10 July 2023
The BRICS countries are making progress towards launching an alternative currency backed by gold, as confirmed by Russia. The official announcement is expected to be made at the upcoming BRICS summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August. This initiative has gained significant interest, with more countries expressing their desire to join the group. According to Willem Middelkoop, a former journalist, 41 countries have already applied for BRICS membership.