Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia has returned to Africa. Following his first visit to the continent in 2006, there has been slow, incremental growth in engagement, culminating in the 2019 Russia-Africa Summit – the first of its kind, attended by 43 African heads of state. A second, even larger summit was held in 2023. This project explores Russia’s strategic engagement and policy impact on the continent, as well as how African states relate to Russia.
Russia has commercial, security, political and diplomatic interests in Africa. It joins a host of other external powers, such as the US, China, the EU, the Gulf States and Türkiye, which seek to increase their engagement on the continent.
Russia’s efforts are part of attempts to reclaim its stature as a global power and to demonstrate that it is a key player in most regions of the world. Its interest in courting Africa has increased since it invaded Ukraine in 2022, especially due to Western sanctions and the severing of relationships with Moscow.
Evidence-based research into Russia’s growing presence in Africa is, however, limited, particularly from the African perspective. Responding to this gap and building on previous work, SAIIA launched a multi-year project in March 2021, assessing Russia’s strategic engagement and policy impact in Africa and vice versa.
The project focuses on three key themes:
- Russia and other external actors in Africa;
- Russia, Africa and norm development; and
- Russian influence building in Africa.
Understanding the drivers of Russia’s engagement, the instruments Moscow has adopted, and the media’s role in shaping public discourse is crucial to developing a broader assessment of Russia’s aims in Africa and their potential impact on the continent.
The project works in partnership with academics and experts working in the Africa-Russia space.
Steven Gruzd and Gustavo de Carvalho at SAIIA lead the project. For more information, please email gustavo.decarvalho@saiia.org.za.
Further Reading
- Back to the Shadows: Russia’s African Security Engagements Since Prigozhin
- The Bear Down South: Russia’s Relations With Southern Africa
- Strategic Partners or Tactical Allies? A Decade of Egypt-Russia Relations
- Can Old Alliances Survive New Realities in Russia-South Africa Relations?
- The Russia–Ukraine War: Implications for Africa
- Understanding Moscow’s decision-making mechanisms is crucial for African policymakers
- Moscow’s Continent: The Principles of Russia’s Africa Policy Engagement
Events
- On 28 July 2025, SAIIA and the Valdai Discussion Club held the 3rd Russia-Africa Conference.
Learn more here.
- On 3 August 2023, a webinar reflected on the outcomes of the Russia-Africa Summit and analysed the state of Russia-Africa relations.
Learn more here.
- On 21 April 2023, a seminar discussed how the war in Ukraine had affected global security.
Learn more here.
- On 21 November 2022, a panel discussion explored how to enhance South African public discourse related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Learn more here.
- On 17 November 2022, a webinar explored several themes in Africa’s relationship with Russia.
Learn more here.
- On 24 February 2022, a webinar on the Russia-Ukraine conflict reflected on factors defining the crisis and potential impacts for Africa.
Learn more here.
- On 17 November 2021, a webinar discussed Russia’s strategic engagement and policy impact in Africa.
Learn more here.
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