Russia-Africa Relations: Analyzing Economic and Military Influence

Russia is actively working to strengthen its diplomatic, economic, and military ties with African nations. President Vladimir Putin has described African countries as natural allies, asserting that this partnership supports the building of a multipolar world order. However, data indicates that Russia's trade volume with the continent remains significantly smaller compared to partners like China, the European Union, and the United States. Egypt accounts for the largest share of Russia's trade with Africa, primarily driven by food supplies, metal products, and major nuclear energy projects. Conversely, Russia's influence in Africa is more pronounced in the security and military sectors rather than in trade. The "Africa Corps," which replaced the Wagner Group, operates in several African countries, and Russia remains one of the primary arms suppliers to the continent.