The world is in constant flux, given the trend to renegotiate agreements and leverage current positions, it is an optimum time for both Africa and Russia to further explore their relationships.
Russia and Africa draw from a history supportive of one another, however Russia’s engagements in Africa have over the past two decades held a lower profile in comparison to other global powers. Although much criticism exists for a renewed-but-different scramble for Africa, Africa indeed is a point of geostrategic interest for the world and there are vast opportunities for mutual engagement on: energy and mineral exploration; resource securitization; technology, transport and other infrastructure development; and cooperation in peace and security. The Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) partnership has been one example of a strategic forum where Russia has been able to engage with African countries on a bi-lateral level through South Africa’s regional outreach and focus on economic partnerships.
