Russia and Africa are natural partners in today’s rapidly changing world, said Fyodor Lukyanov, Research Director of the Valdai Discussion Club, at the ongoing Valdai Africa Conference in South Africa.
“Africa’s role on the global stage is growing visibly,” Lukyanov noted. “And that’s no exaggeration or mere compliment. The continent is vast, has a fast-growing population, and represents a massive and expanding market. In the past, Africa was largely viewed as a source of raw materials, but today it’s a huge consumer market that will keep growing for many years—unlike most other continents.”
Lukyanov pointed out that Africa is quickly developing a new sense of agency in the world. “Of course, Africa can’t yet be seen as a unified whole with a single voice, but there is clear progress in that direction, and growing realization among Africans themselves that they share many common goals and interests. We’re seeing the continent’s self-confidence rise, despite the many challenges its countries continue to face,” he said.
In Lukyanov’s view, Russia and Africa have excellent prospects for partnership. “In today’s world, Russia can be seen as something of a neutral force, especially from the African perspective. We have no colonial baggage, and Russia can offer many of the things Africa needs—especially in technology and education. Russia is very interested in expanding its network of close partners, and Africa has perhaps the richest potential in this regard right now. Plus, Russia supports the idea of a more multipolar world, with more influential players. Taken together, these factors make Africa a uniquely important partner for us,” Lukyanov said.
The Valdai Club’s Africa conference is taking place in Pretoria and focuses on “Realpolitik in a Divided World: Rethinking Russia-South Africa Ties in Global and African Context.” The first Valdai Africa conference was held in St. Petersburg in 2023 alongside the Russia–Africa summit, and the second took place last year in Tanzania.
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Photo: Sergey Fadeichev/TASS
Based on TASS materials