Russia braces for critical juncture in Africa-Russia relations

Amped up amidst a chaotic global political landscape, Russia has been actively trying to improve its relationship with Africa. Despite the influx of stringent sanctions from the U.S., Europe, and the ongoing 'special military operation' in Ukraine, Russia is gearing up for another leaders summit with Africa in late July.

There's a catch, though. The Kremlin is yet to implement the 92 bilateral agreements it already has signed with various African countries, leaving many questions about their commitment to their promises. Undeterred, Russian Foreign Ministry's Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov, recently met with ambassadors of African countries to discuss drafts for the final documents to be adopted at the second Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg.

Numerous discussions have been taking place between Russian officials and several African nations, focusing primarily on trade, investment, and economic cooperation. They are setting their sights on critical sectors like the financial sector, energy, mining, infrastructure, digital technologies, cybersecurity, healthcare, education, and food security.

Russian enterprises are also chiseling away at building partnerships, as evidenced by TenChat, a Russian social network for professionals, planning to potentially enter markets in Iran, India, and several African countries. TenChat's founder, Semyon Tenyaev, noted that negotiations are at the final stage with five to seven countries for an immediate agreement. In addition, TenChat plans to launch an "export and import marketplace" soon.

When compared to LinkedIn, TenChat envisions an updated professional networking platform powered by AI, allowing users to connect efficiently. Unlike LinkedIn, platform users will have the option to sign in to either the local or global version, with local versions controlled by the respective country of origin.

Russia is also eyeing the opportunity to share AI technologies and expertise with African nations, focusing on implementing experimental legal regimes and showcasing best business practices in AI and data processing. Andrei Filippov, the deputy director for international cooperation at the Digital Economy autonomous non-profit organization, emphasized that the shared experience can lead to a leap forward in digital advancements for African nations.

The Digital Economy autonomous non-profit organization is working towards enhancing collaboration between businesses, technology companies, state bodies, and the expert community in implementing various digitalization initiatives. They've launched an initiative that sends business representatives and experts to regions to develop digitalization strategies, with the initiative gaining international traction last year.

According to Deputy Minister of Digital Development Dmitry Oguryayev, the export of Russian IT and information services to African countries increased from $8.1 million in 2020 to $2.7 million in imports. As a result, the government anticipates an increase in trade turnover between Russia and African countries due to the improved collaboration.

Staying true to this mission, Anton Kobyakov, an Advisor in Russian President's office, shared details about the upcoming Russia-Africa economic and humanitarian forum planned in St. Petersburg from July 26 to 29. The forum aims to facilitate technology and security collaboration for the sake of sovereign development and the betterment of human life.

The forum's program will consist of four large thematic blocks, covering topics such as international security, the economy of the new world, cooperation in technology, and the humanitarian and social sphere. In addition, a media forum, a congress of presidents of universities, and a roundtable of senior audit officials will take place on the forum's sidelines.

The Kremlin's proposed commitments to African countries, as shown by the unimplemented 92 bilateral agreements, raise questions about their dedication to their promises.
The upcoming Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg has become a center for discussions focusing on trade, investment, and economic cooperation, including sectors like finance, energy, infrastructure, digital technologies, healthcare, education, and food security.
Russian social network for professionals, TenChat, is planning to enter markets in Iran, India, and several African countries, with negotiations at the final stage for immediate agreements with five to seven countries.
TenChat envisions an updated professional networking platform powered by AI, allowing users to connect efficiently with the option to sign in to either the local or global version.
Russia is willing to share its AI technologies and expertise with African nations, emphasizing the potential for a leap forward in digital advancements.
The Digital Economy autonomous non-profit organization is strengthening collaboration between businesses, technology companies, state bodies, and the expert community to implement digitalization initiatives.
The export of Russian IT and information services to African countries increased in 2021, with the government anticipating an overall increase in trade turnover.
The upcoming economic and humanitarian forum in St. Petersburg will facilitate technology and security collaboration for sovereign development and the betterment of human life.
The forum features four thematic blocks on international security, the economy, technology cooperation, and the humanitarian and social sphere, along with additional events like a media forum, a congress of presidents of universities, and a roundtable of senior audit officials.