IBAC

Ghana Plans to Ban Raw Material Exports

Ghanaian President John Mahama called for a ban on the export of unprocessed raw materials by 2030. The announcement was made at the Mining in Motion 2026 summit in Accra. The head of state called for the creation of integrated regional infrastructure and processing capacities to enable Africa to transform raw materials into high-tech goods.

Ghanaian authorities intend to focus on combating illegal mining, restoring degraded lands, and legalizing the artisanal sector. Illegal mining has already destroyed more than 12,000 acres of land, of which 800 acres have been restored and replanted. Ghana joins a growing trend of African countries (including Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zimbabwe) shifting to domestic processing to sell higher-value products on global markets.

The trend toward banning raw material exports represents a tectonic shift in the global resource market. Russia, as a major supplier of raw materials, is facing a changing market environment. On the one hand, African countries’ shift away from raw material exports could temporarily increase global prices for some metals. On the other hand, this opens up a colossal market for Russian equipment. The construction of processing plants requires mills, crushers, beneficiation facilities, and engineering services, in which Russia has strong competencies.

African countries are aiming to establish a full production cycle locally.

Russian mining and metallurgy companies should reorient their African strategies from simply importing resources to jointly building processing facilities. Participating in local value creation will not only maintain access to raw materials but also occupy a niche as industrial equipment suppliers.

#Ghana #Africa #economy #mining #export #RussiaAfrica

The African Union Accelerates Transition to National Currencies in Mutual Trade

The African Union is calling on countries across the continent to accelerate reforms to expand cross-border payments in national currencies. This was stated by AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf at a business forum in El Alamein, Egypt. He called for the creation of stronger African payment systems, simplified border procedures, and improved market access. He noted that the continent still imports many food products, medicines, and industrial goods that it could otherwise produce domestically.

Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi, also called for deeper economic and industrial integration. The main goal is to reduce external dependence and maintain more trade and financing within Africa.

"It is necessary to transform the African Continental Free Trade Area into a fully functioning market with unified customs procedures, cross-border payment systems, trade finance, and regional value chains," he said.

This initiative is fully consistent with the global trend toward de-dollarization, which Russia actively supports. This opens up direct practical opportunities for Russian businesses. Africa's transition to settlements in national currencies means a reduction in sanctions risks when conducting transactions, as well as a reduction in transaction costs associated with conversion through dollars or euros. Russian exporters will be able to build more direct and predictable financial chains with African partners using the ruble or local currencies.

#Africa #AfricanUnion #economy #RussiaAfrica #export

Uganda Implements $1.8 Billion Strategic Plan for Water Infrastructure Development

Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Henry Musasizi, announced the implementation of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) strategic plan for 2025–2030. Total investment aimed at expanding access to clean water for households and the industrial sector is estimated at $1.8 billion. The Minister emphasized the importance of water supply for public health and economic growth, recalling that the program is part of a strategy to increase the economy tenfold to $500 billion by 2040.

Other major projects highlighted by the Minister include:

◾️The Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP) — with a base cost of $378 million;
◾️Expansion of the Greater Kampala systems;
◾️Regional water supply schemes to support production in the Karamoja region and Northern Uganda.

Simultaneously, irrigation infrastructure is being expanded to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture. The Nexus Green program involves the installation of hundreds of solar-powered water supply and irrigation systems across the country. Additionally, the FIEFOC III (Farm Income Enhancement and Forest Conservation) project covers 19 districts; its components focused on natural resource management and agribusiness development are driving demand for related equipment and services.

While Uganda is one of the few African countries with abundant water resources, its infrastructure remains underdeveloped. According to the World Health Organization, only 18.1% of the population has access to safely managed drinking water, while approximately 63% have access to at least basic water. This $1.8 billion program represents a significant infrastructure market for equipment and service providers.

Uganda is prioritizing the growth of agricultural processing and is diversifying its supplier base, moving away from the dominance of Western and Chinese companies.

#Uganda #Africa #infrastructure #economy #exports #RussiaAfrica #waterresources

CIS and Africa: Coordination for Trade and Economic Partnership

On September 16, inter-foreign ministry consultations titled "On Cooperation between CIS Member States and African Countries and Integration Blocs" took place at the CIS headquarters in Minsk. Representatives from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and the CIS Executive Committee participated in the meeting, with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan attending as observers. The meeting was chaired by Tatyana Dovgalenko, Director of the Department for Partnership with Africa at the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Discussions focused on establishing cooperation with Africa, particularly with the African Union and other integration blocs on the continent. Participants exchanged assessments of the regional security situation and outlined concrete steps to expand the "CIS–Africa" ​​partnership in the trade-economic and humanitarian spheres. The outcomes were recorded in a protocol.

Coordination among CIS countries regarding Africa reduces the risk of duplicating efforts and enhances the negotiating power of each participant. For Russian business, this means the creation of common standards for export support and easier market access through collective initiatives.

The "CIS–Africa" ​​format could serve as an additional platform for promoting Russian companies, especially in countries where bilateral ties remain underdeveloped. The participation of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan as observers signals a widening circle of interested states and the potential opening of new logistics routes.

#CIS #Africa #economy #trade #integration #RussiaAfrica

20th Anniversary of the Treaty on Friendship and Partnership between Russia and South Africa

On September 5–6, 2006, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin paid the first-ever visit to the Republic of South Africa. This event marked a turning point in the development of Russian-South African relations and gave fresh impetus to their steady strengthening.

The signing of the Treaty on Friendship and Partnership in Cape Town established a solid legal foundation for long-term cooperation. Moscow and Pretoria affirmed their mutual commitment to systematic, strategic cooperation based on aligned approaches to key international agenda issues, mutual respect for national interests, and the principles of the sovereign equality of states.

Russian Ambassador to South Africa Roman Ambarov commented: "Over the past two decades, our countries have progressed from political rapprochement to a full-scale, multifaceted strategic partnership spanning energy, mining, science, space exploration, and personnel training."

Existing intergovernmental and interagency mechanisms play a vital role in developing these relations, including the Joint Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation, the Russia-South Africa Business Council, and joint commissions on scientific and military-technical cooperation.

The adoption of the 2013 Joint Declaration on Establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership marked an undeniable milestone in advancing a constructive global agenda, elevating the relationship between our countries to a new level. This document solidified the parties' commitment to developing cooperation across political, economic, trade, scientific, technological, cultural, and other spheres, thereby laying the groundwork for the further expansion of practical engagement. The joint efforts of Russia and South Africa on international platforms—primarily the UN, BRICS, and the G20—are of particular importance, as both nations advocate for strengthening multilateralism and establishing a more equitable system of international relations.

The existing legal framework and accumulated experience provide a solid foundation for new projects and for the presence of Russian business in the South African market.

#RussiaSouthAfrica #economy #Africa #BRICS

IBAC

The Durban Process as a Safeguard for Russian Business in Africa

The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), adopted on September 8, 2001, laid the foundation for the international legal fight against racism and discrimination and served as the basis for specialized UN mechanisms, including the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and the Intergovernmental Working Group. Russia supports the Durban Process and played a key role in the 2009 Review Conference, upholding the integrity of the original agreements. Each year, Russia submits a resolution to the UN General Assembly on combating the glorification of Nazism; the growing number of votes in its favor demonstrates the consolidation of the "Global Majority" against attempts to revise the outcomes of World War II.

The Foreign Ministry’s statement also criticizes neo-colonial revanchism and the promotion of a doctrine of "civilizational exceptionalism" in certain European states. It notes that, under the guise of defending democracy, the rights of indigenous peoples and migrants are being infringed upon—actions that run counter to the Durban agreements.

The conceptual substance of the Durban Process is being translated into practical action within the Russia-Africa agenda. Objectives such as upholding sovereign equality and the distinct identities of peoples, as well as establishing a fair multipolar system, will be central themes of the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled for October 28–29 in Moscow. Political and legal support for African partners will be stepped up, thereby mitigating the risk of discriminatory barriers and fostering a predictable environment for long-term business contracts.

Strengthening anti-discrimination norms and expanding cooperation within the UN and BRICS frameworks provide an additional safeguard for Russian projects in Africa. Moscow’s political will reduces the likelihood of administrative hurdles and opens up access to new niches—in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

#RussiaAfrica #ForeignMinistry #InternationalLaw #Economy #Summit2026

The Northern Sea Route: Not Logistics, but a New Architecture for Global Trade

China has launched a regular container route along the Northern Sea Route, completely bypassing the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz. The Chinese line has begun serving the "Ice Silk Road" along Russia's Arctic coast—and this is no longer an experiment, but a systematic step.

The launch of regular services along the NSR marks a fundamental shift. This isn't just a shorter route; it means freeing up key global bottlenecks. Up to 40% of the world's oil and a huge container flow pass through Suez, Hormuz, and Malacca. The Northern Sea Route physically removes Chinese cargo from potential military and sanctions pressure, creating a strategic backup corridor for Beijing.

The economics of the route are changing radically. Twenty days instead of forty is not just a time savings. Capital turnover doubles, opening the possibility of returning to just-in-time operations instead of maintaining huge insurance warehouses. With stable icebreaker assistance, the total cost of ownership of the northern route could be lower than that of the southern route.

In this arrangement, Russia is not simply a transit country, but the owner of the infrastructure. Rosatom effectively becomes the administrator of the international corridor. This is a powerful lever of influence and, at the same time, an incentive for domestic high-tech production—icebreakers, ports, and satellite communications.

As a result, two global trade circuits are being formed. The south remains the responsibility of the US, India, and QUAD. The north is becoming a BRICS+ circuit, with potential de-dollarization of payments, its own insurers, and classifiers.

Restrictions are still strict: throughput capacity, ice-class requirements for vessels, winter navigation, and the "last mile" on land. In the coming years, the NSR will be able to handle a maximum of 5-10% of the most profitable and time-sensitive traffic between China and Europe.

The main conclusion is obvious: the Northern Sea Route is ceasing to be a niche export corridor for Russian LNG and is becoming a full-fledged Eurasian artery. Success will depend on whether Russia can provide a predictable winter schedule and comfortable regulations for international shippers while maintaining sovereign control.

#Northern Sea Route #Russia #China #Arctic

Russia and Africa: How to Transform Potential into Sustainable Trade Growth?

Russia's trade turnover with African countries has already exceeded $27 billion and is expected to double to $50-60 billion by 2030. Moscow currently leads among Russian exporting regions, accounting for more than a third of the total, but competition on the continent is growing.

Besides Moscow, which exports medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, other drivers include:
Krasnodar Krai: The main agro-industrial hub and supplier of wheat to Egypt (7.8 million tons) and Algeria.
Rostov Oblast specializes in the export of crop products, vegetable oils, and agricultural machinery.
St. Petersburg: Second-largest exporter of marine equipment and electronics.
Ural Federal District: Mining equipment and metallurgy.
Tatarstan: KAMAZ trucks, helicopters, and tires.

The main barriers hindering trade growth are the low solvency of some countries and significant transportation distances, which leads to lower margins on trade transactions.

The extremely low level of mineral fertilizer application per hectare (20 kg in Africa versus 200 kg, for example, in China) represents a huge potential resource for Russian chemical producers.

Russian companies that learn to work with local specifics now will be able to gain authority and trust in this market in the future.

#Analytics #RussiaAfrica #Economy

Russia is shifting its paradigm: from raw materials to technology exports to BRICS.

Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev announced a strategic shift in cooperation with its BRICS partners. Russia intends to develop cooperation not only through traditional energy supplies but also through the active export of technologies and engineering solutions.

New members of the organization (Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, the UAE, and others) are experiencing severe shortages of baseload generation in some regions. Many of them have ambitious plans for further industrialization and production growth, but lack the necessary technologies in nuclear and hydropower.

Rosatom is a global leader in nuclear technology with a completely independent supply chain (from uranium mining to fuel and services). The corporation is already building or plans to build units in India, China, Egypt, Turkey, and elsewhere. Another strength of the Russian energy sector is RusHydro, which has expertise in large-scale hydropower, among the best in the world. The potential for projects in Africa and South America is enormous.

The economic impact of shifting from one-time resource sales to long-term service contracts is significant and significantly increases added value. BRICS partners are willing to pay in their national currencies, reducing dependence on Western sanctions.

A geopolitical bonus is the strengthening of multipolarity: countries in the Global South gain an alternative to Western technologies without political strings attached, creating a new technological alliance within BRICS.

The plans are quite realistic. Russia possesses a unique combination of technology, experience, and trust in the countries of the Global South.

The main challenges are speed of implementation and protection from potential hybrid attacks by the West. If real supply and service chains are established, this will become one of the most successful areas of Russian foreign economic policy over the next 10-15 years.

#MinistryOfEnergy #Russia #Energy #BRICS #Technology

Ghanaian Cocoa: Strategic Opportunities for Russian Business amid Global Shifts

Ghana, the world's second-largest cocoa bean producer, is actively diversifying its export routes. Strengthening European regulations, logistical challenges, and rising intermediary costs are prompting Accra to seek direct, long-term partners. Russia is seen as one of the most promising destinations in this context.

Current Market Size:

Ghana's expected cocoa harvest in 2025 is approximately 650,000 tons.
Trade turnover between Ghana and Russia in 2025 reached $1.85 billion (an increase of 10-15% year-on-year).
Ghana's cocoa bean exports in the 2024/2025 season totaled $3.37 billion (an increase of 119% compared to the previous season).
Cocoa currently accounts for approximately 10% of Ghana's total exports to Russia.

Dr. Lawrence Awuku-Boateng, President of the Ghana-Russia Business Development Council, emphasizes the shift from intermediary arrangements to direct cooperation between Russian and Ghanaian companies in the agro-processing sector. Currently, the majority of Ghanaian cocoa enters the Russian market through European traders, which significantly increases the final price and creates additional currency and logistical risks.

The most promising models of cooperation are:

Trade exchange schemes ("cocoa for fertilizer and agricultural machinery") – these allow for simultaneous resolution of financing issues and minimization of currency risks.

Development of direct logistics corridors (sea and multimodal transport).

Development of sustainable payment mechanisms in national currencies through intergovernmental agreements.

Expanding the Russian route does not require a significant increase in overall production in Ghana; it is a matter of redistributing existing export flows. At the same time, Ghana gains a stable and predictable market, while Russia gains access to high-quality raw materials at more competitive prices, diversifies supplies, and strengthens its position in Africa overall.

This cooperation fits perfectly with the BRICS framework and Russia's strategy for developing economic ties with the Global South.

#Ghana #Russia #GlobalSouth