Ministers from over 40 countries came to Russia’s Sochi. Why?

African nations increasingly show a strong interest in Russia

On November 10, the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum concluded at the Sirius Federal Territory in Sochi, Russia. This dialogue platform, aimed at strengthening Russia-Africa relations, was established following the Second Russia-Africa Summit, held in St. Petersburg in 2023.

Meetings took place at the conference between the foreign ministers of Russia and all participating African nations, as well as the leaders of African regional integration organizations. The primary goal of the platform is to assess progress and discuss the results of agreements reached during the first two Russia-Africa summits, as well as to outline future steps.

Other countries, like China, have also held ministerial conferences in between summits, since this format has proven effective in maintaining continuous high-level political engagement. 

The three-day conference headed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov demonstrated the growing intensity of Moscow’s diplomatic efforts on the continent. Lavrov regularly tours African nations and their foreign ministers often visit Russia.

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More than 40 government ministers from across Africa attended the conference in Sochi, and most delegations were headed by their respective foreign ministers. Lavrov and other senior Russian diplomats met with the foreign ministers and representatives of Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Mali, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa, and other countries. These meetings focused on strengthening political and economic ties and developing partnerships in various sectors, including security, trade, and investment. Key discussion topics included economic collaboration, healthcare, educational development, and digital technologies. Special attention was paid to supporting sustainable development in Africa, countering terrorism, and enhancing food sovereignty.

During the conference, Russia signed agreements with the Central African Republic, Rwanda, and other African countries to simplify visa requirements for diplomats and boost cooperation in the humanitarian and economic fields. Lavrov also discussed initiatives aimed at improving the investment climate and fostering trade relations, including support for Russian projects in Africa.

Although the ministerial conference primarily implied consultations between the foreign ministers of Russia and Africa – and to this end, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed many agreements, particularly those focused on simplifying travel for diplomats and officials – the organizers also wanted to broaden the agenda.

In addition to the meetings of foreign ministers, a special business event was held. It united representatives of Russian and African enterprises, as well as ministers of energy, natural resources, economy, finance, education, information and communication technologies, and more. This allowed the political agenda to be supplemented with trade and economic discussions.

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The business program covered many topics like resource management, trade and economic cooperation, education, youth engagement, and information and communication technologies (ICT). Particular attention was given to interaction in the field of ICT. Digitalization was discussed in the course of four special sessions and was also regularly mentioned during other discussions, underscoring the dynamic growth of digital collaboration between Russia and Africa.

It’s important to note that the quality of the discussion improves with each Russia-Africa event: participants address specific issues, projects, challenges, and opportunities, and share experiences. It is clear that Russia is gradually shifting from a predominantly trade-based model of cooperation with Africa to a deeper, more strategic partnership. This is reflected in active political contacts and humanitarian exchanges, particularly the training of African professionals in Russia. Currently, over 35,000 African students are studying in Russia, and this number is expected to reach 50,000 in the medium term.

Russia is also committed to engaging in global discussions about Africa’s course of development, as is evident from the handbook “Africa 2025: Prospects and Challenges” presented by the HSE Center for African Studies during the conference. The 200-page handbook addresses the key aspects of the development of the continent such as macro-economics, energy, and food sovereignty, and analyzes successful African strategies for overcoming crises. It also offers an alternative perspective on the region’s development that contrasts with Western narratives. The handbook received positive feedback from government officials, business experts, and academics and was distributed to the delegates.

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Following the conference, a joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers, declaring their shared perspective on the most urgent global and regional issues. Additionally, the delegates agreed to hold regular ministerial conferences, with the next one planned for the coming year. Sergey Lavrov said that the next such meeting may take place in Africa rather than Russia.

The intermediate results of last year’s Russia-Africa Summit and the upcoming Third Russia-Africa Summit, which will be held in 2026, were also discussed at the conference, marking a new chapter in relations.

Clearly, Russia’s policy on the continent has proven highly effective, and this is reflected in Africa’s strong interest in the country. This is clear from the fact that even diplomats from nations that are not particularly close – either politically or geographically – to Moscow, had come to Sirius for the conference.