Russia and Africa took a significant step towards bolstering their economic ties at the inaugural Russia-Africa International B2B Business Forum Expo 2024 – Made in Africa, held on October 16.
The event, organized by the Russia-Africa Club of Moscow State University, the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), the African Business Club, and the Russian Fund for Peace, brought together representatives from government agencies, businesses, and state-owned companies from Russia and Africa.
The forum aimed to open new horizons for cooperation between Russia and African countries. It featured a plenary session moderated by Louis Gouend, Chairman of the Commission for Work with African Diasporas of the Russia-Africa Club of Moscow State University, and Inna Vitalievna Andronova, Doctor of Economics, Professor, and Dean of the Faculty of Economics of RUDN.
Welcoming speeches were delivered by key figures, including Dmitry Ilyich Suchkov, Head of the Department of Pan-African Issues and Regional Organizations of the Department of African Affairs of the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Violetta Nikolaevna Medvedeva, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Moscow Regional Branch of the Russian Fund for Peace.
Russian and African entrepreneurs shared insights on doing business in Africa and Russia, highlighting attractive sectors for investment and trade, as well as existing support mechanisms. Vitaly Andreevich Stepanov, General Director of ANO “Moscow Export Center,” discussed cooperation between Moscow and African countries, while Marie Caroline Ngo Tovada, General Director of Kindak Advys Sarl (Cameroon), presented “MADE IN AFRICA” products and their potential appeal to the Russian market.
The forum also featured trade and cultural exhibitions showcasing over ten African countries, with a focus on agricultural, cosmetic, artisanal, and tourism sectors. A roundtable discussion, “Informal Russia-Africa Dialogue: What Can We Offer Each Other?” allowed Russian and African businesses to present themselves and their products.
The event concluded with numerous B2B meetings and several contracts for African product supply to Russia. Participants praised the forum, and plans are underway to make it an annual event with an expanded B2B meeting program.
Anatoly Gennadievich Bashkin, Director of the Department of Africa of the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized Russia’s commitment to supporting Africa’s economic sovereignty. “Africa is a dynamically developing region with enormous growth potential,” he noted. “Our country attaches particular importance to building long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships with Africa.”
