South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said BRICS economies had "confronted profound challenges" but "we have also shown that adversity can create opportunity" as he addressed the BRICS Business Forum on Friday.

The BRICS grouping can be used as a platform to counter ideas that try to downplay Africa's voice, Namibia included, in international matters.

BRICS held its 15th summit between August 22 and August 24 in South Africa, where new members were admitted.