This study examines Russia’s strategic resurgence in Africa, analyzing whether its engagement is
primarily driven by the pursuit of a genuine economic partnership or by broader political and
geopolitical ambitions. Through a comprehensive assessment of historical legacies, contemporary
diplomatic initiatives, economic investments, and military cooperation, the study reveals a complex
interplay of factors shaping Russia’s newfound influence on the continent. Russia’s activities are
characterized by pragmatism and opportunism, leveraging energy deals, arms sales, security
arrangements, and private military companies such as Wagner to expand its geopolitical influence
in Africa’s diverse political landscape. While economic interests (e.g., access to resources,
infrastructure development, and trade) are important, they are closely tied to strategic political
objectives, particularly countering Western influence and establishing itself as a global power. The
findings suggest that Russia’s engagement in Africa is multifaceted, with both economic and
political goals aimed at challenging the existing global order and promoting a multipolar world.
This important insight highlights the importance of considering the economic and strategic aspects
of Russia’s activities, its long-term impact on African countries, and its broader implications for
regional and global geopolitics.
Russia's return to africa: Economic partnership or Political influence?
This study examines Russia’s strategic resurgence in Africa, analyzing whether its engagement is
primarily driven by the pursuit of a genuine economic partnership or by broader political and
geopolitical ambitions. Through a comprehensive assessment of historical legacies, contemporary
diplomatic initiatives, economic investments, and military cooperation, the study reveals a complex
interplay of factors shaping Russia’s newfound influence on the continent. Russia’s activities are
characterized by pragmatism and opportunism, leveraging energy deals, arms sales, security
arrangements, and private military companies such as Wagner to expand its geopolitical influence
in Africa’s diverse political landscape. While economic interests (e.g., access to resources,
infrastructure development, and trade) are important, they are closely tied to strategic political
objectives, particularly countering Western influence and establishing itself as a global power. The
findings suggest that Russia’s engagement in Africa is multifaceted, with both economic and
political goals aimed at challenging the existing global order and promoting a multipolar world.
This important insight highlights the importance of considering the economic and strategic aspects
of Russia’s activities, its long-term impact on African countries, and its broader implications for
regional and global geopolitics.
This study examines Russia’s strategic resurgence in Africa, analyzing whether its engagement is
primarily driven by the pursuit of a genuine economic partnership or by broader political and
geopolitical ambitions. Through a comprehensive assessment of historical legacies, contemporary
diplomatic initiatives, economic investments, and military cooperation, the study reveals a complex
interplay of factors shaping Russia’s newfound influence on the continent. Russia’s activities are
characterized by pragmatism and opportunism, leveraging energy deals, arms sales, security
arrangements, and private military companies such as Wagner to expand its geopolitical influence
in Africa’s diverse political landscape. While economic interests (e.g., access to resources,
infrastructure development, and trade) are important, they are closely tied to strategic political
objectives, particularly countering Western influence and establishing itself as a global power. The
findings suggest that Russia’s engagement in Africa is multifaceted, with both economic and
political goals aimed at challenging the existing global order and promoting a multipolar world.
This important insight highlights the importance of considering the economic and strategic aspects
of Russia’s activities, its long-term impact on African countries, and its broader implications for
regional and global geopolitics.