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Russian Non-Commodity Exports to Africa Reach $14.4bn

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Alisa Prokhorova Russian Export Center Non-Commodity Exports

By Kester Kenn Klomegah

In this interview with Alisa Andreevna Prokhorova, the Managing Director for International Activities and Interaction with Business Councils and Group of companies of the Russian Export Center, not only discussed at length but also offers in-depth information with statistics about Russia’s trade with Africa.

The first Russia–Africa Summit has ultimately set the grounds for raising trade collaboration across various areas and work towards a new dynamism in the existing economic cooperation with African countries.

In an emailed discussion with Kester Kenn Klomegah in May 2021, Prokhorova unreservedly stressed that as the African continent undergoes positive transformation, platforms for dialogue trade between Russia and Africa are profoundly emerging too.

She particularly referred to the newly created continental free trade zone in Africa for potential Russian investors and business people, facilitate their quest for interaction with industry organizations and enterprises of the sub-Saharan African countries.

Here are the interview excerpts:

Is the African market promising from an economic point of view? Does Russia play a special role on the African continent?

What is the peculiarity of the African continent? The fact that the demand is very high (a large territory of the continent, 54 countries), but many countries are not creditworthy. In all countries of the world, large corporations plan a strategy to enter the market with a deferred effect. So, they invest.

For example, China enters many African countries and takes major projects, but implements them at its own expense, because at the moment, it’s very difficult to achieve high demand from the African population.

Russian companies do not have enough resources to engage in such investment expansion. The market is potentially the largest, Africa – is the continent of the future, but at the moment, the demand is generally limited.

Secondly, the USSR was very active in Africa. It had built and invested a lot, so since those times Russia has a positive image. Besides the past achievements, it is still necessary to build more business partnerships and form an economic strategy for the future.

What is the dynamics of economic relations between Russia and Africa over the past five years? Which changes are being tracked?

Russian exports to African countries over the past decade have generally shown a steady upward trend (adjusted for a number of specific factors). If in 2010, exports were only $5 billion (less than 1.5 per cent of the total), then in 2019, it was already $14 billion (3.3 per cent).

Due to the low share of fuel in the supplies, the role of Africa in non-commodity exports is much more significant. Over the past 5 years, Russian non-commodity exports to Africa have consistently exceeded $10 billion (2018 was a record year as exports amounted to $14.4 billion).

Speaking about Africa, we need to clearly distinguish the countries of this continent into two groups: the northern and southern parts. Russia traditionally has good economic relations with the countries of North Africa (trade turnover of $11.7 billion in 2019), where there is a dynamic growth of Russian non-resource non-energy exports.

With the South African countries (trade turnover of $5 billion in 2019) the statistics are more inconsistent, where the export of Russian non-commodity goods over the five past years ranges from $1.8 billion in 2015 to $2.2 billion in 2019. In spite of that, 2018 was the most successful year with an export volume of $2.7 billion.

How much does Russia export to African countries on average per year? Which of them have the largest share in the Russian trade balance?

As I have already noted, Russia works most actively with the countries of Northern Africa where Egypt stands out. Algeria and Morocco can also be distinguished.

Non-commodity exports 2019 (USD million): Egypt – 5407, Algeria – 2985, Nigeria – 367, Morocco – 332, Sudan – 271, South Africa – 260, Tunisia – 170, Kenya – 156.

Non-commodity exports for 8 months in 2020 (USD million): Egypt – 1624, Algeria – 1148, Nigeria – 279, Sudan – 203, Morocco – 199, South Africa – 155, Kenya – 115, Tunisia – 102.

As for major export contracts, the following can be noted:

The contract for the supply of 1.3 thousand passenger railcars for Egypt, in the amount of about 1 billion euros, was won by Transmashholding in cooperation with its Hungarian partner (the head contractor is the Tver Carriage Building Plant). Deliveries under this contract have already begun and by October, 117 railcars ($59 million) have been shipped. EXIAR and EXIMBANK of Russia also take part as I know.

What is the role of non-commodity exports in trade with African countries? Moreover, are there any major infrastructure projects with the participation of Russia?

Russian Export Center pays priority attention to the development of the relations with sub-Saharan Africa. The outcome of 2020 the volume of non-commodity export amounted to $432.1 million. There was support for the supply of Russian products in 34 countries of the region.

The main destinations of Russian non-commodity exports were: Rwanda ($165 million), South Africa ($32 million), Zambia ($27.5 million), Tanzania ($17.8 million), Ghana ($17.1 million), Kenya ($16.6 million) and Uganda ($14.6 million).

The main export industries are agriculture, mechanical engineering, chemical industry, timber industry, and metallurgical industry.

At the moment Russian Export Center takes part in the development of prospects for the participation of Russian companies in a number of infrastructure projects, in particular, for the equipment and construction of hydroelectric power plants in a number of countries in East Africa, the construction of a railway in one of the countries in West Africa.

Today, our portfolio also includes projects for the supply of products from the Russian automobile industry to Ghana, Nigeria and Ethiopia. A project for the supply of agricultural and railway equipment to a number of countries in South Africa is being worked out. In total, the work is carried out on projects in 18 countries of the region.

With the participation of the Russian Export Center the implementation of a number of landmark projects of Russian companies in Africa in key industries, whose products are most in-demand on the continent, is being discussed. It’s about the mining industry, metallurgy, chemical industry, agricultural products, infrastructure projects.

Special attention is paid to the development of exports of Russian high-tech products, the possibilities of supplying medical equipment, high-tech solutions in the field of hydro and solar energy, communication and security systems are being worked out. It is important to note that most of these projects are long-term, and their full implementation and delivery of results require long-term collaboration with African counterparts.

Economic partners from which African countries are interested in obtaining accreditation and which of the services are in demand?

We are also stepping up our efforts to expand our foreign network. Since December 2021, the Russian Export Center has accredited partners in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, and Rwanda. Partners in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Senegal are in the process of accreditation.

We record an increase in the interest of Russian exporters in obtaining both financial services (lending and insurance) and non-financial services (search for a foreign buyer, top-level search for a partner) in West Africa (Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Ivory Coast) and a number of East African countries (Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia).

We note an increase in the number of requests to find a Russian supplier from sub-Saharan Africa. Companies from such countries as South Africa, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Benin are most interested in increasing imports of Russian companies’ products. Most frequently, we receive requests to search for suppliers in such industries as mineral fertilizers, food products and petrochemicals.

Are you planning to establish cooperation with regional organizations and, if so, with which ones?

We plan to expand the channels of interaction with industry organizations and business councils of the sub-Saharan African countries. Special emphasis will be placed on cooperation with regional integration groupings (for example, the Southern African Development Community-SADC, the Economic Community of West African Countries-ECOWAS and the East African Community-EAC).

Besides, several projects can be noted: the activities and plans of the Afrocom at the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) in the direction of Africa, the Russia-Africa Summit 2022, and the possible opening of a tasting pavilion in one of the African countries.

Why African business is extremely low or completely absent, compared to Asian countries, in the Russian Federation? Under the circumstances, what should be done to improve the current situation, to make a two-way trade?

The development of bilateral relations in the business environment depends on the intergovernmental commissions. These commissions work out the terms of cooperation as well as resolve issues of economic, technical and legal nature. In order to improve the situation in two-way trade between Russia and Africa, it is necessary to develop state cooperation.

Moreover, the remoteness and insufficiency of developed transport networks with Africa are also key issues of bilateral cooperation. The elimination of trade barriers and dialogue at the level of intergovernmental commissions will allow countries to improve two-way trade links.

With the adoption of African continental free trade, what is your interpretation of this free trade, and how useful it could be for corporate Russian exporters?

The African free trade zone opens up opportunities for the free movement of services, goods, capital and labour in the region. This reduces costs and facilitates trade between countries, making Africa even more attractive to other states.

Russia supports the concept of the African free trade zone because it is very convenient for exporters who get the necessary certificates and trade permits in one country and then sell their products to other African states. This free trade area allows producers to reduce the costs and time of transportation of goods. It increases the attractiveness of the African market and makes it more significant for Russian exporters.

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Saudi, Russia, 6 Others Agree to Raise Crude Oil Output Next Month

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crude oil output

By Adedapo Adesanya

Eight key producers in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) on Thursday agreed to raise combined crude oil output by 411,000 barrels per day.

Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met virtually to review global market conditions and decided to raise collective output by 411,000 barrels per day, starting in May.

The group was widely expected to implement an increase of just under 140,000 barrels per day next month.

The May hike agreed on Thursday is “equivalent to three monthly increments,” OPEC said in a statement, adding that “the gradual increases may be paused or reversed subject to evolving market conditions.”

The eight OPEC+ producers this month started gradually unwinding 2.2 million barrels per day of voluntary cuts undertaken independently from the production strategy of the broader 22-member OPEC+ alliance, which has roughly 3.66 million barrels per day of separate cuts in place until the end of 2026.

CNBC reported that the Thursday meeting was the first one attended by Mr Erlan Akkenzhenov, the new energy minister of Kazakhstan, which has struggled with producing above its assigned quota.

Without referencing individual countries like Nigeria, OPEC said in its Thursday statement that the May output hike will “provide an opportunity for the participating countries to accelerate their compensation” by way of additional production cuts in line with overproduction.

The Thursday decision was taken against the backdrop of broader market trouble triggered by sweeping tariffs on key trade partners unveiled on Wednesday by the administration of US President Donald Trump.

Mr Trump, who has been simultaneously championing higher US oil output, signed a reciprocal tariff policy on Wednesday.

The American President said his plan will set a 10 per cent baseline tariff across the board.

The plan imposes steep tariff rates on many countries, including 34 per cent on China, 20 per cent on the European Union, and Nigeria got 14 per cent.

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Russia’s Expanding Geopolitical Influence in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger

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Confederation of Sahel States

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

Growing impatience over the fragile security situation in the Sahel region and collective anxiety to lift up and strengthen their Confederation of Sahel States (AES), some prefers the Alliance des États du Sahel (translates in English as the Alliance of Sahel States), the three Foreign Ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger embarked on a fresh trip to Moscow.

Meetings, held in early April 2025, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov undoubtedly gave a strong boost to the AES relations, marking the latest new chapter in building sustainable security ties and economic cooperation.

Ahead of the meeting, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the Sahel foreign ministers prioritized perspectives on regulating their political crisis as well as focusing on economic spheres. According  to Russia’s MFA, the three African countries’ foreign ministries indicated in a joint statement that the joint visit as the first session of “AES-Russia consultations” which aims at finding appropriate pathways in fighting jihadist insurgencies that has spread across the region south of the Sahara.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger currently run by military governments that have taken power in coups between 2021 an 2022, have formed an alliance known as the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). By creating their own bloc, it exposes Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) weaknesses and its long-term inability and incompetency to deal with regional problems, particularly rising security through mediation.

The French grouping later kicked out French and other Western forces and conveniently turned towards Russia for military support. Their foreign ministers will visit Moscow on April 3 and 4 and hold meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at his invitation, the statement said.

“The Moscow meeting represents an important step in establishing strategic, pragmatic, dynamic and supportive cooperation and partnership relations in areas of common interest between the AES and Russia,” the ministries said.

Basic research and review show that besides instability, these countries are engulfed with various socio-economic problems primarily due to the system of governance and poor policies toward sustainable development. And Russia’s renewed and full-fledged interest is primarily focused on uprooting French domination, and support the development goals of these French-speaking West African countries in the Sahel region.

For fear and concerns about the new rise of terrorism and for the sake of deeper cooperation and integration, the three Sahelian countries have turned to Russia, and as expected Russia has since offered tremendous assistance. As a follow up, the early April meetings in Moscow, several critical issues are on the agenda: military assistance to fight growing terrorism, and efforts to strengthen political dialogue and promote concrete partnerships relating to trade and the economy in the region.

The AES has multitude of obstacles, the main problems emerged after exiting out of ECOWAS, the regional organization consisting 16 West African states. Finance is another hurdle among others. Nevertheless, Russian Foreign Ministry explained in a statement posted on its website, that Russia’s military-technical cooperation with African countries is primarily directed at settling regional conflicts and preventing the spread of terrorist threats and fighting the growing terrorism in the continent.

Russia’s MFA has earlier assured: “we will continue supporting it with the supply of arms and hardware and personnel training, including peacekeepers, as it is very important to help put an end to this evil and other challenges and threats, including drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime.”

With regards to financing AES, the bloc on March 31st introduced 0.5% levy on imported goods to finance their newly formed three-state union, following their withdrawal from ECOWAS. The agreed levy took immediate effect and applies to all imported goods except humanitarian aid.

It also implied that the move officially ended free trade with West Africa’s ECOWAS bloc, deepening the rift between the three and regional democracies like Nigeria and Ghana. Worth noting that ECOWAS sanctions imposed to force a return to civilian rule have had little impact, as the Sahel alliance continues to strengthen economic and security cooperation.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are among many African countries bartering natural resources. There have been cases, where huge natural-resource projects were given away without cabinet discussions and parliament’s approval.

Apparently, these agreements on resources extraction hardly deliver broad-based development dividends. Nevertheless, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have bilateral agreements with Russia. The three have offered complete access to exploiting their natural resources in exchange for military equipment and weaponry as well as military training. Burkina Faso signed a Memorandum of Understanding on nuclear energy with the State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) during the Russia-Africa summit held in St. Petersburg in July 2023.

Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned security issue and economic cooperation during his opening and closing speeches at the summit and even previously, indicating its importance on Russia’s agenda with Africa. In fact, there were five key summit documents and one of them focuses on ‘Strengthening Cooperation to Combat Terrorism’ which neatly relates to this article theme here under discussion.

Although Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have abundant human and natural resources, offering tremendous potential for rapid growth, there are existing deep-rooted challenges – environmental, political and security – that may affect the prosperity and peace of the region. Therefore, external support is badly required and which is why Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have to look up to Russia as their economic and security saviour, particularly this changing geopolitical situation in the world.

According to various narratives, Russia has embarked on fighting “neo-colonialism” which it considers as a stumbling stone on its way to regain a part of its Soviet-era influence in Africa. Russia has sought to convince Africans over the past years of the likely dangers of neocolonial tendencies perpetrated by the former colonial countries and the scramble for resources on the continent.

In pursuit of its geopolitical interest, Russia has ultimately begun making inroads into the Sahel region, an elongated landlocked territory located between North Africa (Maghreb) and West Africa, and also stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea.

With human and natural resources, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger China are undertaking giant economic and social transformation. Quite essentially, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, within the geopolitical reconfiguration in West Africa, are desirous to ensure their political sovereignty, engage in development which Russia has expressed interest to support.

Certainly, the three have pledged to work together to find common solutions, and are oriented towards multipolarity. In this way, they could consolidate its integration to become a center of influence, diversify the economy to become prosperous in the region. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are expected to continue to advance their collective interests for the purposes of their development, prosperity and stability.

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Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Slam 0.5% Import Levy on Nigeria, ECOWAS Nations

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ECOWAS Court

By Adedapo Adesanya

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger – all under military rule- have announced a new 0.5 per cent levy on imported goods from Nigeria and other Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member-nations.

The development comes as they seek to fund a new three-state union after leaving the larger regional economic bloc, they said in a statement.

Recall that the West African regional bloc, in January, in the spirit of regional solidarity, said they will recognise the national passports of the three countries bearing the ECOWAS logo until further notice and will allow for free trade with the three states under military rule and free movement will happen without visas.

However, the three nations, according to an official statement, said the levy was agreed on Friday and will take effect immediately, noting that it will affect all goods imported from outside the three countries but will not include humanitarian aid.

Funds from the levy would be used to “finance the activities” of the bloc, the group said, without giving details.

The move ends free trade across West Africa, whose states have for decades fallen under the umbrella of the ECOWAS, and highlights the rift between the three states that border the Sahara Desert and influential democracies like Nigeria and Ghana to the south.

The three countries, each ruled by military juntas that came to power through recent coups in 2023, had established the Alliance of Sahel States as a security agreement following their exit from ECOWAS bloc.

Over time, this alliance evolved into an aspiring economic union with plans to promote deeper military and financial integration, including introducing biometric passports.

Last year, the three nations left ECOWAS, citing claims that the bloc had not sufficiently supported them in fighting Islamist insurgencies and addressing insecurity in their countries.

The three countries, which are former colonies of France, have lamented the excesses and involvement of the European country on its affairs and resources. It has since built new relationships with Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

The three Sahelian countries have teamed up to form a separate confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

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