World
It’s Not Surprising Many Countries Express Interest in Africa—Stuglev
By Kester Kenn Klomegah
As the epidemiological situation begins to stabilize through mass vaccination and building herd immunity, the 24th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is finally set to take place on 2–5 June 2021.
This unique Russian forum is expected to bring together politicians, corporate business directors and investors from different parts of the world.
The organizing committee will do everything in its power to ensure that the event is held with all the necessary measures in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
In this interview, taken by Kester Kenn Klomegah especially for potential African participants, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Roscongress Foundation and Head of the Coordinating Council under the Secretariat of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum (RAPF) Alexander Stuglev describes it as a unique platform for networking and getting acquainted with top Russian executives of leading companies and business associations. It thus helps in laying a firm foundation for further economic cooperation. Here are the interview excerpts:
Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov noted that African issues are supposed to be included in the programme of the upcoming St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Can you kindly give us a roadmap of specific programmes and their significance for African participants coming to St. Petersburg this June?
First of all, I would like to note that the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, in its time, has become a sort of a gauge of the mounting interest in the development of Russian-African business cooperation: in the period of time from 2015 to 2019 the number of Forum participants from African countries grew five times.
Every year since 2016, as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum’s business programme, we host a Russia-Africa roundtable, which has become a traditional meeting place for Russian and African business and government and in whose discussions the heads of African states, among others, took part many times.
This year, the African agenda will also play an important part in the Forum business programme. In the course of the scheduled Russia–Africa business dialogue, we plan to discuss a wide range of our cooperation: food security; the Russian approach to solving healthcare problems in African countries, taking into account the economic aftermath of the pandemic; Russian investment and participation of our business in key infrastructure projects on the African continent. I invite our African colleagues to take the most active part in the upcoming Forum discussions.
On the other hand, the African landscape is changing with more foreign players. In assessing the reality of developments and competition for geopolitical influence, what are your views? With this focus on Africa at the St. Petersburg Forum, do you consider it as a gateway to reach the market of the African region?
You are right, many countries are expressing interest in Africa today, but this is no surprise when you take into account the huge potential and opportunities of the African continent. I believe that major players will keep growing more active on the African scene and we should be ready for it.
All in all, I have a positive attitude toward competition. I believe that in any line of business it helps growth and stimulates progress, the important thing is that it should be fair competition.
As for your question regarding the gateway to the African market, I believe that the key point here is regularity and a systematic approach. St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is, undoubtedly, one of the most important stages in the development chain of the entire range of mutually beneficial Russia-Africa cooperation. Yet, it is important to realise that you cannot land in a foreign market immediately. There is a lot of work to be done beforehand in order to set mutually respectful and trustful relations, to learn the culture and so on.
The Forum in St. Petersburg is just the venue where people from all over the world traditionally have an opportunity to exchange opinions on the most burning issues, present their initiatives, and establish contacts, thus laying a firm foundation for further cooperation.
Do you also think there is lots of potential in terms of raising trade and economic cooperation between the region and Russia? What will be Roscongress’ key focus, products and services for potential African participants?
Undoubtedly, there is a potential for trade and economic cooperation; both the Russian and African representatives always talk about it. It is important, however, not just to talk about it but to carry it through as well. In recent years, we have seen increased Russian activity where Africa is concerned and we will do everything we can to keep that tendency going.
I believe that constant dialogue is the basis for any successful interaction and the key objective of the Roscongress Foundation is to make that dialogue as intensive and productive as possible. We are ready to share our skills and experience with our African friends by organizing and holding Russian-African events together.
To unlock the economic and trade potential, it is important to involve small and medium-sized businesses in cooperation; that is why we are ready to consider the options for organizing small topic-specific events both in African countries and in Russian regions. Our key objective is to create opportunities and conditions, to be the link between the Russian and African businesses.
As Chief Executive Officer of the Roscongress Foundation, Head of the Coordination Council for Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, what are some of the preparations for the next Russia–Africa Economic Forum at the 2022 Summit to be held inside Africa?
We are already working hard on it. The Russia–Africa Summit and Economic Forum in 2019 demonstrated the mutual interest of Russia and African countries in working together; a roadmap for further cooperation has been set; participants have had an opportunity to talk and learn more about each other. Despite the adjustments made to our plans by the pandemic, the work did not stop; we continue to work on ideas and initiatives that can be carried out as early as the next Summit and Economic Forum in 2022.
As I have already mentioned, you cannot organize just one large forum and expect radical changes in trade and economic cooperation. You need to put in comprehensive efforts not only at the economic but also at diplomatic and humanitarian levels; you need to involve the regions, as well as small and medium-sized businesses in cooperation. This comprehensive interaction is actually underway and the Secretariat of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum plays a central part in it.
The Roscongress Foundation is a socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organizer of international conventions and exhibitions; and business, public, sporting, and cultural events. It was established in pursuance of a decision by the President of the Russian Federation.
By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
For the first time in its history, the World Public Summit will be held on the African continent. On 29–30 July 2026, Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, will host the World Public Summit. Africa — “A New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future.”
The Summit is organised by the World Peoples Assembly in cooperation with African partner organisations. It will bring together leaders of public diplomacy, representatives of international intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, academics, experts, representatives of the education and cultural sectors, youth leaders, socially responsible businesses, media professionals, and civil society institutions from across Africa and other regions of the world.
The World Public Summit. Africa continues the work initiated during the First World Public Assembly “A New World of Conscious Unity,” held in Moscow in September 2025, and serves as one of the key milestones in preparation for the Second World Public Assembly “A New World: Values That Unite,” which will take place in Moscow on 18–19 September 2026.
Today, Africa is emerging as one of the principal centres of global development. Rapid demographic growth, expanding entrepreneurship, strengthening regional integration, rich cultural heritage, and the growing role of civil society institutions make the continent an increasingly important contributor to the future architecture of international cooperation.
The Summit will focus on issues of genuine sovereignty and sustainable development, public diplomacy, preservation of cultural and historical heritage, international cooperation in education and science, youth engagement, innovation-driven development, creative industries, and the formation of new partnerships among countries and peoples.
The main business programme of the Summit will take place on 30 July 2026 at the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa. Holding the Summit at UNECA highlights its pan-African dimension and creates opportunities for broad international dialogue on humanitarian cooperation and public diplomacy.
The programme will include plenary sessions, strategic dialogues, and expert panels dedicated to values-based development, education, culture, youth leadership, innovation, and international cooperation.
Participation has already been confirmed by Professor Saidou Madougou, Director of the Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of the African Union; Rita Bissoonauth, Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office to the African Union and UNECA in Addis Ababa; Zuzana Schwidrowski, Director of the Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance Division of UNECA, as well as ministers, leaders of public organisations, and representatives of the business community from a number of African countries.
On the same day, the ADWA Victory Memorial Museum—Ethiopia’s national memorial complex dedicated to the Victory of Adwa and an important centre for preserving the historical memory of the Ethiopian people—will host the award ceremony of the regional stage of the V International Competition “Leader of Public Diplomacy”, followed by a large-scale cultural programme.
One of the key outcomes of the Summit will be the adoption of the African Communiqué, reflecting proposals and recommendations aimed at strengthening humanitarian, educational, cultural, and public cooperation between African countries and other regions of the world.
The outcomes, initiatives, and recommendations were developed during the World Public Summit. Africa will be presented at the Second World Public Assembly “A New World: Values That Unite”, to be held in Moscow on 18–19 September 2026.
According to Andrey Belyaninov, General Secretary of the World Peoples Assembly, “the Addis Ababa Summit is an important step toward building a new world founded on mutual respect, cultural diversity, dialogue and sustainable development.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The United Kingdom will get its seventh Prime Minister in 10 years as Mr Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday.
The Minister said he is stepping down as leader of the governing Labour Party and will leave office within weeks, scarcely two years after being elected in a landslide.
Mr Starmer says he will remain caretaker prime minister until a new Labour leader is chosen by the party.
Mr Starmer made the announcement after facing growing pressure to hand over to a new leader who can try to revive the government’s flagging fortunes.
He led Labour to a landslide election victory in July 2024, but since then, his popularity and that of the party have plummeted.
His departure was triggered by the victory of Mr Andy Burnham in a special election last week. The popular ex-mayor of Greater Manchester planned to challenge the existing PM for the Labour leadership.
Mr Starmer made the announcement outside the prime minister’s 10 Downing St. residence with a brief statement on Monday.
“The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election,” Mr Starmer said. “I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.
Mr Starmer is the sixth prime minister in a decade to stand outside 10 Downing Street and announce a premature departure.
It comes the day before Britain marks the 10th anniversary of its vote to leave the European Union, a decision that still affects the country’s economy and politics.
Over the past decade, 10 Downing Street has had six occupants, including Mr David Cameron, who left office in 2016 after the Brexit referendum and was succeeded by Ms Theresa May. She was followed by Mr Boris Johnson, whose tenure covered Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. After Mr Johnson came Ms Liz Truss, whose 49-day premiership was the shortest in British history. Mr Rishi Sunak then took office before being succeeded by Mr Starmer, the outgoing occupant of Number 10.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A financing facility of up to $60 million has been secured by AXIAN Energy, the energy division of the AXIAN Group.
The funding package was provided by MCB, one of the leading financial institutions in the Indian Ocean region.
It comprises a $40 million revolving credit facility with a three-year tenor and extension option, and $20 million in unfunded instruments, providing AXIAN Energy with enhanced financial flexibility, enabling the company to rapidly mobilise resources and seize development opportunities across its target markets.
The energy firm is expected to use the capital to deliver large-scale energy infrastructure projects across Africa.
Over the past two years, AXIAN Energy has significantly accelerated its growth by expanding its renewable energy project pipeline, with solar projects currently under development in Senegal, Benin, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, and Burkina Faso.
Building on this momentum, AXIAN Energy now operates a portfolio comprising 350 MW of installed renewable energy capacity, supported by 77 MWh of energy storage capacity, positioning the AXIAN Group as a major contributor to Africa’s energy transition.
The chief executive of AXIAN Energy, Mr Benjamin Memmi, said, “This transaction marks a key milestone in AXIAN Energy’s growth trajectory. It provides us with the financial capacity to sustain the momentum we have built over the past two years, further strengthening our renewable energy portfolio and expanding our presence across new African markets.”
Also commenting, the Global Head of Structured Finance at MCB, Mr Mathieu Delteil, said, “We are proud to support AXIAN Energy in structuring this facility, reaffirming our commitment to enabling transformative projects across Africa.
“By leveraging our sector expertise and deep understanding of regional markets, we have delivered a tailored financing solution that aligns with AXIAN’s long-term renewable energy ambitions.
“This partnership highlights our role as a strategic financial partner, mobilising capital towards investments that drive sustainable growth and accelerate the energy transition across the continent.”
The financing agreement between the two organisations strengthens their long-standing relationship because it is driven by a shared commitment to supporting infrastructure development and economic growth across Africa.
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