Panel session ‘Unlocking the Potential of Trilateral Cooperation: Russia–Egypt–Africa’ planned for Second Ministerial Conference of Russia–Africa Partnership Forum in Cairo

A business event has been planned for 19 December in the run-up to the Second
Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum in Cairo, Egypt.
The event will include a presentation by the Egyptian Agency of
Partnership for Development (EAPD) and a thematic discussion on unlocking the potential
of trilateral cooperation.
The discussion will focus on practical ways of nurturing more equitable, mutually
beneficial partnerships between Russia and Africa through the implementation
of training programmes for highly qualified professionals, Russian technologies,
as well as the activities of interested business
structures.
“The discussion surrounding trilateral cooperation in
Africa is becoming increasingly well-defined, and as it broadens in scope it
also reflects more clearly a growing desire on the part of those involved to
ensure the partnerships are mutually beneficial in nature. As the Second Ministerial
Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum draws near, we will be looking
to touch base with our African partners on key areas of cooperation. I have no
doubt that this meeting will serve an important purpose and create even more
opportunity for cooperation between Russia and Africa,” Adviser to the
President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the Organizing
Committee for the Preparation and
Holding of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum
events Anton Kobyakov said.
The event will be attended by Deputy
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt Abu Bakr Hefny Mahmoud, Minister of
Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Republic of Mali Bourema
Kansaye, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian
Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky, Director of the Rosatom Project Office
for Educational Development and International Cooperation Valery Karezin,
Vice Rector for International Affairs at Empress Catherine II St. Petersburg
Mining University Evgeniy Lyubin, Director of Investment
Promotion at the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority
(TISEZA) James Michael Mazeku, Managing Director of Trade Finance and
Correspondent Banking at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Gwen
Mwaba, Director of Credit Products for Banks and Financial Institutions at
the Russian Export Center Group of Companies Victoria Strizhakova, and Chairman
of the Board
and CEO of
the Roscongress Foundation Alexander Stuglev, who will be joined by
other Russian and African businesspeople, experts, and opinion leaders.
The Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD) was
established in July 2014, is Egypt’s leading institution specializing in South–South
cooperation, and will be on hand to make a presentation at the event. The product
of a merger between two funds for technical cooperation, EAPD leverages Egyptian
experience and expertise to promote sustainable development across Africa. Its
mission focuses on capacity-building, knowledge transfer, and promoting trade
and investment partnerships aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and UN
Sustainable Development Goals. The presentation will provide a glimpse into
some Egyptian centres of excellence that collaborate with EAPD.
EAPD operates through diverse mechanisms that include training
programmes, expert deployments, conferences, and humanitarian initiatives in
sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, ICT, water management, security, and
industrial development. The agency plays a key role in fostering cooperation
between Egypt and partner countries through bilateral and multilateral
partnerships. EAPD priorities include health diplomacy, technical assistance,
and enhancing collaboration aimed at socio-economic development in Africa. The
agency is chaired by Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and managed by a
Secretary General, reflecting the high level of political support it receives,
as well as its strategic importance.
The second ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum (19–20 December) will be attended by Russian and African foreign ministers and regional integration associations from across the continent. The event is expected to touch on the implementation of agreements reached following high-level Russian-African events, including the complete Russia–Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan 2023–2026. The ministers involved will identify the next steps that need to be taken to ensure the partnership between Russia and Africa continues to move forward and retains its strategic nature, with a particular focus on trade, economic cooperation, and investment.
The Second Ministerial Conference will serve the important purpose of setting the stage for the Third Russia–Africa Summit planned for 2026. From the Russian part the event is being managed by the Roscongress Foundation.