TLDR: BRICS nations are intensifying their cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, focusing on bridging the global AI divide, promoting ethical AI practices, and fostering inclusive development. Recent initiatives include the establishment of a China-BRICS AI development center and discussions on AI governance, with Brazil prioritizing AI in its 2025 BRICS presidency.
BRICS member states are significantly advancing their collaboration in Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a strong emphasis on equitable development and addressing the global AI divide. This push for deeper cooperation was evident in recent events and discussions, including the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai and the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil.
A key development is the official launch of the Enterprise Committee of the China-BRICS Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation Center at the Win-Win BRICS forum of the 2025 World AI Conference. This initiative aims to guide the global expansion of AI enterprises and foster coordinated AI development across BRICS nations through joint achievements in academia, industry, and application. The event also saw the release of the Guidance Framework for Global Development of AI Enterprises and the International Market Strategic Agent—Navigator, a tool designed to offer localized legal, policy, and market advisory services for AI enterprises expanding internationally. According to Wei Liang, vice-president of China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), the global AI market is projected to reach $4.8 trillion by 2033, creating significant opportunities for emerging economies.
Brazil, holding the BRICS presidency in 2025, has made AI governance and initiatives to reduce inequalities through technological innovation top priorities. At the Rio meeting, BRICS leaders issued a joint declaration emphasizing sovereign equality, multilateralism, and international law, advocating for a fairer and more equitable world order. AI was recognized as a tool for shared prosperity, with a focus on mitigating risks and ensuring broad access. Brazil’s proposed priorities include AI, quantum technology, and industrial innovation, responding to technological shifts and reindustrialization goals. The country is also exploring a feasibility study for a dedicated BRICS high-speed submarine cable to boost digital cooperation.
Song Haitao, dean and president of the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, highlighted the growing importance BRICS countries place on emerging technologies. He emphasized that AI is a pivotal tool driving the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions. China has proposed the “AI From China, Benefits the World” initiative, aiming to help partner countries like Brazil build ‘sovereign AI’ and ‘sovereign models’ by respecting local contexts and prioritizing adaptation for public safety and strategic resources. This cooperative approach is built on principles of openness, inclusivity, and diversity.
Furthermore, a strategic partnership has been established between the UAE, Malaysia, and Rwanda to enhance and adopt AI across the Global South. This agreement, under the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) global network, seeks to promote ethical AI practices and governance to support economic and societal progress in developing nations. The collaboration includes broadening the scope of the C4IR AI Fellowship Programme, facilitating talent exchange, collaborative projects, and the joint creation of frameworks for responsible AI governance.
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BRICS countries are also exploring the application of AI in various sectors for social inclusion. In healthcare, China’s Healthy China 2030 program utilizes AI for medical exam analysis, while India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission leverages AI in telemedicine. Russia’s Third Opinion system assists radiologists, and South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan uses algorithmic tools for renewable energy integration. The Rio de Janeiro Operations Center exemplifies AI’s use in smart cities for urban safety and disaster mitigation. The New Development Bank (NDB) is expected to play a crucial role in financing projects that promote sustainable development and social inclusion through AI, with discussions ongoing about creating a BRICS observatory to monitor and share best practices in AI.
