BRICS Podcast (EN)

In 2025, Nigeria was granted BRICS partner country status. This has provided the Republic with new prospects for development in trade, education, healthcare, and technology. Emmanuel Chukwuka Johnson, Chairman of the Russia-Nigeria Trade and Investment Advisory Council, discussed the potential for further expansion of the Republic's cooperation with the countries of the group. The speaker believes that closer ties with BRICS member states, particularly with India, China, the UAE, Russia, and Brazil, will open up new horizons of opportunities for Nigeria. These include economic diversification, human capital development, educational exchanges, and strengthening the African republic's position on the international stage. With which BRICS members does Nigeria already have a long-standing history of cooperation, and in which areas? What has the Republic managed to achieve during its year as a partner country? These and other questions were answered in a BRICSterview by Emmanuel Chukwuka Johnson, Chairman of the Russia-Nigeria Trade and Investment Advisory Council. TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

A roadmap for the development of peaceful nuclear energy, untapped mineral wealth and a tourism boom – Russia and Zimbabwe intensified their cooperation across multiple sectors in 2026. The republic, endowed with resources crucial for global industry and the green transition, is seeking to elevate its economic ties to the same high level as its long-standing political and diplomatic relations with Moscow. What are the prospects for Zimbabwe’s energy sector and its economy after applying for BRICS membership? Which projects and resources are of particular interest to the republic? Mark Grey Marongwe, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the Russian Federation, answered these and other questions in the BRICSterview.TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

Indonesia is one of the centers of energy transformation in Southeast Asia. By 2050, the country intends to increase the share of green energy in its overall energy mix to 31 per cent, and by 2060, it aims to achieve carbon neutrality.What opportunities does BRICS membership provide for Indonesia’s energy sector? What is the current national energy security index score for country?We talked about this in a BRICSterview with Muhammad Dhery Mahendra, a specialist in renewable energy and sustainable business project development at the Indonesian state oil and gas company.TV BRICS reporter: Leonid Samuna

More than five centuries ago the great Russian navigator Afanasy Nikitin voyaged to India, laying the foundations for relations between the two countries. Nowadays the countries cooperate in a number of important areas, among them are education, culture, science and economics. In what ways is Afanasy Nikitin revered in India? Why is another Russian figure – orientalist Andrey Snesarev – considered an ambassador of culture in the republic?TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

A roadmap for the development of peaceful nuclear energy until 2030, negotiations on the modernisation of hydroelectric power facilities and LNG supplies – Russia and Vietnam intensified their cooperation in the energy sector in 2025. The residents of the republic are convinced that science and technology are the key driving forces for its development.We talked about this with Bui Minh Phuong, a researcher at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology. TV BRICS reporter: Leonid Samuna

Recently, the partnership between Russia and African countries in the field of culture and art has reached a qualitatively new level. This is particularly facilitated by the BRICS platform. In 2017, a decision was made to establish the BRICS Alliance of Art Museums and Galleries to strengthen cultural exchange and cooperation. At the second Russia-Africa summit, the parties went even further and came up with the idea of creating the Museum of African Cultures in Moscow, the world's first museum outside Africa, dedicated exclusively to African themes.We talked about this with Etta Ojang Ivan, Deputy Director of National Museum of Cameroon.TV BRICS reporter: Leonid Samuna

In recent years, BRICS has entered a new phase of development, expanding both its membership and its strategic agenda. According to experts, this transformation reflects the growing appeal of the group as a platform for equitable global technical, scientific, and economic cooperation.Infrastructure development, green economy initiatives, and academic collaboration are becoming key pillars of BRICS cooperation. Soft power tools remain equally important – cultural and educational exchanges, expert dialogues, and trust-building initiatives that can bring societies closer together in a multipolar world.These and other topics were discussed with Professor Shen Yi, Director of the Center for BRICS Studies and Professor at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University.TV BRICS reporter: Alisa Koroleva

In the 15 years of South Africa's membership in BRICS, the country has become one of the most important members of the grouping and contributes significantly to its work. In 2023, South Africa chaired BRICS, emphasising the importance of "partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism". To this day, South Africa continues to actively promote multipolarity and the interests of the African continent. South Africa is assisting its neighbours in infrastructure and technology development, smart cities, and green transition. This year the country is chairing the G20, which contributes to the establishment of a sustainable and equitable dialogue in the group.We talked about this with Marius Fransman, businessman and politician from South Africa, founder of the People’s Movement for Change political party.TV BRICS reporter: Leonid Samuna

Studying materials in extreme conditions is a promising area of research that helps to uncover previously unknown secrets about our planet. According to Chinese-American geophysicist Ho-Kwang Mao, the scale and importance of the high-pressure area correspond to a separate branch of physics. The complexity of these studies is quite high, so they require the exchange of international experience. The Centre, which is headed by Professor Mao, employs research teams from different countries, including BRICS. The scientist himself also works closely with colleagues from Russia.Ho-Kwang Mao, director of the Shanghai Centre for Advanced Research in High-Pressure Science and Technology, answered these and other questions.TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

Malaysia is actively developing economic ties with ASEAN countries but is also interested in strengthening the Global South, seeing a significant role for BRICS. In 2025, Malaysia was granted the status of a partner country of the group.Today, this Southeast Asian state implements digital technologies across different sectors of its economy, investing considerable financial resources into data centre markets and the evolution of artificial intelligence.TV host, Director of TV BRICS International Cooperation Department: Darya Ivankova

During World War II, Brazil made a significant contribution to the struggle of its allies against the Nazi forces, which became its only direct participation in the global conflict. The country entered the war in 1942 and became the only Latin American state to send its troops to participate in the fighting in Europe. More than 25,000 Brazilian soldiers were sent to Italy in 1944-1945 as part of the Allied Mediterranean campaign. They participated in several key battles, such as the Battle of Monte Castello, the Battle of Collecchio, and the capture of Montez.Attention to this topic in modern Brazilian society has been growing in recent years. The role of national troops in the fight against fascism is becoming the subject of research and historical discoveries, which form the basis of films and books about the participation of Brazilian soldiers in World War II.TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

The “Ramayana” and the “Mahabharata” are ancient Indian epic works written in Sanskrit. These texts contain myths about the life of the kings and raise philosophical questions about choice, loyalty, and duty. The books have been translated into many languages of the world. Separate works have been created based on the “Ramayana” and the “Mahabharata”, explaining the original poems.TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

2024 was a breakthrough year for relations between Russia and India. The leaders' meeting in Moscow, the BRICS summit in Kazan and a series of working meetings strengthened the partnership. The focus is on the economy.TV BRICS reporter: Anna Gryzlova

India is actively building up its partnership both with the countries that are at the origins of the creation of the BRICS and with those who have recently joined the group. The country continues to actively develop joint projects with Russia in science, education, culture, and economy and exchange experience in the field of sustainable development. TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

In 2024, Ethiopia became a member of the BRICS. Being one of the fastest growing economies in the global system, the Republic aims to enhance its trade volume and strengthen ties with members of the group. Environmental protection and reduction of desertification are key spheres to Ethiopia within the context of BRICS cooperation.How Ethiopia can tackle climate challenges together with BRICS? What initiatives can Ethiopia offer to association? Genet Teshome Jirru, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Russian Federation answered these and other questions in the BRICSterview.TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

2024 marks Russia's BRICS Chairmanship, also recognised globally as the year of the group's major expansion. Richard Sakwa, a professor at the University of Kent, Moscow State University, and Senior Research Fellow at the Higher School of Economics, shared his views on the contributions each new BRICS member country has made to the group. What role does the group play in shaping a multipolar world? What reforms should be made to global governance institutions? What are the prospects for cross-border migration and the development of human capital within BRICS countries, particularly in Russia? These and other questions were answered by political scientist Richard Sakwa in a BRICSterview. TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

The interest in BRICS studies is growing rapidly among publishers and scholars worldwide. The topics of financial, environmental cooperation, cultural, and educational exchange are under the academic lens of the BRICS Research Institute in South Africa. Along with other areas, an increasing role of the African continent in the group is also under the focus of their studies.What are the main achievements of cooperation between BRICS countries? And what yet has to be improved?Fulufhelo Netswera, a South African scholar and the Head of the BRICS Research Institute, answered these and other questions in the BRICSterview.TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

The Kingdom of Thailand is actively developing partnership with Russia. The trade turnover between the countries continues to show rapid growth. What potential does Thailand see in joining BRICS? Will the Russian national payment system MIR be implemented in the Kingdom? Sasiwat Wongsinsawat, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Russian Federation, answered these and other questions at BRICSterview. TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

A new international financial centre is emerging for BRICS and countries of the global digital majority. What is the Global Digital Majority? What can boost cooperation between Russia and ASEAN in the sphere of the digital economy? What are the prospects for introducing the BRICS common currency? What is the future of digital currencies? The co-founder of the International Digital Economies Association (iDEA) and convenor of Digital Pilipinas, Dr. Honoris Causa Amor Maclang, answered these and other questions in this BRICSterview. TV BRICS reporter: Aleksey Charskiy

In the foreseeable future, fuel will be produced from renewable energy sources. This is the opinion of a scientist, an expert in the field of energy, Minggao Ouyang.What factors affect the rate of hydrogen fuel production? And how can electric cars be used in different climate conditions? Minggao Ouyang, winner of the Global Energy Prize 2024, answered these and other questions in the BRICSterview TV BRICS reporter: Yana Panferova

Exchanges and cooperation in the cultural sphere are crucial topics on the agenda of Russia's BRICS Chairmanship in 2024. What genres and themes are currently in focus of creators from BRICS countries and why it is important to develop children's movie industry - these and other questions were answered by Dragan Fimon, a prominent Serbian film director and jury member of major international festivals.TV BRICS reporter: Vasily Kuchushev

How to reach a balance between traditional and renewable energy sources? What is the best possible way to supply remote territories with electricity? And how BRICS helps to develop new technologies in energetic sphere? Minister of Electricity and Energy of South Africa Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa answered these and other questions in BRICSterview.TV BRICS reporter: Dmitry Belkevich

Performing arts play a crucial role in cross-cultural communication. What formats of theatre performances are now popular in Brazil and countries of Latin America? How to promote exchange among theatre experts and young actors? Brazilian actress, theatre expert and researcher of the Stanislavski system Ms. Simone Shuba answered these and other questions in this BRICSterview.TV BRICS reporter: Evgeniya Tolstoguzova

What are the main advantages Ethiopia sees from joining BRICS? In which industries and directions would Ethiopia like to establish cooperation with other BRICS countries in the first place? How is cooperation between Ethiopia and Russia developing? Uriat Cham Ugala, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Russian Federation told about this in an interview with TV BRICS.

What role do the embassies of Russian Federation and South Africa play in the development of bilateral relations? What is the level of cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture? And what types of South African products will appear on the Russian market in the nearest future?This was stated in an interview with TV BRICS by Douw Vermaak, counsellor at the Political section of the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Russian Federation.Correspondent TV BRICS: Artur Muravyev

Dr. Anthony Phiri came to Moscow to participate in an international scientific conference of students and young scientists devoted to the goals of sustainable development of civilization.What is being done in Zimbabwe to mitigate the consequences of climate change? And will alternative energy sources be able to completely replace traditional ones in the future?Dr. Anthony Phiri – director of the Centre of rational environmental management, renewable energy and climate change at the Harare Institute of Technology – told about that in BRICSterview.TV BRICS reporter: Rufina Zhalyaeva

What is the role of BRICS in maintaining peace and stability? What impact can the new members have on the economic and political potential of the alliance? What are the prospects for co-operation between different countries within the framework of the One Belt, One Road initiative? Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder and head of the Schiller Institute, spoke about this in an interview with TV BRICS. TV BRICS correspondent: Anna Lisina

Abel Ramoelo, director of the Center of environmental studies at the University of Pretoria: "South Africa is fully involved in environmental protection" Abel Ramoelo came to Russia to take part in an international scientific conference of students and young scientists dedicated to the goals of sustainable development of civilization. What is South Africa doing today to improve the environment and how is international cooperation between environmental scientists developing today? Abel Ramoelo, director of the Center for environmental studies at the University of Pretoria, told about that in BRICSterview. TV BRICS reporter: Rufina Zhalyaeva

Dr. Wurie came to Russia to take part in an international scientific conference of students and young scientists dedicated to the goals of sustainable development of civilisation. How is the education system in the Republic of Sierra Leone organised? And which Russian experience in the field of obtaining and providing knowledge might be useful for profile specialists? Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education of the Republic of Sierra Leone, told about that in the BRICSterview.

How are Russia-Zimbabwe relations developing? What do Zimbabwean students study at Russian universities? Why do tourists from our country need to visit Zimbabwe?Mike Nicholas Sango, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Russia, spoke about this in an interview with Daria Ivankova.

Diplomatic relations between Russia and South Africa turn 30 years. Ms Cecile T. Heppes, Counsellor Political, South African Embassy Moscow, Russia told our channel what our countries have managed to achieve over 3 decades and in what format the festive events will take place.Сorrespondent TV BRICS: Svetlana Kukava

In today's "Сampo Diplomático" we talked about trade relations between Brazil and South Africa and cooperation in the field of agriculture and economics. Vusi Mavimbela: South African ambassador to Brazil. A specialist within social sciences with a background in information security, journalism and intelligence work among others. He served as the office of the president of the republic and the national intelligence agency director general, and is also an active member of the African national congress. He also held other official positions. He was the South African ambassador to Egypt and Zimbabwe. As of 2021 he serves in Brazil.

Interview with Roger Mello - Brazilian children's book illustrator, writer and playwright.Roger Mello has illustrated over 100 titles – 22 of which he also wrote – and his unique style and adroit sense of color continues to push the boundaries of children’s book illustration. Mello has won numerous awards for writing and illustrating, including three of IBBY’s Luis Jardim Awards, the Best Children’s Book 2002 International Award, also he was the first artist from Latin America to win the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2014 With our correspondent Roger Mello has talked about his books characters, the secrets of colors and has shared his upcoming plans.

Bricsterview with Vivian Caccuri - Brazilian modern artist and soundmaker. Being very famous in Brazil, Vivian Caccuri has created projects in many cities all around the world. Throughout her career Vivian has collaborated with musicians and recently released her own music project. Her sound works and compositions have been broadcasted on radio stations in London, Vienna and Rio de Janeiro. With the shooting team of TV BRICS Vivian has shared the secret of composing soundtracks, explained what does it mean to be a modern artist and told who helps and inspires her.Vivian Kakuri - born in 1986 in Brazil. Lives and works in Rio de Janeiro. At Princeton University, in 2012 she wrote her first book, I Make Music, it was published in Brazil and was awarded in 2013.

TV BRICS correspondent Svetlana Kukava spoke to Mzuvukile Jeff Maqetuka, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of South Africa to Russia, at the South African Embassy in Moscow. Mr. Maqetuka shared experience of being South African Ambassador to Russia means to him and how he finds Russia close to him in spirit. He mentioned the friendship and partnership between Russia and South Africa and also noted the themes of the Tokyo Olympics and the fight against coronavirus in South Africa.

Being a key country on the African continent, South Africa has been a member of the BRICS organization for more than 10 years. It has a developed infrastructure and one of the most developed financial markets in the world. About the main directions of South Africa's foreign policy, the trade turnover between Russia and South Africa and the level of political interaction between our countries we have talked to Chargé d'Affaires, Mr Madivha Aaron Mudimeli. Watch it right now in our Bricsterview.

Hollywood actor Hakim Kae-Kazim talks about the film industry in the era of the pandemic, about the first African film festival and working with famous colleagues. Hakim Kae-Kazim played in the films Hotel Rwanda, Pirates of the Caribbean, X-Men, and also in the TV series Lost.

Ricardo Ernesto Lagorio. Born on March 7, 1955. In 1978 he graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina "Santa Maria de Buenos Aires" with a degree in international relations. In 1978-1979. was a student at the Argentine Foreign Service Institute.From 1982 to 1989 he worked at the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations, and from 2001 to 2003 at the Argentine Embassy in the United States of America. Then he worked as Foreign Policy Advisor to the Vice President of Argentina, Director of Policy Planning and Strategic Analysis at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He is engaged in the release of Russian films in the Chinese market. Du Liang told Olga Bubnova, a TV BRICS correspondent, about the work of producers and marketers in promoting Russian films, why Moving Up was a success in China, but the film with Jackie Chan was not, and explained what it is required to do to win the hearts of Chinese viewers.

Nikolay Tsiskaridze, people's artist of Russia, told Olga Bubnova, a TV BRICS correspondent, about the development of ballet schools in Russia, what other regions of Russia will become ballet centers, and what are the relations with foreign ballet universities.

Why does the writer quarrel with the characters of his books? How to learn to understand women? And how many hours do you need to sleep to write best-sellers? Oleg Roy has told about these and many other things to the tvbrics.com reporter Olga Bubnova.

Mike Nicholas Sango is a diplomat, brigadier general, who was appointed Zimbabwe's ambassador to the Russian Federation in July 2015. He was born on the 5 of December, 1955 in Zimbabwe. Mike Nicholas Sango holds a Masters in International Relations from University of Zimbabwe and a Masters in Business Administration from the Zimbabwe Open University. Sango was attested in the army and held various high-level posts such as military adviser in Zimbabwe’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Mike Nicholas Sango gave an interview to TV BRICS correspondent Svetlana Kukava.

How strong is the climatic difference between Moscow and the capital of Zimbabwe? What do Russian residents know about the cultural life of Zimbabwe? How many of Russian travellers come to the country? What are the most popular sights in Zimbabwe?Jacob Francis Mudenda, Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe, spoke about this in an interview with Daria Ivankova.

South Africa called the interaction between BRICS and the African continent the main theme of its presidency in the organisation in 2023.What specific steps have already been taken? What is the position of the BRICS organisation in the world now? And what are the goals of the upcoming BRICS summit? Anil Sooklal, Sherpa of the Republic of South Africa in BRICS, shared his opinion in an interview to TV BRICS channel.TV BRICS correspondent: Svetlana Kukava.

A Zimbabwean entrepreneur and a politician, Miss Rwodzi attended the XXIV International Academic Conference on Economic and Social Development, which was held at HSE University in Moscow, Russia. In an interview to TV BRICS channel Barbara Rwodzi shared her opinion on cooperation between Russia and Zimbabwe, spoke about the role of women in modern society and the special programmes for zimbabweans, the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Auxillia Mnangagwa, has implemented.TV BRICS correspondent: Svetlana Kukava

During the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), some 270 Russian volunteers fought in the ranks of Boer armies. In 1900, Russian Red Cross and Russian-Dutch ambulance units were deployed in South Africa, which provided medical assistance to both combatants and civilians. This support laid a foundation for future Russian-South African relations. How do South Africans treat Russians nowadays? Is there communication between our peoples? What are the benefits and challenges of doing business in South Africa for Russians? What else can we do to unite our peoples and how successful this undertaking will be? Lourens Steytler, Founder and Chairman at the South African Anglo-Boer War Historical Society shared his view on these topics in an interview to the TV BRICS channel.TV BRICS correspondent: Svetlana Kukava.

2023 is a landmark year for South Africa. Firstly, the country chairs the BRICS. Secondly, the summit of the organization will be held on the territory of South Africa in August. What obligations does this impose? What are the priorities of South Africa's presidency? And what countries are eager to join the BRICS membership and is there a criteria for joining? His Excellency, Mr. Maqetuka answered to all of these questions in an interview to the TV BRICS channel.TV BRICS correspondent: Svetlana Kukava

Diplomatic relations between Russia and Mozambique were officially established on the 25-th of June, 1975. Today there is a high level of partnership between our countries on international platforms, based on the coincidence or similarity of positions on most topics on the global agenda. Last year the Russian-Mozambican trade turnover increased by almost 3 times compared to the year of 2021, from $8.5 million to $21.1 million.What can we expect from the cooperation between Russia and Mozambique next? And how can this African country be interesting to Russian tourists? We have discussed these issues in an interview with His Excellency, Professor José Mateus M. Katupha.TV BRICS correspondent: Svetlana Kukava

In an interview with TV BRICS correspondent Daria Ivankova, Sammy Kotwani spoke about India Day and cultural exchange between Russia and India.