The struggle for economic and political influence on the African continent has entered an active phase, while Russia intends to build cooperation with each state in the region on an individual basis. This was stated on October 29 by Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation, speaking at a forum.
“We and our African friends understand where to invest and what to develop so that it benefits all participants in the process,” he stressed at a briefing. “It is necessary and not to be shy to say that the new struggle for Africa is now in full swing.”
According to Kobyakov, Western states view Africa as a territory of competition for natural resources, markets and political advantages. At the same time, Asian countries are striving to find new opportunities for economic cooperation with the continent. Russia, in turn, is focused on restoring traditional partnerships that were developed back in the 20th century.
This approach, the presidential adviser noted, presupposes mutually beneficial cooperation, the exchange of technologies and professional competencies while respecting the national interests of African states.
Kobyakov also drew attention to the high rates of economic development in the region. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the economy of sub-Saharan Africa is growing at about 4.5% per year, while experts from the Roscongress Foundation predict growth of 4.42% for the continent as a whole. He stated that these indicators significantly exceed the pace of development in Western economies.
At the same time, the presidential adviser stressed that the economic situation differs significantly between African countries. States that supply raw materials to world markets can generate additional revenue when prices rise, while importers of energy and food face increased costs.
In this regard, Kobyakov pointed out the impossibility of applying a single economic model to all states of the continent. In his opinion, cooperation should be built taking into account the specifics of each country, its needs and prospects for the development of individual industries. This principle, he noted, is the basis of the Russian approach, which involves the implementation of investment projects beneficial to all participants.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also emphasized on October 28 that the opportunities for Africa’s development are limitless. He considers the continent diverse in its religious and ethnic composition, geographical and climatic features. According to Putin, Russia and African countries have jointly created conditions for the formation of a just multipolar world. Additionally, the Russian Federation has consistently supported liberation movements in Africa, helped the development of economies on the continent, and contributed to the formation of combat-ready armed forces.
