Russia, Africa youths strengthen ties at Moscow forum

YOUNG people from Russia and Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and promoting sustainable development following the successful hosting of the “African Youth Day 2026” forum in Moscow, Russia.

According to a report the high-level humanitarian event, held under the theme “Unity of Nations and Sustainable Development,” brought together youths, diplomats, academics and cultural figures at the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia.

The forum focused on strengthening Russia-Africa relations through youth engagement, education, innovation, culture and business cooperation.

African Club president and the forum’s chief organiser Mr Louis Gowende said young people from both regions had a critical role to play in shaping a sustainable multipolar future.

He said the partnership between Russia and African nations was aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Russia’s Year of Peoples’ Unity initiative.

Mr Gowende also announced the launch of the “Ambassadors of the Russian-African Club” programme as well as preparations for the international business forum, “Russia-Africa Expo 2027.”

The event received backing from the Moscow Regional Branch of the International Public Foundation “Russian Peace Foundation,” whose chairperson Ms Violetta Nikolaevna Medvedeva attended the gathering.

During the event, Ms Medvedeva announced the appointment of Mr Gowende as the official representative of the Peace Fund in African countries.

Participants were also presented with certificates of honour and medals from the State Duma Committee on International Affairs.

The forum was co-organised by the Youth Council of the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia, which hosted the event at the historic venue on Tverskaya Street in Moscow.

Chairperson of the Museum’s Youth Council Mr Pavel Sapotko said the institution remained committed to supporting projects aimed at strengthening international dialogue and preserving the shared history of global partnerships.

Former Ambassador of Benin to Russia and Ambassador of Russian Education and Science Professor Anicet Gabriel Kochofa encouraged young people to take advantage of educational and scientific opportunities emerging from Russia-Africa cooperation.

The forum was also attended by Eritrean Ambassador to Russia Mr Asghed Petros Tseggai and senior embassy officials from Gabon.

In the field of technology and innovation, advisor to the rector of the Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics (MTUCI) Mr Vladimir Golobokov unveiled an Artificial Intelligence Olympiad for African universities aimed at enhancing scientific and technological exchange between Russia and Africa.

The event also showcased cultural cooperation through music, fashion and traditional performances.

Opera singer Margarita Shagina and her children entertained guests with musical performances, while Russian folk games organised by cultural groups brought together participants in a spirit of friendship.

African fashion designer Ms Emaiqwu Patience Onyeamoche presented African-inspired clothing collections, while Russian designer Ms Anastasia Maximovna Vdovkina presented African diplomats with traditional Russian folk attire as a symbol of mutual respect and cultural exchange.

The event attracted significant media attention, with coverage from leading Russian and African media organisations including RIA Novosti, Sputnik Africa and Rossiya Segodnya.

The programme concluded with a guided tour of the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia, where delegates explored exhibits reflecting the country’s historical development and the evolving relationship between Russia and African nations.

Organisers said the forum marked another important step in strengthening people-to-people relations and building a shared future between Russia and Africa.