Russia-Africa Summit: From Declarations to Projects, Deadlines, and Responsibilities

On October 22, the GlobUs International Expert Club hosted a roundtable discussion titled “The Russia-Africa Summit in the Context of Sanctions Pressure and Multipolarity: Strategic Opportunities and Risks.” The meeting was timed to coincide with the third Russia-Africa Summit, which will be held in Moscow on October 28-29. Participants agreed that the main question today is not the number of documents signed, but rather what they translate into contracts, facilities, and educational programs.

The discussion was moderated by Sevgi Akhmedova, Head of the African Club at the Russian State University for the Humanities and a member of the GlobUs expert club. She recalled that in a multipolar world, Africa is no longer an object, but a subject: the continent has its own goals, enshrined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Therefore, sovereignty was at the center of the discussion.

Political scientist and founder of the GlobUs club, Yulia Berg, announced a comprehensive strategy for Russia’s cooperation with African countries, which will be published during the summit. The approximately 200-page document covers 14 areas and begins with a chapter on sovereignty. It is based on over a thousand expert interviews and extensive research.

According to Ms. Berg, trade deals yield quick results, while strategic change is impossible without science, education, and joint infrastructure projects in energy, water supply, and manufacturing. She also called for realistic expectations: Russia will not offer Africa investments on the scale of China, but is open to technology exchange and the creation of joint ventures.

Serge Fokas Odunlami, President of the NGO “House of Africa,” presented his book “Africa: A New Market for Russian Business,” and identified ignorance of the market as the main mistake Russian companies make: Africa comprises 54 countries, and the choice of country to launch into determines success. He sees Russia’s competitive advantages in education, energy, and technologies for processing African products locally. To achieve this, he believes, it’s necessary to create permanent platforms for interaction and provide African students with internships in Russian companies.

“We need fewer statements and more action,” he emphasized.

Ahmat Tahir Bakhit, Sputnik Africa’s lead correspondent and the head of external relations for the Russian House in Chad, noted that the success of cooperation is measured by what changes for people. Graduates from Russian universities often return home without work experience, which reduces the impact of educational programs. African countries, he argued, need technology, personnel, and local production rather than investment. He also noted that Russian media are operating under restrictions on social media platforms and are seeking alternative channels.

Rishabh Sethi, President and Founder of the Indian Center for the Promotion of International Initiatives, emphasized that multipolarity means “more space at the common table.” He cited the number of joint ventures, skilled jobs, and the amount of funds retained in the local economy as criteria for a successful partnership.

Summing up, Akhmedova noted that the summit is not about loud slogans, but rather projects, funding, and responsibilities.

#GlobUs #RussiaAfrica #Africa #RussiaAfricaSummit