfectly well that the main threat to its interests in the region is actually China.