Russia and Africa – Who Benefits & How
By Colin Smith
(Content Director at Africa Alert)
Copyright: @ 2024 Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 28 October 2024
Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies
Think of Russian activity in Africa and your first thoughts often relate to Wagner mercenaries and their activities in the Sahel, in fact there is much more to Russia’s involvement in Africa and the extent of its economic, trade and social, humanitarian ties certainly deserves more attention than they are often given. The old Soviet Union was active in countries such as Angola & Mozambique during the liberation struggles of the 1970s, but since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union in 1989, Russia’s involvement in Africa fell away. Interest was rekindled somewhat in the mid-2000s, but it has only started to really grow again with the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Trade revenue between Russia and African countries grew from $9.9bn 2013 to $17bn in 2021.... Read more
Robert Ellis
