28.10.2026
10:30–12:00
Official Opening of the Russia–Africa Youth Forum
The official opening of the Forum sets the tone for the entire event and highlights the historic role of young people as a driver and a guarantor of continuity for the Russia–Africa partnership. The ceremony will outline the key goals and objectives of the Forum’s youth segment and lay out the architecture of the upcoming sessions. Participants will discuss how the younger generation can translate high-level strategic agreements into practical action, and what steps are needed to create a sustainable network for Russia–Africa youth cooperation across such fields as politics, economics, science, and culture. What practical mechanisms will enable young people to become involved in implementing decisions reached at Russia–Africa summits? How can we ensure the continuity of generations in matters concerning bilateral cooperation?
28.10.2026
12:10–13:30
Founding Meeting of the Russian-African Youth Union
The meeting is devoted to the establishment of the Russian-African Youth Union (RAYU), which will serve as a permanent mechanism for coordinating cooperation and become a major institutional outcome of the summit. The participants will present the organization’s goals and charter, and will examine mechanisms for ongoing interaction among youth organizations. Key issues to be considered at the meeting include the development of an extensive network of partner organizations and the presentation of the RAYU’s initial project portfolio. How can the RAYU become an effective counterpart to Western youth groups on the continent? Which priority projects should be included in the union’s portfolio to initiate practical cooperation?
28.10.2026
14:30–15:50
Laboratory ‘Partnership of the New Generation: Entrepreneurial Initiatives’ Russia–Africa’
The laboratory provides participants with the ability to analyse some of the trends, risks, and opportunities inherent in Russia–Africa entrepreneurship in an effort to come up with practical proposals for launching and scaling bilateral projects. Young businesspeople will share their experience in overcoming barriers and discuss how to build up infrastructure for business ties that remains independent of the prevailing political climate. Which niches offer the greatest promise for joint entrepreneurial initiatives between Russia and African nations? What kind of legal and expert support do young entrepreneurs need to successfully enter new markets?
28.10.2026
14:30–15:50
Expert Discussion ‘Human Capital of Africa’ with the Presentation of the Book
Top 100 African Leaders and Influencers according to MGIMO’
The discussion aims to improve Russian expertise about contemporary Africa and create an objective understanding of key influential actors on the continent. The event will include the presentation of a comprehensive study based on a unique methodology. Experts will discuss different approaches to analysing human capital and elites, as well as the role of education, science, and business in the emergence of new centres of influence. What criteria are used to conduct an objective assessment of the influence wielded by African leaders and influencers? How can Russian educational and scientific initiatives contribute to the development of human capital in Africa?
28.10.2026
14:30–15:50
Expert Discussion ‘Connecting Continents: Logistics as the Basis of Partnership between Russia and Africa’
Global trade cannot be further expanded without a sustainable system of transport links, and the accessibility of routes directly impacts the ability of companies to implement long-term projects. The participants will examine the current means used to move goods, the specifics of freight transport, port infrastructure, customs clearance, as well as the prospects for the digitalization of the industry. Which future transport corridors hold the greatest potential for connecting Russia and Africa? How can digitalization and the lifting of administrative barriers enhance the sustainability of supply chains?
28.10.2026
16:10–17:30
Workshop: ‘Who Tells about Africa? New Media and the Struggle for Global Narratives’
Contemporary perceptions of the African continent are shaped by global information flows, so it is crucial to establish independent communication channels in an effort to build sustainable partnerships. The participants will hold a professional discussion about who is shaping the image of Africa and what tools they are using, as well as how the role of new media is changing and how various platforms can work together to craft alternative narratives that are free of Western stereotypes. What tools are needed for the co-production and promotion of independent content about Russia and Africa? What is the best way to challenge the information dominance of Western media in terms of setting the agenda for the Global South?
28.10.2026
16:10–17:30
World Café: ‘Cultural Codes: Generating a Common Future’
Overcoming information barriers and engaging with the cultural codes of the youth demographic is absolutely crucial to achieving a sustainable partnership. This event will start with a mutual perception test, followed by group work that aims to identify barriers, build a repository of cultural imagery, and discover shared values and meanings. What key stereotypes prevent the young people of Russia and Africa from establishing a positive mutual perception of one another? Which common cultural codes and meanings could serve as a foundation for long-term, collaborative humanitarian projects?
28.10.2026
16:10–17:30
International Business Game ‘Negotiation Territory: Russia–Africa’
Successful economic relations depend on the training of professionals who are capable of engaging in effective dialogue while taking into account the cultural and economic realities of their partners. This business simulation will enable participants to model real-world negotiation processes involving the signing of international trade and investment agreements, as well as refine their arguments and reach compromises. What specific legal and cultural nuances should be taken into consideration when signing contracts with African partners? What is the best way to develop a negotiation strategy when dealing with differences in business etiquette and regulatory environments?
28.10.2026
18:00–19:00
28.10.2026
18:00–19:00
28.10.2026
19:00–20:00
Russia–Africa Concert
Musical culture can foster long-term emotional connections to the culture of a partner nation. This concert will serve as the finale of the business day and an informal conclusion to the discussions. The programme will feature performances by Russian and African musical and creative groups that will create a space for engaging in lively dialogue, expanding networks, and cultivating a positive emotional image for the youth segment. How do cultural exchanges help to build trust and develop informal ties among young people? How can musical and creative initiatives be integrated into long-term humanitarian programmes?
29.10.2026
10:00–12:00
GUM, Red Square, 3
Russia–Africa Energy Dialogue
Gazprom presents its new industrial exports project at the Third Russia-Africa Summit. The project is a complete set of tech solutions for exploration, production, processing, storage and infrastructure construction across the gas and oil industry production chain.
Russian technologies and competencies, integrated engineering and service solutions developed by Gazprom Group and successfully implemented across Russia open significant opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in energy industry in view of growing demand in African countries’ economies.
The format of the event includes a number of presentations and an open discussion with participants focused on current challenges and future prospects.
Russian technologies and competencies, integrated engineering and service solutions developed by Gazprom Group and successfully implemented across Russia open significant opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in energy industry in view of growing demand in African countries’ economies.
The format of the event includes a number of presentations and an open discussion with participants focused on current challenges and future prospects.
29.10.2026
11:00–12:30
Roundtable ‘Women’s Leadership in the Russia–Africa Partnership: Business, Science, Investment’
Contrary to stereotypes, female entrepreneurs and scientists are playing an increasingly prominent role in establishing bilateral partnerships. This roundtable will bring together women leaders to present practical case studies that have resulted in professional success and discuss ways to expand women’s involvement in joint economic, scientific, and investment projects. What specific challenges do women leaders face within the realm of Russia–Africa business and science? What institutional mechanisms and mentorship programmes are needed to support female entrepreneurship?
29.10.2026
11:00–12:30
Expert Discussion ‘Countering the Financing of Terrorism: A Comprehensive Response to Hybrid Threats’
These days, terrorism utilizes a range of financial, digital, and informational tools, which requires a combination of criminal law measures and international information exchanges. This discussion will examine practical case studies that aim to identify and disrupt the channels that are used to finance terrorism, as well as ways to coordinate efforts among competent authorities in the face of hybrid threats. How can Russia and African nations establish an effective exchange of financial information? What new monitoring tools are needed to combat the use of digital platforms and crypto-assets for illicit purposes?
29.10.2026
11:00–12:30
Roundtable ‘Regional University and the Global South: Education, Cultural, and Scientific Diplomacy on the Example of the Russian North’
Russia’s regional universities have unique educational and scientific assets that can help diversify the channels of diplomacy. The participants will discuss practices for attracting African students and implementing joint research projects based on the example of the Russian North, as well as prospects for developing academic mobility. Which successful practices used by regional universities could be scaled up for engagement with African partners? How does scientific diplomacy at the regional level help to expand the geography of cooperation with the Global South?
29.10.2026
13:00–14:30
Roundtable ‘Russia and Africa at the Forefront of the Struggle against the Unipolar World Order and Neocolonial Practices’
Practices involving political, economic, and informational dominance must be overcome to create a fair system of international relations. Experts will discuss the transformation of the global order and draw parallels between the historical struggle against colonialism and contemporary mechanisms for protecting national interests. What modern forms of neocolonial influence (from sanctions pressure to information warfare) require a joint response? How can Russia and African nations coordinate their positions on international platforms to strengthen a multipolar world?
29.10.2026
15:00–16:20
29.10.2026
15:00–16:20
29.10.2026
16:50–18:30
Plenary Session
The plenary session will recap the results of the youth segment and set a strategic trajectory for the long-term development of the Russia–Africa partnership. The participants will discuss practical mechanisms for the institutional development of youth initiatives, ways to ensure the continuity of agreements, and the establishment of shared infrastructure for cooperation – ranging from student exchanges to joint research programmes. Which key decisions reached as part of the youth segment will go on to shape the foundation of the future work of the Russia–Africa Youth Forum? What is the best way to secure sustainable funding and political support for youth initiatives for the long term?
