World
Critical Views on Russia’s Policy Towards Africa within the Context of the New World Order
By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
In September’s WhatApp’s conversation with Matthew Ehret, a Senior Fellow and International Relations expert at the American University in Moscow, he offers an insight into some aspects of Russia-African relations within the context of the emerging new world order.
In particular, Matthew gives in-depth views on Russia’s valuable contribution in a number of economic sectors, including infrastructure development during the past few years in Africa, some suggestions for African leaders and further the possible implications of Russia-China collaboration with Africa. Here are important excerpts of the wide-ranging interview:
What are the implications here and from historical perspectives that Russia is looking for its allies from Soviet-era in Africa…and “non-Western friends” for creating the new world order?
Russia is certainly working very hard to consolidate its alliances with many nations of the global south and former non-aligned network. This process is hinged on the Russia-China alliance best exemplified by the integration of the Eurasian Economic Union with the Belt and Road Initiative and the spirit of cooperation outlined in the February 4 Joint Statement for a New Era of Cooperation.
Of course, this is more than simply gaining spheres of influence as many analysts try to interpret the process now underway, but has much more to do with a common vision for instituting a new system of cooperation, creative growth and long-term thinking uniting diverse cultural and religious groups of the globe around a common destiny which is a completely different type of paradigm than the unipolar ideology of closed-system thinking dominant among the technocrats trying to manage the rules-based international order.
The Soviet Union, of course, enormously supported Africa’s liberation struggle and attained political independence in the 60s. What could be the best practical way for Russia to fight what it now referred to as “neocolonialism” in Africa?
Simply operating on a foundation of honest business is an obvious but important thing to do. The African people have known mostly abuse and dishonest neo-colonial policies under the helm of the World Bank and IMF since WW2, and so having Russia continue to provide investment and business deals tied to the construction of special economic zones that drive industrial growth, infrastructure, and especially modern electricity access which Africa desperately needs are key in this process.
African countries currently need to transform the untapped resources, build basic infrastructure and get industrialized -these are necessary to become somehow economic independent. How do you evaluate Russia’s role in these economic areas, at least during the past decade in Africa?
It has been improving steadily. Of course, Russia does not have the same level of national control over its banking system as we see enjoyed by China, whose trade with Africa has attained $200 billion in recent years while Russia’s trade with Africa is about $20 billion. But despite that, Russia has done well to not only provide trains in Egypt and has made the emphasis on core hard infrastructure, energy, water systems, and interconnectivity a high priority in the 2019 Russia-Africa Summit and the upcoming 2023 Summit.
Generally, how can we interpret the African elite’s sentiments about Russia’s return to Africa? Do you think Russia is most often critical of the United States and European Union’s hegemony in Africa?
I think the over-arching feeling is one of trust and relief that Russia has returned with a spirit of cooperation. According to all the messaging from Lavrov, who recently completed an important Africa tour in late July, I can say that Russia is very critical of the USA and EU approach to hegemony in Africa. As Museveni and the South African Foreign Minister have recently emphasized, they are sick of being talked down to and threatened by western patronizing technocrats. In contrast, we see a sense of mutual respect in the discourse of Russian and Chinese players, which is seen as a breath of fresh air.
While the West is obsessed with “appropriate green technologies” for Africa while chastising the continent for its corruption problems (which is fairly hypocritical when one looks at the scope of corruption within the Wall Street- City of London domain), Russia supports all forms of energy development from coal, oil, natural gas and even nuclear which Africa so desperately needs to leapfrog into the 21st century.
Understandably, Russia’s policy has to stimulate or boost Africa’s economic aspirations, especially among the youth and the middle class. What are your views about this? And your objective evaluation of Russia’s public outreach diplomacy with Africa?
So far, Russia has done well in stimulating its youth policy with expanded scholarships to African youth touching on agricultural science, engineering, medicine, IT, and other advanced sectors. Additionally, the Special Economic Zones built up by Russia in Mozambique and Egypt has established opportunities for manufacturing and other technical training that has largely been prevented from growing under the IMF-World Bank model of conditionality laced loans driven primarily by the sole aim of resource extraction for western markets and overall control by a western elite. Russia has tended to follow China’s lead (and her own historical traditions of aiding African nations in their development aspirations) without pushing the sorts of regime change operations or debt slavery schemes which have been common practice by the west for too long.
Sochi summit has already provided the key to the questions you discussed above. Can these, if strategically and consistently addressed, mark a definitive start of a new dawn in Russia-African relations?
Most certainly.
Geopolitical confrontation, rivalry and competition in Africa. Do you think there is an emerging geopolitical rivalry, and confrontation between the United States and Europe (especially France) in Africa? What if, in an alliance, China and Russia team up together?
China and Russia have already teamed up together on nearly every aspect of geopolitical, scientific, cultural and geo-economic interest imaginable which has created a robust basis for the continued successful growth of the multipolar alliance centred as it is upon such organizations as the BRICS+, SCO, ASEAN and BRI/Polar Silk Road orientation. This is clear across Africa as well and to the degree that this alliance continues to stand strong, which I see no reason why it would not for the foreseeable future, then an important stabilizing force can not only empower African nations to resist the threats, intimidation and destabilizing influences of western unipolarists.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
To cement its strategic expansion into sustainable infrastructure, a global technology company, Tether Investments, has acquired a 70 per cent equity stake in a leading sustainable production company in South America, Adecoagro.
The majority acquisition builds on an initial investment into the company, marking a decisive step in Tether’s long-term strategy to become a key player in global, real-world infrastructure.
With majority ownership secured, Tether is now in a position to accelerate Adecoagro’s growth and align its board and operations with a forward-looking vision focused on renewable energy, efficient resource use, and regional development.
Recall that in September 2024, Tether bought a 9.8 per cent stake in Adecoagro for about $100 million in a bid to expand beyond digital finance and into real-world infrastructure, including energy, agriculture, data, and communications.
The move was part of Tether’s growing focus on leveraging its capital and technological expertise to invest in businesses that support economic freedom and long-term resilience in emerging markets.
“Our acquisition of Adecoagro reflects Tether’s commitment to advancing sustainable, real-world infrastructure in regions where investment has historically been limited.
“By aligning with in Adecoagro’s proven expertise in agriculture and renewable energy, we are taking another concrete step toward bridging traditional industries with the future of decentralized finance and economic empowerment,” the chief executive of Tether, Mr Paolo Ardoino, said.
Also, the chief executive of Adecoagro, Mariano Bosch, said, “Tether’s investment marks a turning point for Adecoagro.
“Their commitment to building sustainable infrastructure complements our mission and opens exciting new possibilities. I thank our departing Board members for their steadfast contributions and warmly welcome the incoming directors, whose experience will help propel us forward.”
With this latest deal, Tether has changed the board of Adecoagro, with Mr Juan Sartor appointed as the new chairman.
He said, “This partnership with Tether brings a new era of opportunity for Adecoagro. We look forward to scaling the company’s impact in sustainable agriculture and energy, reinforcing capital discipline, and unlocking long-term value across South America.”
By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
“The Fourth Forum “Russia-Africa: What’s Next?”, which took place from April 22 at MGIMO University of the Russian Foreign Ministry, concluded on April 25, 2025. The event confirmed its status as an authoritative platform for discussing key areas of cooperation between Russia and the countries of the African continent. This year, the Forum brought together 1,500 participants, including representatives of 41 African countries.
The business program included more than 30 events, including expert and panel discussions, round tables, creative brainstorms and other interactive sessions devoted to education, sports and space diplomacy, energy partnership, scientific cooperation, humanitarian interaction and information security. The Forum also included sessions organized jointly with the Center for Global and Strategic Studies and the Council of Young Scientists of the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the OIE Laboratory of the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the I.S. Turgenev, as well as the MGIMO Law Club.
Participants had the opportunity to exchange opinions and develop new approaches to developing relations between Russia and Africa. Particular attention was paid to the sports and cultural program, which allowed participants to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the African continent and experience its diversity and color.
On the first day of the Forum, the II Russian-African Spartakiad was held, which included sports competitions in football, volleyball, and basketball. Dozens of heads of African diplomatic missions accredited in Moscow, as well as representatives of various Russian ministries and departments, attended the grand opening of the IV Forum “Russia-Africa: What’s Next?”.
The ceremony was hosted by I.V. Tkachenko, Attaché of the Department of African States (sub-Saharan Africa) of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Executive Secretary of the Forum’s Program Committee. Russian Foreign Minister S.V. Lavrov addressed the participants with a video message. Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation A.A. Kobyakov also delivered a welcoming speech. Among the honored guests were MGIMO Rector, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.V. Torkunov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation M.L. Bogdanov, Russian Senator, member of the Federation Council Group for Cooperation with African Parliaments A.V. Voloshin, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs L.E. Slutsky, Honorary President of the Institute of African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.M. Vasiliev, Deputy Director General of ITAR-TASS M.V. Petrov, Head of the Department for Work with Government Agencies and Diplomatic Missions of African Countries, Consultant on Interaction with Africa Jose Fernando Sambo, as well as Chairman of the Council of Young Diplomats of the Russian Foreign Ministry E.M. Akopyan.
During his speech, Igor Tkachenko, together with MGIMO Rector A.V. Torkunov and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation M.L. Bogdanov, put forward the initiative to organize a Youth Day as part of the upcoming Russia-Africa summit in 2026. This proposal, aimed at strengthening intercultural dialogue and developing youth cooperation between the countries, received the support of the event participants.
Vice-Rector for Youth Policy, Social Work and International Relations Stanislav Igorevich. In his speech, Surovtsev emphasized that one of MGIMO’s main priorities is training new generation leaders who are ready to participate in implementing large-scale cooperation projects with African countries in all areas.
Stanislav Igorevich also noted that MGIMO traditionally acts in the forefront of educational partnership with Africa, relying on the rich traditions that were laid down in Soviet times and have survived to this day. Leading Russian and foreign experts took part in the Forum, including Director of the Department of Partnership with Africa of the Russian Foreign Ministry T.E. Dovgalenko, Deputy Director of the Department of International Organizations of the Russian Foreign Ministry V.E. Sergeev, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry S.S. Belousko, State Duma deputies N.V. Novichkov, D.V. Kuznetsov, I.A. Filatova, representatives of major news agencies, as well as business and scientific circles.
The headliners of the Forum were the consultant on interaction with Africa Jose Fernando Sambu, the executive chairman of the African Youth Commission Marubini Muswede and the CEO of StudEx Group Tumelo Ramaphosa. The following exhibitions were presented on the sidelines of the IV Forum “Russia-Africa: What’s Next?”: “Africa: Past and Present…”, “Chroniclers of History”, and “Explore Uganda”, organized jointly with the Moscow Financial and Law Academy, the magazine “New Regions” and the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, respectively.
The grand opening of the exhibitions took place on April 23 with the participation of the Rector of the Moscow Financial and Law Academy A.G. Zabelin, the Vice-Rector of MGIMO S.I. Surovtsev, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Forum’s Program Committee, MGIMO analyst V.V. Zhuchkov and the Chairman of the Student Secretariat of the Forum V.G. Avetisyan.
The final event of the Forum was the Russian-African concert, which brought together talented performers from Russia and African countries on one stage. The cultural program included a variety of musical and dance numbers reflecting the rich heritage, culture and traditions of both regions.
Following the IV Forum, a number of fundamental documents were signed, including agreements on cooperation in the field of education and science with the Africa House organization and the Madagascar-Russia Brotherhood Association.
During the closing ceremony, consultant on interaction with Africa José Fernando Sambou, executive chairman of the African Youth Commission Marubini Muswede, as well as attaché of the Department of African States (Sub-Saharan Africa) I.V. Tkachenko and deputy executive secretary of the Forum’s Program Committee, MGIMO analyst V.V. Zhuchkov signed the final resolution of the Forum.
The partners of the event were the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rossotrudnichestvo, the Roscongress Foundation, the Directorate of the World Youth Festival, as well as CMR Bank, Priority 2030 and the MGIMO Endowment. The general information partner was TASS, media coverage was also provided by Russia Today and the African Initiative. IV Forum “Russia-Africa: What’s Next?” became a confirmation of the mutual interest of the parties in developing cooperation and identified promising areas for further joint work.
By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
Today, boosted by the Kremlin’s diplomatic push and support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Partnership, Russian companies are moving with multitude of development projects and corporate entrepreneurial investments into Africa. St. Petersburg summit has also charted the roadmap cum well-designed strategies for boosting the entire bilateral economic cooperation with the continent whose endowed resources include the huge human capital.
The geography of Russia-African economic cooperation is steadily expanding. As previously reported, the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry, since the beginning of 2025, approximately 150 Russian companies have moved into Africa. And with Africa, ready to engage in priority partnerships, the Russian registered company called A7 African Cargo Lines LLC (A7 ACL, Moscow) has started its logistics and shipping services to West Africa. According to the Unified State Register of Legal Entities, A7 African Cargo Lines LLC (A7 ACL, Moscow), was registered on April 17, and has its primary activity listed as railway freight transportation.
“We intend to operate in West Africa,” the Board Chairman Andrei Severilov, told Interfax regarding the company’s establishment. “At the first stage, with the assistance of the Russian trade mission in Nigeria, we are implementing a project to establish a direct shipping line,” Severilov said. According to the news report, the launch of a maritime route between Novorossiysk and Nigeria’s port of Lagos is planned for mid-June, with two container ships chartered for the line’s inauguration, each with a capacity of 700 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). Future plans also include establishing maritime connections with Senegal (Dakar port).
Severilov previously owned a 23.8% stake in PJSC Far Eastern Shipping Company (FESCO, the parent company of FESCO Transportation Group). In September 2024, Severilov announced his intention to re-enter the transportation business and established the asset management company A7 African Cargo Lines LLC (A7 ACL, Moscow), with a focus on Africa and primarily targeting to get substantive returns, in terms of, profits. It’s unique decision to take up logistics connecting Africa’s transport market is poised for significant trade growth, by transporting goods across the region and for exports to Europe.
By building a new shipping line that would connect the West Africa, first through Nigeria promises raising trade. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and its largest economy. Nigeria is a key member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is fostering intra-African trade and economic integration. In addition to above factors, Russian companies are showing increased interest in Nigeria, for example in reviving the countries largest steel plant. There is also interest in investing in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Undoubtedly, establishing A7 African Cargo Lines LLC (A7 ACL, Moscow) could be an explicit opportunity for promoting trade by its logistics infrastructure. Reports indicate that Russia’s exports to Nigeria currently amount to about $1.51 billion, mainly consisting of refined petroleum, wheat, and malt, while Nigeria exports a small amount to Russia, primarily cut flowers, other oily seeds, and nuts.
Further to that, the overall Africa’s trade statistics at the end 2024, soared to a record of $24.5 billion from the previous figure, approximate $20 billion that came up during the special panel discussions in 2023 when the second Russia-Africa summit was held in St. Petersburg, the second largest city in the Russian Federation.
By the next Russia-Africa summit slated for 2026, with high anticipation of more Russian enterprises dominating the African landscape, in spite of the existing complexities and challenges would extend or broaden the sphere of economic influence in the context of geopolitical power shifts being capitulated by the Western powers and President Donald Trump of the United States.
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