BRICS summit to start in Johannesburg from today

The heads of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa will meet in Johannesburg today in South Africa for the 10^th BRICS summit from July 25 to July 27.

'BRICS in Africa: Collaboration for inclusive growth and shared prosperity in the fourth industrial revolution' has been announced as the theme for this year's summit. The BRICS leaders will also reportedly interact with African leaders on July 27 to discuss growth and prosperity in the region.

Several African leaders are participating in the BRICS-Africa outreach. The Presidents of Nambia, Gabon, Angola, Senegal, Uganda, Togo, and Rwanda will be present at the summit. The head of South African Development Community (SADC) has also been invited to the summit.

The three day summit will hold several events such as the BRICS Business Forum on July 25, BRICS Leaders' meeting and Retreat on July 26, and BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS-Plus Initiative on July 27.

BRICS-Africa Outreach will focus on the strengthening of the relationship between BRICS and Africa, and BRICS-Plus Initiative will reach out to emerging and developing market economies and will be attended by the Presidents of Turkey and Argentina, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Executive Secretary of SADC, CEO of NEPAD agency and the President of New Development Bank.

The BRICS summit will end with the adoption of the 'Johannesburg Declaration', which will include the joint commitments for the year ahead.