Russia is strengthening its diplomatic and economic engagement across Africa with plans to add four new countries — Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini — to its growing list of visa-free partners on the continent.
The move, announced by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, aims to expand Moscow’s visa-free travel network in Africa from 11 to 15 nations, signaling deeper political, economic, and cultural cooperation amid shifting global alliances.
New Era of Visa-Free Diplomacy
Under the proposed agreements, Russian citizens will be able to visit the four countries without a visa for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days. Moscow has already submitted draft treaties to the respective governments, which are currently under review.
According to the Russian Embassy in Mozambique, the visa-free arrangement will apply to holders of ordinary passports and is intended to boost tourism, trade, and bilateral partnerships.
“This initiative reflects Russia’s commitment to building mutually beneficial relationships with African countries,” a diplomatic source in Moscow said.
Africa as Russia’s Strategic Partner
The expansion of visa-free travel comes as Russia seeks to deepen engagement with Africa amid strained relations with Western powers following the war in Ukraine. With European travel restrictions on Russian citizens still in place, Africa is emerging as a key destination for both tourism and business expansion.
Currently, Russians can travel visa-free to 11 African countries, including Morocco, Namibia, Tunisia, South Africa, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Seychelles, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Economic and Political Implications
Analysts say Moscow’s visa diplomacy reflects a wider effort to solidify its influence in Africa, particularly in sectors like energy, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure — where Russian companies increasingly compete with Western and Chinese firms.
For African states, these agreements offer more than tourism benefits. They serve as tools for economic diplomacy, helping to attract Russian investment, expand trade, and diversify partnerships beyond Western economies.
“The message is clear — Africa is no longer seen as a passive partner, but as a key player in a multipolar world,” said a political analyst based in Lusaka.
Growing Russia–Africa Connectivity
The visa-free initiative builds on the outcomes of the Russia–Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg, where leaders from across the continent called for greater people-to-people exchange and reduced travel barriers.
As negotiations progress, officials say the agreements could take effect as early as 2026, opening new opportunities for cultural exchange and business mobility between Russia and its African partners.