Russia to continue working on joint energy projects in Africa

Adviser to the Russian President Anton Kobyakov met with Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber NJ Ayuk in Moscow. They discussed the development of joint Russian-African projects in the energy sector and how to ensure Africa is duly represented at the Roscongress Foundation’s flagship events in response to orders issued by the Russian President and African leaders following the Russia–Africa summits of 2019 and 2023.

Plans to establish a special Russia–Africa Bureau to coordinate joint initiatives in the energy sector in Africa received particular attention during the meeting along with discussion of the African Energy Chamber’s current plans and objectives for the development of its own flagship African Energy Week project, among others.

Regarding the current state of economic relations between Russia and Africa, Anton Kobyakov emphasized the willingness of Russia’s African colleagues to apply Russian solutions to the challenges they face. “Russia recently received invitations to take part in significant energy projects, oil refineries, renewable energy facilities, and other critical infrastructure in a number of African states. It is a priority for Russia to help create these and other capacities to ensure the energy security of the African continent. The Russia–Africa events held in Russia lend this business dialogue added significance and enjoy support from the top government officials,” Anton Kobyakov said.

Discussion also touched on liquefied natural gas and technologically advanced container deliveries, with Anton Kobyakov commenting on the usefulness of LNG as a household fuel and fuel for transport. “We’re talking about a multi-functional, modern transport technology that makes it possible to use conventional container ships, and because there is no need for regasification, the product immediately becomes more accessible to African consumers,” he said.

NJ Ayuk also mentioned that Africa was brimming with ideas and projects. “Many members of the African Energy Chamber provide services in the energy sector. There are a great many oil and coal deposits in Africa, and reclamation projects are already underway, to which end we recommend that African companies avail themselves of the services of Russian organizations, including the reclamation of old fields. We see great potential in cooperation with Russia and are open to all endeavors and projects, especially in the energy sector,” NJ Ayuk said.

Meeting participants discussed the work of the Russian private sector on projects in Africa, the protection of the rights of Russian investors in Africa, and legislative issues of relevance on the continent.

The parties agreed to further pursue Russian-African cooperation and work together on the forum track, with discussion set to continue at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (18–21 June), the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok (3–6 September), Russian Energy Week (15–17 October), and African Energy Week, slated for 29 September to 3 October this year in Cape Town, South Africa’s legislative capital.