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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.