BRICS was a foregone conclusion at a time of cooperation against apartheid, CEO of South Africa's Lindiwe Sisulu Foundation, Mphumzi Mdekazi, told Sputnik Africa.
"One would even foretell that BRICS was a foregone economic embryonic block in spiritual political thought, given the foresight and the benefit of hindsight of all these efforts by our forefathers. Inevitably, BRICS was going to be born," Mdekazi said at a forum at Russia's MGIMO University.
Speaking about the future of the BRICS bloc, he noted that Russia should "spearhead the establishment of BRICS Military Wing and BRICS Intelligence outfit" to "stabilize the world, especially on the Israel-Palestine conflict."
"Africa ought to strengthen its relationship with BRICS expanding and diversifying trade and investment amongst partners. Enhancing regional economic integration. Collaborating on infrastructure development, technology transfer, and skills development," he said at the event titled "Russia-Africa: What is Next?"
It is necessary for Africa to strengthen fast digital cooperation, innovation, science and technology transfer "to catch up with the world" and to focus more "on African regional integration and development," the head of the foundation said, adding that "Russia should help Africa to achieve this quickly."
The third International Youth Forum "Russia-Africa: What's Next?" was held from April 23 to 26 in the Russian capital Moscow.