It is a new age of relations for Russia and Africa in the sphere of foreign relations. Yet, contrary to the Cold War structure of regional affiliation, the two partners now have a more complex relationship. It has now changed into a search for gains at the political, economic and even cultural levels, leaving aside ideological differences. Speaking of the relations between Russia and Africa, one can observe that this is one of the new important branches of the new geopolitics, on the one hand, indicating the growing role of Africa, and on the other, the shifting preference of Russian foreign policy.

The current relations between Russia and Africa can be traced back to the Soviet Union which supported different African liberation movements. The Soviet Union extended economic and armed assistance and the ideas assistance for the countries that struggled with colonialism. The so-called ‘Soviet Model’ of anti-colonial resistance was influential in Africa and leaders of several African states had close relations with Moscow. But with the breakup of Soviet Union in 1991, Russia’s involvement in Africa decreased as Moscow concentrated in revamping economical and politics internally.

The current relations between Russia and Africa can be traced back to the Soviet Union which supported different African liberation movements.

However, Russia has resumed active cooperation with African countries in recent years, as it considers Africa as its sphere of interest and is trying hard to challenge the domination of Western countries in African affairs. Russia’s renewed engagement with Africa is in pursuit of improving its international status and building new friendships within the context of the multipolar world. This type of partnership is less and less defined in terms of ideologies, but in terms of vital concerns that are of interest to both: economic, political and cultural.

The economic cooperation is one of the main spheres in this regard. Indeed, Africa with all its natural resources, population growth and unlocked markets make the continent a destination for Russia. Moscow has been very eager and proactive in seeking to establish cooperation through investments in different fields of the economy such as mining, energy, agriculture and property development. Russia’s professionality in the exploration of natural riches blended by the African affordability of petroleum, gas and minerals make Africa and Russia an economic synergy.

Russia is viewed as a relevant player on the African markets interested in the development of energy infrastructure of the African states. The companies like Rosatom are already engaged in construction of nuclear power plants in Africa so that it can successfully meet the energy demand of the continent in the time to come. For instance, Russia and Egypt signed a deal to build the nuclear power plant and is a flagship project of the economic relations between the two countries.

Apart from energy, Russia is also interested in Africa’s agriculture, considering the ability of the continent to feed the world. Among consumer countries, key agricultural imports like wheat are already vital for several African states. Russia in its role as grains supplier in the international market has fostered its root in the African countries that are struggling with food insecurity. This economic integration is also assisting in the stabilization of food market in Africa, which the Russian agricultural sector is more than happy to harness.

Another aspect of cooperation between Russia and African nations is the political solidarity which may put the African continent against the West. Most African nations have become sensitive to the bilateral and multilateral pressures from the West on political and economic reforms. Therefore, they have welcomed the Russian policy of non-intervention in the continent’s affairs. The strategy of Russian involvement in Africa is based on the principles of non-interference and recognition of sovereignty and equality, which is an attempt to become a friendly partner who does not interfere in internal affairs and support coups d’état.

Africa wants to maintain relations with Russia on the strategic level despite politically and economically complicated relations.

On the multilateral level, Russia and Africa both support a system of five or more sovereign centers of power in the contemporary world. Both sides have voiced dissatisfaction with the present international order dominated by the Western states. Russia, and African nations are partnering in the United Nations globally and in the BRICS grouping – comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – to change the nature of governance structures and exert a more substantial impact in the international system.

This growing political convergence is evident, for example, in the African position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Even though most countries in the West have advocated for the isolation of Russia through condemning over invading Ukraine and imposing of sanctions on Moscow, most African countries have taken the middle ground in this crisis. Thus, this pragmatic approach proves that Africa wants to maintain relations with Russia on the strategic level despite politically and economically complicated relations. It also fits into Africa’s general policy of preserving friendships with major world players without becoming a side to a conflict.

In addition to economic and political interactions, cultural and educational relations are also gradually being improved between Russia and Africa. In the past, the USSR had accommodated many thousands of African students who received scholarships and the chance to study at Soviet universities. And Russia is now hosting more and more African students with aspirations in pursuing courses in medicine, engineering, and technology.

Sharing of ideas or skills is another approach to forging a mutual understanding. The relationship between Russia and Africa have grown through the graduates from Russian institutions who go back to their home countries and advocate for closer relations between Russia and Africa. Furthermore, a close cultural relationship is being developed thanks to the Russian centers of culture in Africa and the African cultural activities in Russia.