As Western sanctions isolate Russia from traditional markets, Africa emerges as a vital alternative for trade, investment and geopolitical influence. The continent’s abundant natural resources, rapidly growing economies and strategic location offer Russia a way to circumvent sanctions and sustain its economy.
Russia’s relations with Africa are steeped in history, particularly during the Cold War when the Soviet Union supported liberation movements across the continent. This legacy created goodwill that remains the cornerstone of Russia’s modern relations with many African states. The post-Soviet era saw a significant decline in Moscow’s presence on the continent as economic and political priorities shifted inward. However, Russia has returned to Africa with renewed vigor following the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent imposition of sanctions.
The rise in sanctions imposed by Western nations after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 accelerated this shift. Locked out of traditional markets in Europe and North America, Russia has deepened trade and political ties with Africa. Trade between Russia and Africa with exports to the continent surging by 43 percent to total US$21.2 billion in 2024 according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the first Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum held earlier this month in Sochi on the shores of the Black Sea in Southern Russia.
Africa’s population today stands at 1.49 billion people–projected to double by 2050 representing a critical market for goods and services. Its resource wealth comprising critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium and rare earth elements is indispensable for global industries including renewable energy and digital technology. Moreover, Africa–home to six of the world’s ten fastest-growing nations–offers Russia new opportunities to expand its influence and diversify trade.
The continent’s 54 nations constitute a powerful voting bloc in international organizations especially the United Nations. Strengthening ties with African countries allows Russia to garner diplomatic support in response to Western narratives and sanctions. This was evident in the abstentions by 17 African nations during the UN vote condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine, a testament to Moscow’s diplomatic efforts across the continent.
Africa’s imports comprise Russian grain, hydrocarbons and machinery; while Russia increasingly looks to Africa for critical minerals, agricultural produce and new investment opportunities. African nations such as Egypt, Sudan and Nigeria rely heavily on Russian wheat imports to ensure food security. This trade has become even more critical amid global disruptions caused by the Ukraine war as African nations seek stable suppliers of essential commodities.
With Europe reducing its dependence on Russian energy, Moscow has shifted its focus to Africa. Countries such as Algeria and South Africa are exploring partnerships with Russia in oil and gas along with renewable energy projects. Nuclear energy is also a significant area of potential collaboration with the Russian state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom building Egypt’s first nuclear power plant and negotiating agreements with other African nations including a recent agreement to establish a nuclear science centre in Rwanda.
Critical minerals are another area of growing interest. Africa’s reserves of cobalt, lithium and rare earth elements are essential for Russia’s industrial and technological ambitions with the global transition to green energy. Collaborations in mining and mineral processing allow Russia to secure access to these resources in return for the development of local industries and value chains.
Despite profound opportunities, challenges persist. Africa’s infrastructure deficits, regulatory hurdles and political instability present risks to sustained economic engagement. Navigating these complexities requires a commitment to long-term partnerships rather than short-term gain. Concerns over transparency and governance have also emerged in some of Russia’s African engagements, especially where private military entities such as the Wagner Group are involved. Ensuring trade and investment partnerships prioritize mutual benefit and accountability is crucial to trust and stability.
African nations face varying challenges balancing relations with Moscow against relations with traditional partners in Europe and North America. As global competition for Africa’s resources intensifies, countries must ensure partnerships with Russia do not result in exploitative practices or excessive dependency. The effective utilization of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Southern African Development Community (SADC), COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) and AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) will allow African nations to negotiate more equitable terms and create regional synergies in trade and development.
More than a stopgap solution to sanctions–Africa represents a significant strategic ally for Moscow in the emerging multipolar world order. By aligning with the development goals outlined in African Union’s Agenda 2063, Russia can position itself as a long-term partner with investments in infrastructure, education and technology transfer to strengthen ties and contribute to Africa’s growth and resilience.
Russia offers Africa an alternative to traditional Western and Chinese partnerships. Moscow’s emphasis on sovereignty and non-interference resonates with African leaders seeking to diversify relationships and reduce dependency. Leveraging Russian expertise in energy, mining and agriculture provides Africa with an opportunity to accelerate economic growth and transformation.
As Western sanctions reshape global trade, Africa stands out as a vital partner for Russia. The continent’s resources, markets and geopolitical weight offer Moscow an opportunity to help sustain its economic ambitions and expand its global influence. Deepening ties with Russia presents African nations with an opportunity to harness new investments, technology and trade.
The Russia-Africa partnership is not without challenges, however, the potential for mutual benefit is undeniable. Together, both sides can navigate the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape and build a relationship that drives inclusive growth and development through the prioritization of long-term collaboration over short-term opportunistic transactions in this era of global realignment.
About the Author
Christopher Burke is a senior advisor at WMC Africa, a communications and advisory agency located in Kampala, Uganda. With almost 30 years of experience, Christopher has worked extensively on social, political and economic development issues focused on governance, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, environment, communications, international relations and peace-building in Asia and Africa.
