Did You Know Africa Has the Youngest Population in the World?
Over 60% under the age of 25 — What That Means for Innovation and Future Leadership

Africa isn’t just a continent of rich resources and ancient history — it’s a continent of youthful energy and untapped potential.
With over 60% of its population under the age of 25, Africa holds the youngest demographic profile on Earth.
This is more than a statistic — it’s a signal of a profound shift coming.

The Numbers That Matter-

1.4 billion people live in Africa today.

Over 800 million are under 25 years old.

By 2050, Africa’s population is projected to double, and the youth will remain the majority.

This makes Africa not only the youngest region but also potentially the most dynamic and creative — if that youth is empowered.

“The youth are not the future. They are the now.”

For too long, African youth have been told to “wait their turn.” But in a world changing at the speed of code, climate, and culture, young people are already leading. Across the continent, they are:

Founding startups and leading fintech revolutions (e.g., Flutterwave, Paystack)

Driving civic change, from Nigeria’s #EndSARS movement to Sudan’s protests

Redefining African art, music, and storytelling on global platforms

Innovating in agriculture, clean energy, health tech, and education

Africa’s youth are not passive beneficiaries of policy — they are active shapers of it.

How Youth Will Build the New Africa-

Here’s how this demographic shift can translate into sustainable, inclusive growth:

1. Entrepreneurship as a Driving Force-
With formal job opportunities limited, many youth are turning to entrepreneurship.

Governments and investors must create ecosystems that support youth-led startups, through funding, training, and enabling regulations.

2. Tech and Digital Literacy-
Young Africans are building apps, platforms, and solutions — often with minimal support.

With better access to digital tools, coding education, and innovation hubs, this generation can compete globally.

3. Political Engagement-
Youth are organizing, voting, and protesting — demanding accountability.

As more young leaders enter politics and civil service, they will reshape governance models to be more inclusive, transparent, and tech-savvy.

4. Climate Action and Sustainability-
Africa is already experiencing the effects of climate change.

Young leaders are pioneering green tech, agroecology, and climate justice campaigns — positioning Africa as a hub for sustainable innovation.

5. Pan-African Identity and Unity-
Social media and digital storytelling are creating a shared youth consciousness that crosses borders.

A new generation is reimagining what it means to be African, beyond colonial borders.

The Urgent Call: Invest in Youth Now
For Africa to harness this potential, investment in education, health, digital infrastructure, and youth leadership is essential.

“Youth are Africa’s greatest renewable resource — and they don’t need saving. They need backing.”

Final Thought-
“How we treat African youth today will determine the Africa we all inherit tomorrow.”
And the truth is — tomorrow is already here.

The Dragon and The Elephant: China Vs India (Part 2)
Why China Surpassed India in Technology and Industrial Output.

Catching up with China is a formidable challenge that requires unwavering political will, broad societal consensus, and consistent execution of well-thought-out strategies over many years. While the path is arduous, a focused and determined India can significantly accelerate its journey towards becoming a global leader in technology, science, and industry.

For India to bridge the gap with China in technology, science, and industrial output, a multifaceted and sustained national effort is required. This involves strategic interventions across research and development, manufacturing, human capital, infrastructure, and governance. Here’s a deeper insight into what India needs to do:

1. Turbocharge Research & Development (R&D) and Foster a Robust Innovation Ecosystem:

Dramatically Increase R&D Investment: India's current R&D spending (around 0.7% of GDP) pales in comparison to China's (over 2.5%). A national mission to elevate this to at least 2-3% of GDP within the next decade is crucial. This requires increased public funding and significant incentives for private sector R&D.

Strengthen Industry-Academia Collaboration: Create seamless pathways for joint research projects, knowledge transfer, and commercialization of academic innovations. Establish dedicated innovation hubs, research parks, and technology incubators with active industry participation.

Revamp the Patent Regime: Streamline the patent filing and grant process to make it faster, more efficient, and aligned with global best practices. Strengthen intellectual property rights (IPR) protection to encourage innovation.

Promote Mission-Oriented Research: Identify and fund national missions in critical and emerging areas like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, advanced materials, green hydrogen, and biotechnology, similar to China’s strategic focus areas.

Attract and Retain Top Talent: Implement policies to attract global scientific talent (including Indian diaspora) and create conducive environments to retain and nurture domestic researchers.

2. Transform into a Global Manufacturing Powerhouse:
Enhance Manufacturing Competitiveness:-
Scale and Efficiency: Encourage the creation of large-scale manufacturing units capable of competing globally on cost and quality.

Supply Chain Resilience: Develop robust domestic supply chains for critical components and raw materials to reduce import dependency, learning from China’s integrated approach.

Technology Adoption: Promote the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies (AI, IoT, robotics, automation) in manufacturing processes.

Strategic Industrial Policy:-
Targeted Support: Continue and refine Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for strategic sectors, ensuring clear goals and accountability.

Ease of Doing Business: Persistently work on simplifying regulations, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and ensuring policy stability at both central and state levels. This includes faster approvals, easier land acquisition, and streamlined labor laws.

Focus on High-Value Manufacturing: Shift focus from low-value assembly to high-value-added manufacturing, including design, engineering, and R&D-intensive production.

3. Revolutionize Education and Skill Development:-
Overhaul Technical and Vocational Education:

Modernize Curricula: Align engineering, polytechnic, and vocational training curricula with current and future industry demands, emphasizing practical skills, problem-solving, and emerging technologies.

Mass Skilling and Upskilling: Launch large-scale initiatives to skill, reskill, and upskill the workforce for advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and R&D roles.

Strengthen Apprenticeships: Expand and strengthen apprenticeship programs with active industry involvement.

Improve Quality of Higher Education:
Invest in STEM Excellence: Significantly increase investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels.

Faculty Development: Implement rigorous training and development programs for faculty in higher education and technical institutions.

Attract Foreign Universities and Foster Competition: Encourage top global universities to set up campuses in India to enhance quality and provide global exposure, as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

4. Build World-Class, Future-Ready Infrastructure:
Logistics and Connectivity: Continue the aggressive push for modernizing and expanding infrastructure, including highways (Bharatmala), railways (Dedicated Freight Corridors), ports (Sagarmala), and airports. Focus on multi-modal connectivity and reducing logistics costs and turnaround times, which are critical for manufacturing competitiveness.

Reliable Power Supply: Ensure uninterrupted, high-quality power at competitive rates for industries.

Digital Infrastructure: Strengthen and expand high-speed internet connectivity and data centers to support a digitally-driven economy and advanced technological applications.

Industrial Parks and Clusters: Develop well-equipped industrial parks and sector-specific clusters with plug-and-play infrastructure to attract investment.

5. Ensure Agile and Enabling Governance:
Bureaucratic and Regulatory Reforms:
Speed and Transparency: Implement deep administrative reforms to make bureaucracy more agile, responsive, and transparent. Reduce red tape through single-window clearance systems and extensive use of technology.

Policy Stability and Predictability: Ensure long-term policy stability and predictability to build investor confidence.

Effective Centre-State Coordination: Foster greater synergy between central and state governments in policy formulation and implementation related to industrial development, infrastructure, and skill development.

Strengthen Legal and Judicial Processes: Ensure faster contract enforcement and dispute resolution mechanisms.

6. Strategically Attract and Nurture Investment:
Targeted FDI in High-Tech Areas: Proactively seek foreign direct investment in high-technology sectors, R&D, and advanced manufacturing, offering competitive incentives and a stable policy environment.

Boost Domestic Investment: Encourage domestic companies to invest more in capacity building, technology upgradation, and innovation.

Develop a Robust Capital Market: Further develop capital markets to provide risk capital and long-term financing for technology ventures and industrial projects.

7. Focus on Emerging Technologies and Self-Reliance:
National Strategy for Key Technologies: Develop and implement comprehensive national strategies for emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, semiconductors (e.g., India Semiconductor Mission), 5G/6G, biotechnology, and renewable energy.

Promote Indigenous Development: While collaborating globally, prioritize indigenous development of critical technologies to enhance self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and reduce strategic vulnerabilities.
Learning from China (Both Successes and Mistakes):

Emulate Strategic Focus and Execution: Learn from China's ability to set long-term strategic goals and execute them with speed and scale, particularly in infrastructure and targeted industrial development.

Invest in Human Capital: Replicate China's success in mass education and skilling relevant to industrial needs.

Avoid Pitfalls: Be cautious of issues like over-reliance on state-led investment leading to potential misallocation, debt overhang, environmental degradation if not managed sustainably, and intellectual property theft concerns that have been associated with China's rise. India's democratic framework, while sometimes slower, can provide checks and balances for more sustainable and equitable growth if harnessed effectively.

Catching up with China is a monumental task that requires a generational commitment to reform, investment, and execution. It necessitates a "whole-of-nation" approach, involving government, industry, academia, and civil society working in concert towards clearly defined national goals.

By Jo Ikeji-Uju
https://afriprime.net/pages/Anything

Bridging the Gap: Pathways for India to Accelerate Technology, Science, and Industrial Output:- (Part 1)

New Delhi, India - For India to meaningfully close the gap with China in technology, science, and industrial output, a multi-pronged, sustained, and strategic effort is paramount. While India possesses significant latent potential, experts and policy analyses suggest a concerted push across several key domains. This involves not just emulating certain aspects of China's growth but forging its own path suited to its democratic framework and unique strengths.

Here are some of the crucial areas and actionable insights for India:

1. Turbocharging Research & Development (R&D) and Fostering an Innovation Ecosystem:

Significantly Increase R&D Investment: India's Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) hovers around 0.7% of GDP, considerably lower than China's (over 2.4%) and the global average. A national mission to progressively increase GERD to at least 2-3% of GDP within the next decade, with substantial contributions from both public and private sectors, is crucial.

Catalyze Private Sector R&D: Introduce more attractive tax incentives, grants, and risk-sharing mechanisms for companies investing in R&D. Foster stronger industry-academia collaborations, encouraging businesses to fund research in universities and co-develop technologies.
Strengthen University Research: Enhance funding for universities, modernize research infrastructure, and promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within academic institutions. Reduce bureaucratic hurdles for researchers.

Streamline Intellectual Property (IP) Regime: Further simplify and expedite the patenting process, ensure robust IP protection, and create mechanisms for effective technology transfer and commercialization of research.
Establish National Missions in Key Technologies: Identify and aggressively fund national missions in strategic areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, advanced materials, biotechnology, and renewable energy technologies.

2. Reinvigorating the Manufacturing Sector and Scaling Industrial Output:
Enhance 'Make in India' with Strategic Focus: Move beyond broad strokes to identify and nurture specific high-potential manufacturing sectors where India can achieve global competitiveness. This requires targeted policies, infrastructure support, and skill development initiatives for these champion sectors.
Improve Ease of Doing Business and Reduce Regulatory Burden: While progress has been made, continued efforts are needed to simplify regulations, streamline approval processes (especially at the state level), ensure contract enforcement, and improve the speed of dispute resolution.

Implement Comprehensive Labor Reforms: Introduce flexible labor laws that balance worker welfare with the needs of modern industry, encouraging formal employment and larger-scale manufacturing.

Develop World-Class Industrial Infrastructure and Logistics: Aggressively expand and upgrade industrial parks, ports, road and rail connectivity, power supply, and logistics networks to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The National Logistics Policy is a step in the right direction but needs rigorous implementation.
Attract Quality Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Focus on attracting FDI into high-tech manufacturing, R&D facilities, and export-oriented units. Ensure a stable, predictable, and transparent policy environment.

Integrate into Global Value Chains (GVCs): Actively work to become a more significant node in global supply chains by improving competitiveness, meeting international quality standards, and fostering an environment conducive to complex manufacturing.

Boost Domestic Demand and Import Substitution (Strategically): Encourage domestic consumption of locally manufactured goods while strategically pursuing import substitution in critical sectors, without resorting to undue protectionism that stifles competitiveness.

3. Transforming Education and Skill Development for the Future:
Overhaul the Education System: Modernize curricula at all levels to emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy. Promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education from an early age.

Massive Push for Vocational Training and Skilling: Align vocational training programs with current and future industry needs. Scale up high-quality skilling, reskilling, and upskilling initiatives, possibly through public-private partnerships.
Improve Quality of Higher Education: Invest in improving the quality of engineering, science, and technology institutions. Foster greater collaboration between academic institutions and industry for curriculum development, internships, and research projects.

Attract and Retain Talent: Create an environment that nurtures domestic talent and attracts global talent, including Indian researchers and technologists working abroad.

4. Ensuring Robust and Future-Ready Infrastructure:
Sustained Infrastructure Investment: Continue the focus on building and upgrading physical infrastructure (transport, energy, urban) and digital infrastructure (nationwide high-speed internet, data centers).
Green Infrastructure: Prioritize investments in renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and green buildings to ensure environmentally sustainable industrial growth.

5. Enabling Agile Governance and Strategic Policymaking:
Long-Term Strategic Vision with Agile Implementation: Develop a clear, long-term vision for technological and industrial development, but ensure that implementation strategies are agile and can adapt to changing global dynamics.
Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Strengthen coordination between various government ministries and departments (e.g., Commerce, Industry, Science & Technology, Education, Finance) to ensure policy coherence.

Evidence-Based Policymaking: Utilize data analytics and expert consultations to inform policy decisions and monitor their effectiveness.
Strengthen Federal Cooperation: Ensure close cooperation between the central and state governments to implement national policies effectively and create a uniformly business-friendly environment across the country.
(Part 2 ...Coming Soon)

By Jo Ikeji-Uju
https://afriprime.net/pages/Anything

GIS Data Management Market Key Forecast Trends 2032

View Full Report: https://dataintelo.com/report/global-gis-data-management-market

The GIS Data Management Market is undergoing a significant transformation as global industries increasingly rely on geographic data to drive decision-making. As businesses, governments, and urban planners recognize the importance of spatial analysis, the market for GIS (Geographic Information System) data management continues to expand at an impressive pace. With evolving digital infrastructures, the need to effectively manage, store, and analyze geospatial data has never been more critical.

How Africa can stop exporting raw materials and start producing finished goods (e.g. cocoa to chocolate, bauxite to aluminum).

For Africa to stop exporting raw materials and begin producing finished goods (e.g., cocoa to chocolate, bauxite to aluminum), it needs a strategic, long-term shift involving industrial development, local value addition, infrastructure investment, policy reform, and regional collaboration.

Here's a breakdown of how this transformation can happen, with actionable steps:

1. Build Local Processing & Manufacturing Industries
Actions:
Invest in processing plants: Governments and private sectors should invest in cocoa grinders, aluminum smelters, textile mills, etc.

Create industrial zones: Establish agro-processing and mineral refining hubs near resource sites.

Public-private partnerships: Encourage foreign and local investors to co-develop factories with skills and technology transfer.

Example:
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire can move from just exporting cocoa beans to making premium chocolate brands for African and global markets.

2. Develop Skilled Labor & Technical Capacity
Actions:
Vocational & technical training: Set up institutions focused on agro-processing, engineering, packaging, and quality control.

University-industry collaboration: Encourage R&D in local product innovation.

Incentivize diaspora returnees: Attract professionals with expertise in manufacturing and business.

Example:
Train youth in cocoa fermentation and chocolate production, aluminum fabrication, or textile design, targeting local industry needs.

3. Improve Infrastructure & Energy Access
Actions:
Stable electricity: Invest in solar, hydro, and gas for industrial power.

Efficient transport systems: Build better roads, ports, and rail to connect raw materials to factories and markets.

Digital infrastructure: Enable smart manufacturing, supply chain systems, and e-commerce.

4. Promote Local & Regional Markets
Actions:
Support local consumption: Campaigns to "Buy African-Made" and create national product pride.

Utilize AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area): Trade finished goods easily across African borders with reduced tariffs.

Standardization & certification: Ensure local products meet quality standards for regional and international markets.

Example:
Instead of importing chocolate, supermarkets across Africa stock "Made in Africa" brands using local cocoa.

5. Reform Policies & Incentives
Actions:
Ban or heavily tax raw exports: With gradual enforcement to protect current exporters.

Tax holidays for manufacturers: Reduce costs for investors building local industries.

Subsidies for local producers: Support SMEs in processing, packaging, and logistics.

Example:
Ghana could impose a gradual export tax on raw cocoa and give tax breaks to chocolate makers within its borders.

6. Access to Finance for Local Entrepreneurs
Actions:
Development banks & microfinance: Offer low-interest loans for machinery, raw materials, and working capital.

Investment funds for value chains: Governments or regional blocs can co-fund startups in agro- and mineral-processing.

7. Strategic Branding & Exporting
Actions:
Create global African brands: Position African chocolates, garments, aluminum, ceramics, etc., as premium, ethical, and sustainable.

Use diaspora and e-commerce: Reach global markets through platforms like Afriprime, Corkroo, or Shopify.

Export finished goods, not just raw commodities.

Priority Sectors for Value Addition:-
Raw Material Finished Product Opportunity
Cocoa .........................................................Chocolate, cocoa butter
Bauxite ..........................................................Aluminum products
Cotton ..........................................................Textiles, garments
Cashew ..........................................................Roasted nuts, oils
Timber ..........................................................Furniture, flooring
Gold .........................................................Jewelry, electronics
Oil & Gas ................................................Petrochemicals, plastics

Conclusion:
Africa must industrialize intelligently – starting with what it already produces. By shifting from raw export to value addition, the continent can create millions of jobs, retain wealth, and gain economic independence. This transformation won't happen overnight, but with coordinated policy, investment, and regional effort, it's entirely achievable.

By Jo Ikeji-Uju
https://afriprime.net/pages/Anything

Strengthening Digital Infrastructure: Global Industrial Cyber Security Market Growth

According to MRFR analysis, the Industrial Cyber Security Market was valued at USD 15.86 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 17.3 billion in 2024 to approximately USD 45 billion by 2035, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 9.08% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035.

The Industrial Cyber Security Market is experiencing rapid growth as industries embrace digital transformation and integrate smart technologies. The convergence of IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation has heightened the risk of cyberattacks. This rising vulnerability is prompting companies to invest in robust cyber security systems tailored for industrial environments.

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Market Scope

The scope of the industrial cyber security market encompasses:

Security Solutions: Network security, endpoint security, application security, and data protection.

Services: Managed services, risk and compliance services, training, and consulting.

Industries: Power and energy, manufacturing, oil & gas, transportation, and water & wastewater.

Deployment Types: On-premise and cloud-based.

The increased interconnectivity of critical infrastructure with IoT, AI, and industrial control systems (ICS) has expanded the attack surface, making cyber resilience a strategic priority for companies worldwide.

Regional Insights
North America dominates the market due to strong regulatory frameworks (e.g., NERC CIP), widespread digital adoption, and presence of key cyber security providers.

Europe follows, driven by stringent data protection laws such as GDPR and increasing investments in smart factories.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, led by rapid industrialization in China, India, and Southeast Asia and increasing awareness of industrial cyber threats.

Middle East & Africa and Latin America are emerging markets, with a focus on protecting critical energy and oil & gas infrastructure.

Growth Drivers and Challenges
Drivers:

Rise in Cyberattacks on Industrial Systems: High-profile incidents (e.g., Colonial Pipeline, Stuxnet) have increased awareness.

Regulatory Pressure: Governments and industry bodies are enforcing compliance standards.

Digitalization and Industry 4.0: Growth in IIoT, SCADA, and smart manufacturing.

Remote Work and Access: Expanded remote connectivity has raised vulnerabilities.

Challenges:

Integration Complexity: Aligning legacy OT systems with modern IT security is technically challenging.

Lack of Skilled Workforce: Shortage of cybersecurity professionals with industrial domain expertise.

High Implementation Costs: Especially for small to mid-size enterprises.

Opportunities
AI-Driven Threat Detection: Leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance threat detection and response capabilities.

Zero Trust Architecture: Adoption of zero-trust security models to minimize attack vectors.

Security-as-a-Service: Growing demand for outsourced, scalable, and cost-effective security solutions.

5G and Edge Computing: New network technologies demand robust security frameworks, creating additional market potential.

Key Players Analysis
Honeywell International Inc.

ABB Ltd.

Cisco Systems, Inc.

IBM Corporation

Schneider Electric

Rockwell Automation

Siemens AG

Fortinet Inc.

Palo Alto Networks

Dragos Inc.

These companies are focusing on innovation, acquisitions, and partnerships to expand their cybersecurity portfolios for industrial environments.

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Conclusion
The Industrial Cyber Security Market is at a critical juncture, driven by the imperative to safeguard vital infrastructure from evolving cyber threats. With increasing digitalization and regulatory scrutiny, the demand for robust and intelligent cybersecurity solutions will continue to grow. While challenges around integration and skilled labor persist, technological advancements and heightened awareness present significant opportunities for stakeholders across the industrial ecosystem.

BRICS members economic outlook and poverty within each country and their loan payback situations.

As of April 2025, the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—face varied economic landscapes, poverty challenges, and debt situations.
Here's an overview:​

Brazil-
Economic Outlook: Brazil's economy is projected to grow modestly in 2025, supported by agricultural exports and domestic consumption. However, global trade tensions and commodity price volatility pose risks.​

Poverty: The poverty rate, based on US$6.85/day (PPP), decreased from 28.4% in 2021 to 24.3% in 2022, aided by social programs like Bolsa Família. Further reductions are anticipated with continued economic growth .​

Debt Situation: Brazil's public debt remains high, necessitating fiscal discipline. Efforts are ongoing to balance social spending with debt management.​

Russia-
Economic Outlook: Russia's economy faces challenges due to international sanctions and fluctuating energy prices. Diversification efforts are underway to reduce reliance on energy exports.​

Poverty: While official statistics are limited, economic pressures have likely impacted poverty levels, especially in rural areas.​

Debt Situation: Russia maintains a relatively low public debt-to-GDP ratio, around 21%, providing some fiscal flexibility .​
BRICS Journal of Economics

India-
Economic Outlook: India is expected to grow at a robust pace, driven by domestic consumption and digital infrastructure expansion. However, high borrowing costs may constrain fiscal stimulus efforts .​

Poverty: India has made significant strides in poverty reduction, though disparities persist. Continued focus on inclusive growth is essential .​
ORF Online

Debt Situation: India's public debt is substantial, limiting the scope for aggressive fiscal interventions. Managing debt sustainability remains a priority.​

China-
Economic Outlook: China's GDP grew by 5.4% in Q1 2025, bolstered by strong exports ahead of increased U.S. tariffs. However, domestic challenges like a property sector slump and deflationary pressures are concerns .​

Poverty: China has significantly reduced extreme poverty, though income inequality and rural-urban disparities remain areas of focus.​

Debt Situation: Rising public debt, particularly at local government levels, poses risks. Authorities are balancing stimulus measures with debt containment efforts.​

South Africa-
Economic Outlook: South Africa's growth is modest, hindered by energy supply issues and structural constraints. Reforms are needed to boost investor confidence and economic performance.​

Poverty: High unemployment and inequality contribute to persistent poverty levels. Social assistance programs are critical for vulnerable populations.​

Debt Situation: Public debt levels are elevated, limiting fiscal space. Efforts to stabilize debt and implement structural reforms are ongoing.​

Note: The BRICS bloc continues to explore initiatives like de-dollarization and enhanced financial cooperation to strengthen economic resilience and reduce dependency on traditional financial systems .​

Brazil-
Industrial Expansion: Brazilian industrialists are actively seeking opportunities within BRICS countries, notably India, to enhance trade and mutual investments. This initiative aims to capitalize on India's projected economic growth and foster greater industrial collaboration. ​
Agência Brasil

Agricultural Collaboration: At the 2025 BRICS+ Agriculture Investment and Trade Summit, Brazil and South Africa initiated cooperation in sugar production technology and rural farming systems. This partnership is expected to empower smallholder farmers and women-led cooperatives, potentially increasing employment in the agricultural sector. ​
bricswomen.com

Russia-
Economic Outlook: Russia is focusing on strengthening ties within the BRICS alliance to drive economic growth, emphasizing the bloc's role in global economic development. ​
Reuters

Employment Initiatives: While specific employment programs are not detailed, Russia's emphasis on BRICS cooperation suggests potential job creation through joint projects and investments within the alliance.​
Latest news & breaking headlines

India-
Defense Manufacturing: India is expanding its defense exports, offering affordable arms to countries traditionally reliant on Russian weaponry. This strategy not only boosts India's defense sector but also aims to create employment opportunities within the manufacturing industry. ​

Digital Economy: India continues to invest in its digital economy, focusing on software development, e-commerce, and fintech. These sectors are significant contributors to employment, particularly among the youth. ​
pharmsource.org

China-
Technological Advancements: China is investing in emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing. These investments are part of the country's strategy to embrace the New Industrial Revolution, which is expected to generate new employment opportunities in high-tech industries. ​
en.ndrc.gov.cn

Infrastructure Development: Through initiatives like the Digital Silk Road, China is enhancing its technological infrastructure, which supports job creation in construction, engineering, and related sectors. ​
pharmsource.org

South Africa-
Investment Mobilization: South Africa plans to mobilize approximately $109.4 billion in new investments from 2023 to 2028. These investments are directed towards industrial modernization, human capital expansion, and infrastructure development, all of which are expected to create employment opportunities. ​
TV BRICS

BRICS Inward Investment Missions: The country is hosting BRICS Inward Buying and Investment Missions to attract foreign investment and promote economic collaboration. These missions focus on sectors like manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and automotive, aiming to stimulate job creation and economic growth. ​

Overall, BRICS nations are leveraging intra-bloc cooperation and strategic investments to bolster local industries and employment. These efforts are integral to their broader economic development goals and aim to enhance their positions in the global economy.

The BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—have increasingly turned to intra-BRICS financial mechanisms, particularly the New Development Bank (NDB), to fund development projects and reduce reliance on Western financial institutions like the IMF or World Bank.

Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of BRICS loans and how capable each country is of repaying them:

Benefits of BRICS Loans (especially via the New Development Bank):-
Lower Conditionality-
Unlike IMF or World Bank loans, BRICS loans often come with fewer political and economic reform conditions, allowing for more autonomy in how funds are used.

Local Currency Lending-
The NDB promotes lending in local currencies to reduce exchange rate risk and avoid dollar dependency, supporting national financial stability.

Focus on Infrastructure & Development-
Loans are often directed at infrastructure, green energy, transport, and water projects—investments that directly stimulate economic activity and job creation.

Faster Disbursement-
The NDB is often more agile in project approvals and disbursement compared to traditional institutions.

Multipolar Finance Vision-
BRICS lending supports a shift toward a more multipolar global economic order, with South-South cooperation at its core.

Loan Repayment Capability by Country:-
Brazil-
Repayment Capacity: Moderate

Brazil has a high public debt ratio (~74% of GDP), but solid export revenues (soy, iron ore, oil) and large FX reserves support repayment capacity. Political and fiscal reforms are crucial to sustaining debt servicing ability.

Russia-
Repayment Capacity: Strong

Despite sanctions, Russia has low public debt (~21% of GDP) and strong energy export income. It has been pivoting toward BRICS and Asia for trade and finance, which buffers its repayment strength.

India-
Repayment Capacity: Strong

India maintains a robust GDP growth trajectory (projected ~6–7% in 2025) and a growing tax base. Its high debt (~83% of GDP) is offset by its large economy and steady investor confidence. Repayment of multilateral loans remains on track.

China-
Repayment Capacity: Very Strong

With the world’s second-largest economy and over $3 trillion in foreign reserves, China can easily service debts. Although it has internal financial risks (e.g., local government debt), its repayment capacity on international loans is solid.

South Africa-
Repayment Capacity: Weak to Moderate

South Africa faces high public debt (~72% of GDP), sluggish growth, and unemployment over 30%. However, access to BRICS financing offers alternatives to austerity-heavy Western loans. Its capacity to repay depends on structural reforms and commodity prices.

Conclusion
BRICS loans offer flexible, development-focused financing with fewer strings attached. This helps member countries invest in long-term infrastructure without triggering immediate austerity. However, repayment capacity varies—China and India are best positioned, while South Africa and Brazil must manage debt carefully. Russia remains unique due to sanctions but retains financial strength from energy exports.

The market for smart cities is expanding as a result of factors such increasing urbanisation, rising demand for cutting-edge technologies like IoT and 5G, and government measures to upgrade the country's digital infrastructure. As digital technology becomes more widely used, it facilitates, integrates, and powers the development of smart cities.
https://www.openpr.com/news/2840258/smart-cities-market-overview-analysis-trends-share-size