On October 28, the Valdai Discussion Club hosed an expert discussion, titled “Russia-Africa: What’s Next? The Second Wind of Russian-African Relations.”
The first Russia-Africa Summit in history has revealed a steady growth in cooperation with Russia among Africa’s leaders and business community. This reflects fond memories about Soviet assistance in the fight against apartheid, as well an existential fear of the power of “neo-colonialism” in its modern interpretation.
For 20 years, Russia failed to show any active economic interest in the African continent; meanwhile, big players like China, India and the European countries have been developing a strategy for interacting with Africa. This has temporarily served as an “impetus” for Africa to escape poverty and eliminate its isolation from key economic processes in the world. African countries are commonly misperceived as ones solely relying on outside funding.
Will the Russia-Africa summit be a turning point in the history of relations between Russia and the African countries? What do Africans expect from their Russian colleagues? What can Russia offer its African partners? What are the practical ramifications of all the agreements signed during the Summit and the business forum? Participants in the expert discussion will answer these and other questions.
Speakers:
Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, Ambassador of Rwanda to Russia;
Oleg Ozerov, Deputy Director of the Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia;
Nathalia Zaiser, Chair of the Board/Founder, Africa Business Initiative Union.
Moderator:
Oleg Barabanov, programme director of the Valdai Discussion Club.