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The HSE Centre for African Studies wrapped up a scientific and practical conference in Moscow on pressing issues related to the development of Africa today and promising areas of Russia–Africa cooperation. The conference was held with the support of the international platform of Roscongress Foundation, the Roscongress International.

The conference brought together representatives of the executive authorities, Russian companies and development institutions, the African diplomatic corps, universities, and leading research centres. The event proved to be a useful platform for expert discussion ahead of the third Russia–Africa Summit and the Economic and Humanitarian Forum, which will be held in Moscow in October 2026.

Over the course of two days, the conference participants discussed key areas of Russia–Africa cooperation. The program included panel sessions, expert roundtables, and presentations of research and practical projects. Particular attention was paid to the development of trade and investment, industrial and technological cooperation, ensuring economic, food, and energy sovereignty, and training personnel for implementing joint Russian–African projects.

During the conference, the HSE Centre for African Studies presented the key results of expert, analytical, and project activities, as well as new developments aimed at providing practical support for the activities of Russian organizations and companies in Africa. These include the ‘Invest in Sovereignty’ virtual hub, the socio-economic map of Africa, the Africa 2027: Opportunities and Risks analytical reference book, digital and other practical projects. Participants also discussed opportunities for expanding the presence of Russian companies in African markets, promising areas for joint projects, and the role of expert and analytical support in developing cooperation.

“Businesses are showing increasing interest in Africa, but it is important to understand that Africa is a space of uncertainty, a mosaic of unpredictable elements, and success here comes to those who are able to navigate the situation. Russia has done a lot in recent years to strengthen ties and institutions – organizing summits, forums and industry platforms, and training personnel. Russian businesses can now take the initiative, enter new markets and invest in infrastructure that will help them establish a presence there. As we approach the third Russia–Africa Summit and the Economic and Humanitarian Forum, it is important to synchronize the efforts of the state, business, development institutions, and the expert community,” noted Director of the Centre for African Studies at the National Research University Higher School of Economics Andrey Maslov.

The scientific and practical conference was the latest in a series of events organized every year by the HSE Centre for African Studies that have established themselves as a platform for professional discussion of the Russia–Africa agenda, the results of expert and analytical work, the exchange of experience, and the development of working contacts between representatives of the government, business, and the expert community.

For example, the HSE Centre for African Studies took part in a Russia–Tanzania business dialogue at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum earlier this year, and a session entitled ‘The African Investment Hub: Presentation of Projects and the Potential of African Nations at the Present Stage’ was held at Roscongress International Cooperation Area as part of this year’s SPIEF events. The session brought together Russian and African participants in the investment agenda: representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, VEB.RF, the Higher School of Economics, and the African Export–Import Bank, as well as heads of relevant agencies and departments from Mauritania, Tanzania, and Côte d'Ivoire.

“The scientific and practical conference of the HSE Centre for African Studies is another important step in the systematic work being carried out to strengthen the Russian–African dialogue. The Roscongress Foundation and its international platform, Roscongress International, consistently support business and expert initiatives aimed at fostering cooperation with African countries. We have already held a series of important events this year – in Namibia and Tanzania, as well as at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The present conference in Moscow, organized by our partners from the Higher School of Economics, brings together significant analytical and applied projects that will form the basis of the practical agenda for the upcoming Russia–Africa Forum. We are seeing how the demand of African countries for investment in their own sovereignty is being transformed into concrete projects, and we will continue to support such cooperation at all stages,” noted Deputy CEO and Head of International and Regional Cooperation Directorate of the Roscongress Foundation Alexandra Ogneva.

Photo: HSE Centre for African Studies