Colombia has joined the BRICS New Development Bank with a $512M contribution, marking a strategic shift to diversify its financial sources. The move comes amid rising tensions with the U.S. and signals a pivot toward Eastern partnerships. While not a full BRICS member yet, Colombia sees the bank as a practical path to funding without political conditions.
In a major geopolitical shift, Colombia has officially joined the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), marking its first formal alignment with the bloc’s financial institutions. The decision follows a visit by President Gustavo Petro to China in May 2025, during which Colombia agreed to contribute $512M to the bank, including $102M in direct capital within the first six months.
The move comes amid escalating tensions between Colombia and the United States. Washington has recently imposed tariffs, withdrawn development aid (USAID), and blocked flights repatriating migrants. By joining the NDB, Colombia aims to diversify its financial partnerships, fund infrastructure and renewable energy projects, and reduce dependence on traditional Western lenders.
Despite this significant step, Colombia has not applied for full BRICS membership. Instead, officials describe the partnership as a pragmatic move to access non-conditional financing, as promoted by NDB president Dilma Rousseff, who emphasized support for the Global South without imposing political or economic constraints.