BRICS Business Capitals
To acknowledge the crucial role of successful urban ecosystems in corporations’ sustainable growth, WEJ has ranked the 25 cities that are home to the largest number of leading BRICS companies. Ordinal and numerical metrics are used to aggregate data from BRICS 250 companies based on their headquarters location. To rank these cities, we took into account both the total number and the total score of the companies they host— offering a reflection of the local business environment and commitment to sustainable development. Thus, while Beijing may have a higher overall score, Abu Dhabi’s strong score in headquarters location for forward-looking BRICS companies suggests a business ecosystem of higher density.
BRICS Business Capitals sub-ranking of BRICS 250
Insights from the TOP 5 cities:
1. BEIJING, CHINA
Population: 21.9 MILLION
Gross Metropolitan Product: $618.26 BILLION
City mayor: YIN YONG
Beijing is recognized as a global centre for business, innovation and sustainability, supported by a robust economic base and technological advancements. The city hosts multinational companies and startups, enhancing sectors like AI and clean energy through government-backed R&D and investments. Beijing’s initiatives for sustainability focus, in particular, on pollution reduction initiatives, renewable energy advancements and infrastructure improvements.
Notable SDG achievements:
- Beijing excels in clean energy and environmental protection according to the Nature Science City Index (2023).
- As revealed by the United Nations in China 2023 Annual Country Results Report, Beijing has made significant strides in reducing air pollution. The city reported a 25% reduction in PM2.5 levels from 2013 to 2020.
- As a result of its waste management programmes, the city achieved a 95% waste sorting rate in residential areas by 2022, significantly improving recycling and reducing landfill use (United Nations in China 2023 Annual Country Results Report).
2. ABU DHABI, UAE
Population: 1.6 MILLION
Gross Regional Product: $310 BILLION
City Municipality Director-General: SAIF BADER AL QUBAISI
Abu Dhabi aims to assert itself as a global business and sustainability leader. To drive AI and clean energy projects, it has established the Advanced Technology Research Council, while Masdar City is presented as a model for green urban development. The city’s strategy focuses on sectors such as healthcare and finance, according to the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, which guides economic diversif ication and growth. Stringent environmental regulations and robust ESG commitments are being developed to align Abu Dhabi’s broad economic ambitions with SDG-related requirements.
Notable SDG achievements:
- According to Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the city has achieved a 15% reduction in total waste generated in 2022, with 6.65 tonnes of waste recycled, up 78% from the previous year.
- The city’s building rehabilitation programmes have led to a 2540% reduction of energy consumption for both government and private buildings, as reported by Aletihad.
- Clean energy consumption increase: according to the official Abu Dhabi Energy Outlook the city’s power mix has shifted towards clean energy facilities which contribute over 30% of the total electricity generation capacity in Abu Dhabi.
3. MOSCOW, RUSSIA
Population: 13.1 MILLION
Gross Regional Product: $280 BILLION
City mayor: SERGEI SOBYANIN
In accordance with the UN’s SDGs, Moscow City’s commitment to sustainability has been demonstrated through such programmes as Smart City, which focused on electronic public services and energy efficiency, and My Street, which radically improved walkability of the city centre and the quality of urban green spaces as part of a broader urban redevelopment plan. The city’s commitment to ESG principles has translated into a variety of other programmes supporting living standards and municipal infrastructure. The Russian capital is maintaining a sustainable growth trajectory in spite of the current geopolitical challenges.
Notable SDG achievements:
- UN-Habitat has ranked Moscow number one in the world in terms of infrastructure development and quality of life, as indicated in its City Prosperity Index and in Moscow City’s official website.
- As noted by the ITU, Moscow had already introduced, in 2020, over 220 different public services, making them accessible in a ‘one-stop-shop’ format. These services covered a wide range of needs, including utility bill payments, traffic fine settlements, medical appointments, and even some government services like passport issuance.
- Digital innovations support: Moscow Innovation Cluster provides over 200 forms of support to nearly 35,000 innovators registered to date.
4. JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
Population: 6.3 MILLION
Gross Regional Product: $139 BILLION
City mayor: DADA MORERO
Johannesburg is home to major industries, including finance, mining, and technology. Its strong regional and continental trade connections have established the city as a vital economic and innovation hub in South Africa.
The city’s urban planning focuses on increasing renewable energy use, improving energy efficiency and expanding green spaces. The Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (LBSAP) aims to protect natural systems, improve air quality and manage water and waste more effectively.
Other programmes are designed to foster social equity, further demonstrating the city’s commitment to sustainability. Johannesburg also actively supports local entrepreneurship and digital transformation in sectors like fintech and e-commerce.
Notable SDG achievements:
- Following a Green Development Foundation initiative, Johannesburg is known for its extensive tree-planting efforts, with over 3.2 million trees planted. The Johannesburg City Parks and Zoos (JPCZ) manages more than 20,000 hectares of green spaces, including cemeteries, botanical gardens and nature reserves.
- As part of its Vehicle Emissions Control Strategy and Action Plan, the city is developing a comprehensive strategy to control vehicle emissions and improve ambient air quality.
5. DUBAI, UAE
Population: 3.05 MILLION
Gross Regional Product: $116.7 BILLION
Secretary-General of the Executive Council: ABDULLA MOHAMMED AL BASTI
Dubai has undergone a profound transformation over the past decade from an oil-reliant economy to a global hub for technology, finance and tourism. While doing so, Dubai has attracted a number of global corporations, investors and, increasingly, startups. Initiatives like the Dubai Future Foundation and the Smart Dubai strategy aim to establish the city as one of the smartest and most digitally connected in the world.
Sustainability is one of the pillars of Dubai’s development, as exemplified by the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to make Dubai a global leader in sustainable energy. Meanwhile, the Dubai Health Strategy 2021 aims to provide world-class healthcare services to all residents.
Notable SDG achievements:
- Since its inception, the Digital Dubai Office has launched over 130 initiatives in partnership with government and private sector entities. Some key initiatives include, the Dubai Data Initiative, the Dubai Blockchain Strategy, the Happiness Agenda, the Dubai AI Roadmap and the Dubai Paperless Strategy.
- The Dubai government has invested heavily in education, with initiatives like the Dubai Future Foundation and the Dubai Future Academy, which help individuals acquire skills needed on the labour market.
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- World bank GDP net: https://data.worldbank.org/ indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD
- World bank GDP by PPP: https://data.worldbank. org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.PP.C
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