Grain and credit ratings at the heart of Putin's plan: The President hopes to cultivate collaboration and unity at this week's summit in order to defy western isolation and challenge the dominance of the dollar.

The article focuses on recent political and economic developments in Africa and the Middle East ahead of upcoming elections and international summits. In Namibia, the November polls are expected to be competitive as the ruling SWAPO party faces challenges from the Independent Patriots for Change amid corruption scandals. Tanzania's opposition Chadema party reports ongoing violence and alleged electoral manipulation ahead of local elections, while President Samia Suluhu Hassan condemns such acts. In Egypt, President Abdel Fattah el Sisi warns of possible renegotiation of an $8 billion IMF loan due to regional instability and rising economic pressures, including subsidy cuts and fuel price hikes. At the BRICS summit in Moscow, Russia aims to promote financial integration, a grain exchange, and alternative credit rating systems to counter Western sanctions and dollar dominance, with potential benefits for African countries invited to join the bloc.