‘Economic incentives are limited’: What does Russia really offer Africa?
Summary
Russia is using security ties, political support and selected resource projects to strengthen relations with African governments, but its trade and investment offers are smaller than those of China and the European Union. The article says some governments value Moscow’s support, while Russian-linked forces face allegations of abuses and African recruits have died fighting in Ukraine.Key Facts
- Russia’s Africa Corps, controlled by Russia’s Ministry of Defence, has replaced Wagner in the Sahel.
- An investigation by Journalists for Justice documented 502 African deaths in Russia’s war in Ukraine by June 2026.
- The Kremlin expects delegations from 48 countries, including 22 heads of state, at this year’s Russia-Africa Summit.
- Russia delivered free grain to six African countries after President Vladimir Putin pledged it at the 2023 summit.
- Russia-backed projects include a gold refinery in Mali, Rusal’s bauxite and alumina operations in Guinea, and uranium discussions in Niger.
- Human Rights Watch has accused Africa Corps forces in Mali of killing civilians and torturing detainees; the allegations are attributed to the organization.
- Russia’s trade with Africa was about $28 billion in 2025, compared with China’s $348 billion; EU-Africa goods trade totaled nearly €355 billion in 2024.
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