At the end of March, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will be coming together for the fifth summit of the BRICS to create a separate BRICS Development Bank. Thanks to their enhanced status as regional powers, their global ambitions to exert influence in matters of politics and defence have increased at the same time, linked to clear interests in raw materials and export. By encouraging the rule of law, Germany and the EU can help African states to successfully pursue their interests vis-à-vis partners from the BRICS countries to the benefit of their own populations.