Russia targets E826.5 billion in Africa trade within four years

Russia has set a target to increase trade with Africa to E826.5 billion, approximately US$50 billion, within the next four years. This goal was highlighted during the third Russia–Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum held in Moscow. The summit focused on expanding trade, investment, food and energy security, technological development, and education.

According to the Kremlin, trade between Russia and Africa increased seventeenfold between 2001 and 2025, rising from US$1.5 billion to US$27 billion, which is approximately E446.3 billion at the current exchange rate. Russia's Ministry of Economic Development Director for Development of Bilateral Cooperation Pavel Kalmychek stated that President Vladimir Putin had set a target of increasing trade with African countries to US$50 billion.

Kalmychek acknowledged that trade remains heavily tilted in Russia's favour, with Russian exports substantially exceeding imports from Africa. He emphasized that achieving the target would require moving beyond conventional trade towards greater investment in African economies. Kalmychek identified agriculture as one of the most promising sectors, with Russia offering expertise in soil management, fertiliser supplies, food processing, and agricultural technologies.

The Russian Grain Association reported that grain exports to Africa have more than doubled over the past four years to 22 million tonnes, with wheat representing 94% of shipments to the continent. Executive Director Ksenia Bolomatova attributed growing demand to population growth and urbanisation, which are changing food consumption patterns across African countries.

Energy was another major priority, with Russia proposing cooperation in nuclear, gas, and solar power generation to help African countries address electricity shortages and support industrial development. Russia's Minister of Energy Press Secretary Rustam Alypkachev stated that reliable electricity supplies were essential for the development of industries, cities, and transport infrastructure.

Eswatini's tourism authority was represented at the summit by Board Chairperson Phiksile Mkhwanazi and Chief Executive Officer Vusi Dlamini. They engaged Russian counterparts on tourism promotion, visitor exchanges, and the development of travel packages that could incorporate Eswatini into existing African tourism routes. Dlamini described Russia as a potential tourism market for the kingdom.

The summit reflects expanding diplomatic engagement between Eswatini and Russia, with both governments pursuing cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, energy, technology, and security. Russian Ambassador to Eswatini Vladimir Tararov had outlined opportunities for closer relations in an article published earlier, identifying trade, agriculture, education, healthcare, science, technology, culture, and tourism as areas where cooperation could expand.

Key points

• Russia targets E826.5 billion in Africa trade within four years.
• Eswatini's tourism authority discusses potential cooperation with Russia.
• Trade between Russia and Africa increased seventeenfold between 2001 and 2025.