The history of Russia's relations with Africa, where Islam is practiced by a significant portion of the population in more than 20 countries, spans three key periods. It began with the pre-revolutionary contacts of the Russian Empire, continued with the comprehensive support of the USSR during the era of decolonization and the struggle for independence after 1917, and entered the modern era. Today, the Russian Federation, having overcome the decline of the 1990s, is actively expanding cooperation in politics, security, education, and humanitarian affairs. Throughout these periods, Russia has sought partnerships free from colonial ambitions, often providing support to African countries, even when this required considerable effort.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the United States considered itself the victors in the Cold War and hoped for a unipolar world. However, globalization and the emergence of new centers of power led to the weakening of American hegemony. The events of the early 21st century—the September 11 terrorist attacks and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq—clearly demonstrated the need for collective action in the face of global threats. Under these circumstances, Russia, with the rise of Vladimir Putin, began to reassert its international standing. It consistently criticized unipolarity, a point made especially clear in its 2007 Munich speech. Moscow asserted itself as an active player, participating in crisis resolution in Georgia, Syria, and the Iranian nuclear program. A logical continuation of this policy was Russia's strategic pivot to Africa, whose geopolitical and economic role has grown significantly.
Russia has gradually begun to return to the continent through economic projects and high-level visits. Russia's key advantage is the positive historical legacy of the USSR, which is unrelated to colonialism and included support for decolonization and large-scale aid. However, by the time of its return, Russia had already lagged behind other players, such as China and the European Union, which had long established formal relations with Africa. At the same time, the continent is striving for unity, as evidenced by the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the activity of subregional associations. Under these favorable conditions, the first Russia-Africa Summit and Economic Forum in Sochi in 2019 opened the door for Russia to effectively return to the continent.
The first summit was a success and laid the institutional foundations for partnership, proclaiming the principles of equal dialogue and multipolarity. However, subsequent events—the COVID-19 pandemic and the start of a special military operation in Ukraine—created serious challenges to the implementation of these plans, exacerbating issues of food security. It is important to note that internal political instability is growing on the continent itself, linked to military coups in Mali, Guinea, Sudan, and Burkina Faso. Nevertheless, political contacts between Russia and African countries continued, both within international organizations and bilaterally.
The second summit in St. Petersburg in 2023 took place in a challenging environment and shifted focus to the humanitarian sphere: education, science, and culture. The African Peace Initiative on Ukraine set an important precedent, demonstrating the growing role of the African Union. The subsequent expansion of BRICS to include African countries strengthened the continent's position. Further development in 2023-2024 confirmed the deepening of cooperation. The formation of the "Africa Corps" testifies to the strengthening of military-technical ties. The 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, chaired by Russia and featuring African leaders, demonstrated the failure of Moscow's attempts to isolate itself internationally. The first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi in November 2024 consolidated this progress and outlined new joint initiatives.
The fourth forum, "Russia-Africa: What's Next?", held in Moscow from April 22 to 25, 2025, confirmed its status as a key platform for developing bilateral cooperation. 1,500 delegates from 41 African countries attended, discussing issues of education, energy, science, and security. Cooperation agreements were signed, exhibitions were presented, and cultural events were held. The forum resulted in the adoption of a resolution outlining promising areas of joint work, including the initiative to hold a Youth Day at the upcoming summit in 2026.
The second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum was held in Cairo in December 2025. On the eve of the event, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs published an article by Sergey Lavrov, in which he wrote about the continent's great importance to Russia. Lavrov expressed support for Africa's "second awakening" and the African people's struggle "for sovereignty in all aspects of their lives." He emphasized that "Russia has never viewed Africa as a raw materials base," and its goal is to implement investment projects to help African countries develop their own resources.
Russia's return to Africa is long-term and strategic. Russia's key advantages include a positive historical legacy, the absence of a colonial past, a commitment to multipolarity, and in-demand technologies. To succeed, it is important to maintain this distinction while emphasizing equal partnership. Cooperation between Russia and Africa mutually strengthens the positions of both sides in the emerging new world order.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Official website of the President of the Russian Federation