Russia's African Gambit: Trade, Security, and Shifting Alliances in Play
Russia is pushing to deepen its ties with African nations, focusing on trade, security, and political cooperation. Despite ambitious targets set in 2019, progress has moved slower than planned. Now, with shifting alliances in West Africa, Moscow sees new opportunities to expand its influence.
In 2019, President Vladimir Putin announced a goal to double trade with Africa to $40 billion within five years. However, growth has fallen short of expectations. Still, Russia has made strides in certain sectors—by 2025, agricultural exports, particularly poultry, surged 3.5 times to 15 African countries compared to 2024.
Russia's key trade partners on the continent remain Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, and Senegal. The country formalised its approach in 2023 with the Action Plan for Africa, a strategy running until 2026. This plan aligns with Russia's broader Foreign Policy Concept, which highlights Africa as a priority.
Recent political shifts have added urgency to Moscow's efforts. In 2024, several West African nations withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), creating openings for new alliances. Russia and the African Union have since agreed to strengthen collaboration in politics, security, economics, and humanitarian issues.
Yet Russia faces stiff competition. The US, EU, and China are all vying for Africa's resources and investment opportunities. While Moscow's strategy is clear, concrete measures—such as new infrastructure or raw material deals with countries like Nigeria, Mali, or Burkina Faso—have yet to materialise in public records.
Russia's push for stronger African ties comes at a time of geopolitical competition and regional realignment. The country has laid out plans and seen growth in some trade areas, but broader economic and political progress remains limited. For now, Moscow continues to position itself as a pragmatic partner for African nations seeking alternatives to Western and Chinese influence.
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