Russia-Africa trade reached US$35 billion in 2025 with Russian exports including grain, dairy, and poultry exports, while African agricultural imports (coffee, fruit) to Russia also surged. Key areas include agricultural goods, military contracts, and nuclear energy, with Russia actively reducing trade barriers and diversifying into the processed foods and high-tech sectors. We cover Russia-Africa trade, investment, and market entry opportunities and provide your guide to navigating the commercial landscape and forging strategic partnerships for growth in Africa’s emerging markets.
Russia and Egypt have agreed on the operational and management partner for the Russian Investment Zone at Port Said. Russia’s Crystal Fund will provide incentives for Russian manufacturers to establish operations in the zone, with the zone itself also tax and other benefits.
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has met with Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Édouard Bizimana. Discussions focused on nuclear energy projects, as well as education and trade development. Burundi is also currently the Chair of the African Union.
With Egypt’s El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant nearing completion, Cairo has opened discussions with Rosatom over additional NPP construction including the possibility of floating plants to be sited on the Red Sea.
The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has met with the leaders of the Alliance of Sahel States in Niamey, Mali, to discuss regional security amongst allegedly European backed Islamic insurgents involving French and Ukrainian militia.
Both sides are prioritzing diplomatic, political and strategic security enhancement across the Sahel region: Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Niger. The moves have the potential to permanently influence Africa’s political development.
Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, has met with Abdoulaye Diop, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Mali, to discuss bilateral trade and investment. The two sides are actively engaged in nuclear and solar power projects, mining, and the agricultural sectors.
Subscribe to receive exclusive insights and analysis on Africa.
The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has met with Abdourahamane Tchiani, the President of the Niger, and Foreign Minister Bakary Samgare. The two sides discussed trade and investment cooperation in nuclear energy, mining, infrastructure and agriculture in addition to security matters.
A Russian delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has met with the Burkina Faso Foreigm Minister Karamoko Traore to discuss trade and investment. Burkino Faso has been increasing trade with Russia in security, energy, mining and the agriculture sectors.
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has met with Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo and Foreign Minister Maria Lucas in Maputo. Bilateral trade is small but both sides are looking to increase this via fertiilizers and tea exports.
Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, has met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abey Ahmed in Addis Ababa to discuss developing bilateral trade and investment. This tripled in 2025 with plenty of interest in their mutual agricultural sectors – fertilizers, grains, and coffee.
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov has met with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the African Union chair, in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Russia is pro-African development and wants to see it gain seats on the UN Security Council.
Russia’s wheat exports to Tanzania are up 16% year on year while overall wheat exports to East Africa are up 26% also driven by Kenya and Uganda. Tanzania is a major wheat consumer but needs to import about 90% of its annual requirements.
Русский
