In preparation for the next Russia-Africa summit in 2026, the Valdai Discussion Club has emphasized the need for Russia to create favorable conditions for investment in African countries. The report, released to coincide with the second Russian-African conference in Tanzania, stresses that African states should not expect assistance from Moscow following the European model.
The authors of the report argue that the European approach of providing loans, transfers, or grants has left recipient states dependent and weak, burdened by long-term debt. In contrast, Russia aims to assist Africa through different means, such as transportation subsidies for exporters, which have resulted in African buyers receiving lower prices than those for French and American products.
The report suggests that Russia should align its support measures with its political priorities and make these measures known, noting that even beneficiaries are often unaware of their existence. The primary goal for 2026 is to facilitate Russian investment in Africa by creating an enabling environment. The report highlights that Russia's annual trade surplus with Africa exceeds $20 billion, and at least 10 percent of this amount could be used to launch new investment projects and expand exports.
Another crucial factor for stimulating economic relations between Russia and Africa is the transfer of knowledge and technology. The report emphasizes that technology transfer and training should be prioritized, as these processes are essential for expanding trade and investment cooperation and promoting technological sovereignty. Russian investments in human development in African countries should be viewed as strategic investments.
A New Model of Cooperation
Valdai analysts predict that cooperation between Russia and African countries will reach a new level as both regions' influence in global politics and the economy grows. They highlight the significant demographic potential of Africa and foresee increased migration flows from Africa to Russia. This necessitates measures to ensure orderly and balanced integration of new migrants.
The report calls for efforts to strengthen Russia's authority in Africa and develop a shared vision of a future where economic freedoms and globalization do not undermine diverse values, political systems, or civilizations. The authors conclude that mutual strength, stability, and independence form the basis of Russia-Africa cooperation in the 21st century.
About the Conference
The report was authored by specialists from the National Research University Higher School of Economics, focusing on African Studies and Economics. It coincides with the second Russia-Africa conference of the Valdai Club, themed “Russia-Africa: Strategy of Cooperation in a Multipolar World,” held on July 24 in Tanzania. The third Russia-Africa summit is expected to take place in 2026 in an African country. The second summit was held at the Expoforum in St. Petersburg on July 27-28, 2023, alongside an economic and humanitarian forum, under the motto “For Peace, Security and Development.” The events were organized by the Roscongress Foundation.
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Based on TASS materials