Around 20 countries have formally applied to join, Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira said following the comments by Lula, who since taking office has repeatedly bucked the existing Western-dominated international structure.

Source: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/nation/story/2023-08-18/china-confirms-xi-will-attend-economic-summit-in-south-africa-followed-by-state-visit

New additions to the bloc from Africa are linked by their opposition to a Western-dominated financial system.

Source: https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/08/30/brics-expansion-egypt-economy-ethiopia-investment-dollar-china-russia/