World
Africa Still Strategic Partner for Russia—Amarasinghe
After the first Russia-Africa Summit held in Sochi, Russia and Africa have opened a new chapter in their relationship. Russia and Africa, during the summit, pledged to take significant steps in raising, both at a bilateral level and in various multilateral formats, cooperation in many spheres. Since the collapse of the Soviet era, Russia has played a low key-diplomacy there, now that is set to change.
For nearly those three decades, many foreign players have been attracted to Africa, primarily, because Africa is steadily striding along the road of socioeconomic and technological progress, and is playing an increasing role in addressing issues on the international agenda.
In this interview taken by Kester Kenn Klomegah for Eurasia Review, Punsara Amarasinghe, who previously held a research fellowship at Faculty of Law, Higher School of Economics in Moscow and now a PhD candidate in Law from Scuola Superiore Universitaria Sant’Anna di Pisa in Italy, discusses some aspects of Russia-African relations.
Amarasinghe further noted that Russia, despite high competition on the continent among many foreign players, could contribute to the sustainable development of African countries. Here are the excerpts:
What is your interpretation of Africa, in practical terms, as a strategic partner for Russia?
Africa has always been a great partner even before Soviet Union emerged. We cannot forget Pushkin’s grandfather was an African …! Nevertheless, the modern importance of Africa as a strategic partner for Russia mainly arises from the way how West has neglected African countries, whereas Russia sees Africa as a better platform to restore its power projection. Russian ventures in Africa can be further bolstered from accessing natural resources and also Russia is the largest arm supplier to Africa. In fact, some Russians have been recruited by Africa states as security advisors.
In the Soviet era, relationship was that of solidarity to confront western capitalism and dominance. What is your reaction to this position? Now, is it strategic business rivalry and/or competition?
In Soviet era, African and Asian states looked for Moscow as a sanctuary, and in return USSR provided many assistance to Africa. Soviet military supply to Egypt was just an example. In addition, Soviet ideology continued to influence upon African youth through Lumumba University.
The reason interest of Russia in Africa cannot be exactly considered a revival of old relationship based on ideology. It is rather a new interest relevant to global realities. As an example, Russia is not the only key player in Africa and we need to understand Chinese have made heavy investment across Africa and China has already established its military presence in Djibouti. In that context, modern interest of Russia in Africa is much strategic than what USSR used to maintain.
Russia’s trade has increased but it is, largely, one-sided. In your opinion, what could be possible reasons why Africa’s trade and other forms of economic presence still low in the Russian Federation?
I think this mainly due to the lack of organizational skills of foreign services. You need to understand that economic presence and getting the maximum economic benefits are always rooted in the power of bargaining from bureaucracy. Especially in a situation, where small countries are dealing with a super power, the bureaucracy of small powers always need to walk an extra mile. This purely visible when Sri Lankan authorities had to push Russia for a fair deal of exporting Sri Lankan tea to Russia in 2017.
Assess Russia’s possible role the sustainable development, as business, in Africa?
Russia is a state always choses realpolitik in its global relations. From a theoretical IR perspective, Russia has chosen strict realism in its relations. Especially, new Russia under Putin strives for more practical benefits rather than seeking ideal outcomes.
However, we cannot entirely discard Russia as a country who has no interest in sustainable development goals as 2015 UN sustainable development goals already have been a part of Russian national agenda. It’s a pity that Russian presence in Africa has much business objectives than preserving sustainability. The recently held Sochi summit was an example for it as it’s played a key role in increasing Russian arm deals in Africa.
At least during the past decade, Russia has a plethora of bilateral agreements still not fully implemented in Africa. In Sochi, Russia and Africa have further signed Summit Declaration. What are your final comments here?
Lack of implementation of agreements is not only a problem that appears only in Africa, even the bilateral agreements signed between Russia and some of South Asian states have not yet been fully implemented. However, the as I stated earlier, Sochi summit was not a just meeting as Russia has shown a serious interest in “competition for cooperation” in Africa, in the recent past through military cooperation and seeking access to natural resources.
How should African leaders show reciprocal support for Russia’s renewed interest in the continent, especially in SDGs in Africa?
The rapport maintained by Moscow with African states during USSR used to be much mutually beneficial one for both parties than how West exploited Africa’s resources. However, the decline of USSR curtailed Russia’s presence in the continent. Yet, the there are some elites still involved in the state machineries in African states who have the nostalgia for Soviet legacy. In such a context, latest interest sparked in Moscow towards renewing their ties with African states has some significance.
In particular, modern Russia will use their old influences to penetrate into Africa. But we need to understand that the geo-political map has been changed in Africa since its past as again Africa has become a place for scramble among modern super powers. As an example, there is a strong French military presence in Mali and US too has its influence over Africa through its permeant base in Djibouti. In such a win-win situation, leaders in African states should reciprocate to Russia alliance without betraying their sovereignty.
In terms of accepting the deal coming from Moscow, African leaders need to be much cautious about the demands of Russia. Since Russia fell under sanctions and also since its confrontation with West, Russia has been putting a great strength to make its relations formidable in Asia and African regions. However, the vision of African leaders must be much focused on gaining Russian support without agitating other powers. It is a fact beyond doubt, still Africa receives more foreign aid from the EU and World Bank and making an unconditional rapport with Moscow may hinder Africa’s relations with the West.
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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