This study aims to explore the potential impact of Ethiopia’s entry into BRICS on regional security in the Horn of Africa. Hence, it analyses the normative framework of BRICS towards ensuring peace and security in developing countries, including the Horn of Africa, and its efforts to emancipate these regions from the unbridled influence of traditional international institutions. Though BRICS is heralded as an emancipatory opportunity, there is a need to critically examine its normative framework and future prospects toward ensuring security, in addition to its economic dividends. This study sheds light on how Ethiopia’s membership can influence regional security dynamics, particularly in light of the evolving geopolitics in the Horn of Africa where Ethiopia is a key regional player. This development has the potential to significantly impact the regional security dynamics in the Horn of Africa. Thus, studying the Constitutive Act and Normative Framework of BRICS becomes crucial to understanding the implications of such an entry. The Constitutive Act of BRICS establishes the framework for cooperation among its member countries, highlighting principles such as mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the promotion of sustainable development. Ethiopia’s entry into BRICS can strengthen these principles in the Horn of Africa by promoting dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. Examining the Normative Framework of BRICS reveals that collective security and counter-terrorism cooperation are key focus areas for the organisation. Therefore, Ethiopia’s inclusion in BRICS could enhance technological, intelligence, and financial support towards combating transnational terrorism in the region. Additionally, BRICS emphasises on economic and infrastructural development aligns with Ethiopia’s commitment to economic growth and poverty reduction. Ethiopia’s entry into BRICS can facilitate increased investment, trade, and development projects in the Horn of Africa, leading to socio-economic stability and potentially reducing security challenges stemming from poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Furthermore, the inclusion of Ethiopia in BRICS could also foster political and diplomatic alliances between BRICS members and countries in the Horn of Africa. This could positively influence regional governance, conflict resolution, and peace-building efforts, thus enhancing the overall security situation in the region. Generally, a comprehensive examination of the Constitutive Act and Normative Framework of BRICS suggests that Ethiopia’s entry into this alliance holds significant potential for enhancing regional security in the Horn of Africa by promoting principles of peace, cooperation, and economic development, and countering terrorism.