BRICS Expansion: Emerging of New Semi-Peripheries or Sub-Imperialism? A Comparative Analysis of Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Africa.

The article examines the implications of the expansion of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) group, particularly with Ethiopia joining as a member in 2024 and Nigeria and Uganda becoming partner countries in 2025, for the status of semi-peripheral powers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using the Modern World-System (MWS) theory and concepts of sub-imperialism and semi-periphery, the study finds that despite the growing prominence of Ethiopia and Nigeria, South Africa remains the only semi-peripheral power in SSA due to its more diversified economy, stronger governance, and greater regional and global influence. The expansion of BRICS is interpreted as an extension of global capitalism rather than a fundamental challenge to the existing world order, with African BRICS members largely dependent on core and semi-peripheral powers. The article highlights ongoing regional challenges faced by Ethiopia and Nigeria and suggests that while BRICS membership offers symbolic and diplomatic advantages, it does not currently translate into upward mobility within the global system for these countries.