Русский
Russia’s JSC A7 Holdings, wholly owned by former FESCO co-owner and Board Chairman Andrei Severilov, has founded a new legal entity in the freight transportation sector. According to the Russian Unified State Register of Legal Entities, A7 African Cargo Lines LLC (A7 ACL, Moscow) was registered on April 17 with an initial charter capital of ₽10 million.
A7 Holding owns 99% of the company, with the remaining 1% held by A7 Infrastructure LLC. The company’s primary activity is listed as railway freight transportation.
Severilov has stated that “We intend to operate in West Africa. At the first stage, with the assistance of the Russian trade mission in Nigeria, we are implementing a project to establish a direct shipping line. The launch of a maritime route between Novorossiysk and Nigeria’s Lagos Port is planned for mid-June, with two container ships chartered for the line’s inauguration, each with a capacity of 700 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU).
Future plans also include establishing maritime connections with Senegal (Dakar port), he said.
Russia-Nigeria Trade
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and its largest economy. Nigeria is a key member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is fostering intra-African trade and economic integration. As a founding member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the country benefits from regional trade facilitation and cooperation. Global trade agreements like the World Trade Organization (WTO), the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with the United States, and bilateral agreements with countries such as China and India bolster Nigeria’s international trade and investment ties. It became a BRICS partner nation in January 2025.
With a population of approximately 232.7 million, Nigeria has a GDP (PPP) of US$1.116 trillion and a GDP (PPP) per capita of US$5,063. GDP growth for 2025 is projected at 3.3%.
Russian companies are showing increased interest in Nigeria, for example in reviving the countries largest steel plant. There is also interest in investing in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Russia’s exports to Nigeria currently amount to about US$1.51 billion, mainly consisting of refined petroleum, wheat, and malt, while Nigeria exports a small amount to Russia, primarily cut flowers, other oily seeds, and nuts. However, given Nigeria’s move to embrace the BRICS, bilateral trade with Russia and the other BRICS nations can be expected to grow.
Russia-Senegal Trade
With a population of around 18.5 million and a GDP (PPP) of US$80 billion, Senegal is experiencing solid growth, with a GDP per capita (PPP) of US$4,350. Senegal is projected to experience strong GDP growth of 10.1% in 2025, driven by the start of oil and gas production, with the IMF projecting it to be the second fastest-growing economy in West Africa.
In terms of trade with Russia, the relationship has been strengthening, with both sides stating in late 2024 that they have discussed joint projects in energy, mining and processing of minerals, increasing trade and economic and investment partnership volumes, improving the contractual and legal framework, and implementing promising joint projects in the fields of geological exploration, extraction and processing of minerals, energy, fisheries, and agriculture. Senegal has also expressed interest in joining the BRICS.
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