Russia has announced plans to significantly expand its cooperation with African nations, setting the stage for a major diplomatic gathering in Egypt. The second ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum is scheduled to take place in Cairo, marking the first time this key meeting is held on African soil.
Historic Foundations and Future Plans
Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, highlighted the deep historical roots of the partnership, pointing to Russia's support during Africa's era of decolonisation. He emphasised that current efforts are focused on practical projects aimed at boosting industrial growth, agricultural development, infrastructure, and education across the continent. The Forum, established in 2019, serves as a platform for political dialogue and economic collaboration, complementing Russia's bilateral ties with individual countries.
The upcoming meeting will review the current state of relations and outline new strategies. This aligns with the Forum's Action Plan for 2023–2026, which prioritises security, energy, trade, education, science, and culture. Lavrov firmly stated that Russia does not view Africa merely as a source of raw materials. "We have never considered Africa as a raw materials base," he said, adding that the focus is on enhancing local industrial capacity and improving living standards.
Growing Economic and Diplomatic Footprint
The economic figures underscore a rapidly growing relationship. Official reports indicate that trade turnover between Russia and African countries surpassed $27 billion last year. This represents an increase of more than 50% since 2019. Officials expect further growth, driven by sub-Saharan markets, the use of national currencies for settlements, and opportunities from the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Diplomatically, Russia has been expanding its presence. It has recently opened embassies in Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan, with plans for new missions in Gambia, Liberia, Togo, and Comoros. African nations like Botswana and Togo are reciprocating by working to establish their own missions in Moscow. Furthermore, intergovernmental commissions on trade and science are now operational with 19 African countries, with more in the pipeline.
Humanitarian Support and Long-Term Vision
Beyond economics, Russia continues its support in humanitarian and technical fields. Last year, it supplied 200,000 tons of wheat, fertilisers, and agricultural expertise to the continent's most vulnerable nations. In healthcare, Russian mobile laboratories and diagnostic tools have been deployed to combat infectious diseases. Educational ties are also strong, with over 32,000 African students currently studying in Russia. The scholarship quota for African students has nearly tripled since 2020.
Lavrov framed the partnership within a philosophy of shared solidarity, comparing it to the African concept of Ubuntu – "I exist because we exist." He described the collaboration as a long-term commitment meant to foster stability, economic growth, and cultural exchange for mutual benefit.
The ministerial meeting in Cairo is poised to consolidate these multifaceted efforts. It will also lay the groundwork for the third Russia–Africa Summit, which is planned for 2026, promising renewed momentum for collaboration across the political, economic, and educational spheres.
