South Africa wants all African leaders to attend the BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - summit in Johannesburg in August.

According to a senior government official in Pretoria, host of the meeting, President (Cyril) Ramaphosa has decided to invite all African leaders as part of the BRICS outreach. "That's why we extended an invitation to all African leaders to come and have a dialogue with the BRICS leaders," said Anil Sooklal at a press conference last Thursday.

The summit will discuss how BRICS countries can partner with Africa to help the continent achieve economic growth, Sooklal said, noting that President Ramaphosa will host a dinner for BRICS leaders, which will also be attended by African leaders.

"The guests include leaders of the African Union and regional economic communities, as well as business leaders," Sooklal added.

The organization of the BRICS summit has attracted interest from many countries and the latest to show interest in joining is Saudi Arabia, after Egypt, Bangladesh, Uruguay and the United Arab Emirates.