Rossotrudnichestvo Expands Humanitarian Projects in Africa: How This Will Make People’s Lives Better

The third Russia–Africa Summit will take place in Moscow on 28–29 October. Representatives of 48 countries will come to the Russian capital, with 22 countries represented at the level of heads of state.

The President of Russia will hold more than twenty bilateral meetings. The discussions will focus not only on the economy and energy, but also on humanitarian cooperation. This is one of the areas in which Rossotrudnichestvo is actively engaged. The Agency’s Head, Igor Chaika, intends to meet with partners from African countries on the sidelines of the Summit: existing ties need to be strengthened, while new projects need to be discussed.

How Rossotrudnichestvo Is Already Working in Africa

Over the past three months, one of the key developments in Rossotrudnichestvo’s work in Africa has been the launch of partner Russian Houses. On 8 September 2026, Igor Chaika signed agreements on the opening of 11 such platforms, eight of them in African countries: Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Togo. In addition, 24 partner Russian Houses are already operating in 19 African countries.

People will not only study the Russian language and culture, but also gain a deeper understanding of contemporary Russia. The Agency is placing particular emphasis on the digitalisation of its centres, engaging Russian IT companies and social media platforms.

According to Chaika, the activities of partner Russian Houses will be assessed based on concrete results, including through the implementation of humanitarian projects. This is also an area that the Agency plans to strengthen starting in 2027 by launching a microgrant system.

Residents of African countries where Rossotrudnichestvo offices operate — whether official or partner offices — will also be able to propose their own initiatives and receive funding for their implementation.

Rossotrudnichestvo’s work is not limited to opening new centres. In September, the Russian House in Cairo took part in organising a meeting dedicated to contacts between universities, cultural institutions and public organisations from Russia and Africa.

In October, Rossotrudnichestvo, together with its partners, organised a cultural initiative dedicated to Brazzaville Day: greetings to the city’s residents were presented in Russian, French and Lingala. These projects complement the day-to-day work of Russian Houses — from language courses and cultural meetings to joint humanitarian projects.

What Will the Expansion of the Russian House Network Mean for Africans?

▪️ If you are studying Russian, Russian history, or are interested in Russian humanitarian projects around the world and want to become part of global processes — Russian Houses are the place to go. Your ideas will be considered and may receive financial support.

▪️ If you are planning your future and want to build a successful career — come to a Russian House: learning Russian can help you gain admission to Russian universities.

▪️ By taking part in joint educational programmes organised by Rossotrudnichestvo, you will expand your circle of contacts and build valuable connections.