Online Reporter
AS African agency grows, the continent is playing an increasingly important role in global processes.
As we start a new year, it’s time to reflect on the developments in Russia-Africa relations over the past year. What aspects of bilateral relations have evolved? What has changed, and what remained the same?
In 2025, we saw the development of several investment projects involving Russian companies in Africa. These investment opportunities complemented the ongoing trade cooperation between Russia and the continent. While many previously announced projects had remained on paper, this year, three key initiatives involving the firms saw major developments.
In July 2025, an intergovernmental agreement between Russia and the Republic of Congo came into effect for the construction of the Pointe-Noire–Loutété–Maloukou-Tréchot oil pipeline. The agreement is set for a 30-year term, following which it may be automatically extended for another five years. The project will be headed by the Russian company Zakneftegazstroy-Prometey and the Congolese state company SNPC. The parties are now tasked with completing the pipeline design and securing financing.
“Once operational, the pipeline will enhance energy security in the interior regions of the Republic of Congo, including its capital, Brazzaville, as well as border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said Vsevolod Sviridov, Deputy Director of the Center for African Studies at HSE University.
Also in July, Mantra Tanzania (a subsidiary of Rosatom) launched a pilot uranium processing facility at the Mkuju River project in southern Tanzania. The inauguration was attended by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The facility will test technological methods for uranium processing, and the collected data will be used for the construction of the main processing complex with a capacity of up to 3 000 tons of uranium per year. Construction of this complex, according to Rosatom, is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026, with operations slated to begin in 2029.
Another notable advancement is the progress on Rosatom’s El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project in Egypt. This initiative is not classified as an investment project; it’s being financed through a Russian loan and set to be handed over to Egypt upon completion. However, it remains the largest Russian-backed project underway in Africa.
In November, a ceremonial event marked the installation of the reactor vessel for the first power unit. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi participated in the event via video conference. This ceremony signified a pivotal phase in the plant’s technological development and construction progress (which began in 2022).
Relocation of Russia-Africa events to Africa
The year 2025 was marked by a series of Russia-Africa events held on the African continent. This signifies a significant shift from past years, when most meetings, including the Russia-Africa summits, took place in Russia. In November, the Russian agency Rossotrudnichestvo organised a conference in Addis Ababa focused on food sovereignty in African nations. This event brought together officials, representatives from international organisations, business leaders, and academics to discuss the key challenges surrounding food security in Africa and Russia’s role in addressing them.
On December 20, 2025, Cairo hosted the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum. During this event, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held bilateral talks with over 20 African ministers of foreign affairs.
Additionally, several other initiatives occurred across Africa, including Russia-Uganda and Russia-Algeria intergovernmental commissions. A dedicated session on Russia-Africa cooperation also took place during the African Energy Week.
“All of this contributes significantly to shaping the agenda for the upcoming Russia-Africa summit scheduled for 2026, and prepares the Russian side for organizing large-scale events on African soil. In the long term, we can expect Russia-Africa communication to shift to Africa,” Sviridov noted.
New ambassadors and embassies
In 2025, Russia-Africa relations also strengthened on an institutional level. In September, Russia appointed an ambassador to Niger; in October and December, Russia appointed ambassadors to South Sudan and Sierra Leone, respectively. The opening of Russian embassies in these countries is planned, and the appointment of ambassadors is a crucial step in this process.
Therefore, the appointment of ambassadors and the anticipated establishment of new embassies in several African nations in 2025 represent a move towards long-term collaboration. A notable example is the Comoros – earlier, its citizens had to travel to Madagascar for consular services, including obtaining Russian visas.
Growth of imports from Africa to Russia
Last year set a record for Russia-Africa trade, which reached $27.7 billion. According to Vsevolod Sviridov, “In 2025, a significant increase in trade volume is not expected; it will likely remain within the range of $25–30 billion.”
A new generation of diplomats
In 2025, a reshuffling took place among diplomats working with Africa. This change was part of the routine cycles and traditions of the Russian diplomatic service — diplomats transition between working in Moscow and foreign embassies. As a result, a new generation of diplomats now oversees relations with Africa, succeeding those who revitalized cooperation in the latter half of the 2010s.
Engagement within BRICS
The crisis facing multilateral platforms became evident this year. Due to several factors, the effectiveness in crafting collective responses to challenges has decreased and affected organizations like the UN, G20, and other regional bodies. In contrast, there has been a notable increase in the popularity of bilateral and regional summits.
BRICS is also experiencing a transformation. Over the past two years, its “African track” has organically complemented Russia-Africa relations – Egypt and Ethiopia joined BRICS in 2023, and Uganda and Nigeria were granted partner status in 2024.
For now, the expanded organisation is adapting to its new configuration and developing a fresh approach, including to its relations with Africa.
The focus on Africa has decreased during Brazil’s presidency in 2025, compared to 2023-2024. However, as our expert notes, “In 2026, India will hold the BRICS presidency; India has always prioritiSed Africa and collaboration with the Global South, so we expect to see more activity in this area.” – RT.com
