Over 40 African ministers are set to participate in the inaugural ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, taking place from November 9-10 in the Sirius Federal Territory, Russia. The conference will bring together a broad spectrum of leaders and experts to discuss crucial areas of cooperation between Russia and Africa.
With more than 1,500 confirmed attendees, the conference will feature ministers from a variety of sectors including foreign affairs, education, digital development, economy, health, and youth policy. African countries represented include Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Guinea, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, Mauritania, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, and Ethiopia.
In addition to the ministers, the leadership of the African Union Commission and regional integration bodies will attend, along with representatives from financial institutions, business sectors, academia, and media. These stakeholders will engage in discussions aimed at enhancing strategic cooperation across multiple domains.
The forum’s agenda includes 19 focused sessions on issues such as security, economic collaboration, humanitarian aid, digital governance, and health. Key topics include information security, skills transfer, diplomatic training, and strengthening ties between Africa and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Bilateral consultations are also expected to take place, with a final joint declaration likely to be signed. This declaration will outline commitments to creating a more equitable global information security system.
Russian officials expressed confidence that the conference will deepen existing partnerships and mark a milestone in the growing Russia-Africa relationship, reinforcing intergovernmental commissions for trade, scientific, and technological cooperation, as well as expanding Russia’s diplomatic presence in Africa.
