Faith Nyasuguta
Russia has been steadily increasing its influence in Africa, with top officials reaffirming the continent’s importance in Moscow’s strategic plans. Recently, Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the Russian State Duma, emphasized that Africa has become a major priority for Russia’s government.
During a meeting with Djibouti’s National Assembly Chairman, Dileita Mohamed Dileita, Volodin highlighted Russia’s growing partnerships with African nations, particularly in energy, trade, and financial collaboration. He stressed that Africa-Russian relations are built on mutual respect, non-interference in sovereign matters, and a commitment to economic cooperation.
One of the key indicators of Russia’s deepening ties with Africa is its expanding energy agreements. Russian state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom has been signing multiple deals with African nations. In July 2024, Rosatom reached a nuclear agreement with Congo, and just a month earlier, it partnered with the Republic of Guinea on a floating nuclear power plant project. Algeria also secured an energy agreement with Russia in March, further demonstrating Moscow’s active engagement in the region.
Beyond energy, Russia has been pushing financial collaborations by expanding its list of currency trading partners in Africa. Nigeria, Tunisia, and Ethiopia were recently added, and Russia has since announced plans to conduct transactions with Tanzania using both nations’ local currencies. This initiative aligns with Russia’s broader goal of reducing its reliance on the U.S. dollar and strengthening alternative financial frameworks.
Volodin emphasized the importance of deepening parliamentary relations between Russia and African countries, suggesting that legislative cooperation could further solidify bilateral ties. His statements, reported by Russian media outlet Sputnik, reflect the Kremlin’s commitment to long-term partnerships on the continent.
Russia’s growing presence in Africa has drawn international attention, particularly as African nations weigh economic opportunities with Moscow against existing ties with Western markets. While Western nations have historically dominated trade and investment in Africa, Russia’s strategy of offering energy and financial cooperation without political conditions has appealed to some governments.
The East African country of Rwanda was one of the earlier adopters of Russian collaboration, signing an agreement in 2019 with Rosatom to develop nuclear energy infrastructure. Since then, Russia has actively pursued similar partnerships across the continent.
As Russia continues its outreach in Africa, its expanding influence signals a shift in global alliances, positioning Moscow as a key player in the region’s economic and energy landscape.
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