BRICS partnerships are crucial in advancing Africa's technological development, Sthembiso Elton Nkomo, Director of South Africa’s Abalandi Holdings, told Sputnik Africa.
Speaking on the sidelines of the BRICS Urban Future Forum in Russia, Nkomo expressed his company’s mission to collaborate with international firms and bring home innovative solutions, particularly from the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
"That’s why we are here – to get what technology they have and take it back home, especially for the kids," Nkomo said.
Nkomo, a member of the "reverse" business mission organized by the Moscow Export Center, sees the BRICS alliance as a crucial platform for fostering business and technological exchanges between member countries. He credited the forum for enabling meaningful dialogue and cooperation.
"We are honored that there are such trade missions, and we are able to speak to our counterparts in other countries and share information, share experience, share expertise amongst each other," he explained.
He also noted that without BRICS, he wouldn’t have had the opportunity to discover the positive aspects of Russia, including its technology and infrastructure.
Reflecting on his experience in Russia, Nkomo acknowledged that some of his preconceived notions, shaped by international media, were proven wrong.
"I was expecting Russia to be this impoverished, poor country […] but I come here, I find it's very clean, especially Moscow. Whatever that media was telling us is not true," Nkomo remarked, adding that he was impressed by Moscow’s modernity and cleanliness.
In terms of advice for Russian businesses, Nkomo encouraged them to explore international partnerships.
"They’ve got the technology, they’ve got their know-how… but I feel they are scared of going outside of Russia. I would say they should start having the tenacity to go outside of Russia and go to BRICS countries," he advised, highlighting the potential of joint ventures in BRICS nations for global progress.
Moreover, Nkomo also voiced his support for a unified BRICS currency, stating that it could greatly benefit the economic collaboration between the member countries.
"I would appreciate it if that can be speedily processed, and we start using the BRICS currency as BRICS members. That will help all the countries, including Russia," he concluded.