Egypt’s BRICS Moves: The Suez Canal, Gold & New Alliances
If you’re paying attention to BRICS expansion, Egypt should be on your radar. Quietly strategic, resource-rich, and holding one of the world’s most valuable shipping lanes, Egypt is positioning itself as a key player in the global pivot away from Western dominance.
Here’s how this North African heavyweight is using BRICS to boost sovereignty, stack gold, and strike new deals that could reshape its economy—and the region.
1. The Suez Canal Isn’t Just a Shipping Lane—It’s Leverage
Roughly 12% of global trade passes through the Suez Canal, and Egypt controls it. That alone gives the country significant geopolitical weight.
By deepening ties with BRICS nations like China, India, and Russia, Egypt is offering shipping priority, infrastructure partnerships, and port modernization deals that strengthen its own economy while helping BRICS countries reduce reliance on the West.
It’s not just a trade route—it’s a bargaining chip.
2. Gold Reserves and De-Dollarization Moves
Egypt’s central bank has been steadily increasing its gold reserves while reducing exposure to the U.S. dollar.
It’s also been vocal about settling trade in local currencies—and has already started testing swaps with Russia and China.
This shift isn’t just symbolic. Egypt is preparing for a new era of trade finance, one where it’s not at the mercy of global credit agencies or Western institutions.
3. Strategic Energy Deals with BRICS Nations
Egypt is locking in energy deals with India, China, and Russia that support:
Natural gas exports
Clean energy infrastructure (especially solar and wind)
BRICS-funded energy corridors across North Africa
These agreements come with long-term investment and fewer strings attached than traditional Western development loans.
4. Logistics, Rail, and Industrial Zones
Egypt is developing massive special economic zones near the Suez Canal with help from BRICS partners. This includes:
Chinese-built industrial cities
Rail and cargo networks connecting to Sub-Saharan Africa
Manufacturing hubs that serve African and Middle Eastern markets
Egypt isn’t just importing BRICS influence—it’s embedding itself into the bloc’s future supply chain blueprint.
5. Political Balance with Economic Benefit
Unlike some countries that go all-in on BRICS, Egypt is playing it smart: diversifying partnerships while extracting maximum value.
It continues to engage with the IMF and the West, but its growing alliances with BRICS nations give it leverage, optionality, and bargaining power.
Egypt’s strategy is a masterclass in multipolar navigation.
Final Thoughts: Why Egypt Matters to BRICS—and to You
With geographic advantage, natural resources, and rising political will, Egypt is more than a BRICS tagalong.
It’s building new alliances, controlling the world’s most strategic trade chokepoint, and quietly investing in a future that favors autonomy over dependence.
If you're watching the BRICS story unfold—watch Egypt. It's not just along for the ride. It's charting its own course.
