Often called the “cradle of humanity,” Africa is a continent endowed with an abundance of natural resources, including minerals, oil, natural gas, lush forests, rich fauna, and vast, arable land. It has 54 independent nations and possesses a sizable portion of the world’s non-renewable and renewable resources. Many African countries, in spite of their potential, have struggled to overcome authoritarianism, violence, and corruption in order to achieve stability. Africa’s prospects are changing as a result of Russia’s recent recognition of the value of fostering a true partnership with the continent.
Russia made a big shift in its foreign policy concept in 2023 when it recognised Africa as a “distinctive and influential centre of world development.” This change represents a sea change in the nation’s strategy for engaging with Africa. Russia’s perspective on Africa has shifted from being limited to natural resources and geopolitical concerns. Rather, it acknowledges Africa’s capacity to play a significant role in determining the course of our multipolar world.
The adoption of a final declaration at the Russia-Africa Summit marked a crucial turning point in this developing partnership. In order to strengthen Russian-African collaboration in a number of areas, including science, technology, culture, politics, security, and the economy, this declaration sets forward some rather ambitious aims and objectives.
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The level of commitment is demonstrated by the Memoranda of Understanding that the African Union and the Government of the Russian Federation as well as the Eurasian Economic Commission inked. These agreements provide a solid basis for the formation of strategic partnerships while reinforcing collaboration based on economic principles.
Africa and Russia have always had a close relationship. Throughout Africa, Russia has continuously backed national liberation movements. The nation has been essential to small states and the growth of their economy. Russia has also contributed to the development of strong military forces. Crucially, the tenets of respect for one another and refraining from meddling in internal matters have formed the foundation of this collaboration. Africa has never been seen by Russia as just a place to get labour or raw commodities.
The level of dedication to Africa is shown in the Russian Federation – African Union Action Plan for 2023–2026. In keeping with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, it sets priorities and suggests ways to maximise the potential of the collaboration between Russia and Africa in areas of shared interest. This agenda, which looks forward, aims to build “The Africa We Want” and represents Russia’s and Africa’s long-term vision for cooperation.
The Action Plan highlights a number of important areas of concentration, such as economic cooperation, social and cultural interaction, political and security cooperation, and a strong structure for carrying out the plan. This all-encompassing strategy highlights Russia’s goal to be an authentic participant in Africa’s development process.
Russia’s commitment to Africa is an “invariable priority” in its foreign policy, as President Vladimir Putin correctly emphasised. This commitment stems from a sincere wish to assist Africa in becoming a global leader in the emerging multipolar world. Russia’s changing strategy, which is based on friendship and respect for one another, offers hope for a better future for Africa. Russia and Africa can work together to create a rich, peaceful, and stable continent that will fulfil the dreams of its people and have a beneficial influence on the world stage if they have a common vision and take cooperative action.